Would You Like to Experience the Road to Reales?

01st July 2025 | Lee Davey

Are you considering taking your motorhome on a European break but would like some inspiration? Would you like to visit rural campsites in France, Spanish wineries in the Rioja region, and the tax-free haven of Andorra, but want to know the costs beforehand?

In a previous Bailey blog, I reviewed the Road to Reales campsites, so it only seems fitting that I discuss the trip in finer, financial detail. Thankfully, our friends at The Caravan and Motorhome Club have a member discount scheme which can save a surprising amount of money.

If you’d like to retrace our footsteps, here’s how you can do so without spending money unnecessarily. It’s worth noting that the following prices are for two people travelling in a 7.5m motorhome during May 2025.

 

• The Crossing
• The Campsites
• Trip Costs
• Want to Save Even More Money?
• Why This Trip Works
• ABTA Bond

.

---

The Crossing

We booked the Portsmouth to Caen ferry as the overnight crossing allows for an early start and maximises travel time. The daytime return sailing fitted perfectly with check-out time at the De Haro campsite. Both ports are easily accessible and navigable, even for those with larger leisure vehicles.

.

---

The Campsites

We stayed at six sites across France, Spain and Andorra. Except for a three-night stay at Camping Bardenas, we spent one night at each campsite.

Camping La Motte

Le Fouilloux, France. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)

A peaceful countryside site, ideal for your first night when planning a longer drive from the port.

Learn more

Camping de Haro

Haro, La Rioja, Spain. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)

Surrounded by vineyards and perfect for wine tasting.

Learn more

Camping Bardenas

Villafranca, Navarra, Spain. (Alan Rogers network)

An excellent base for exploring the Bardenas Reales desert.

Camping Xixerella Park

Andorra. (Alan Rogers network)

Nestled in the Pyrenees, with fantastic mountain views.

Camping Domaine de la Faurie

Lot, France. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)

Stunning setting with a pool and restaurant. A fantastic rural stopover.

Learn more

Huttopia Camping Lac de Sillé

Pays de la Loire, France. (Caravan and Motorhome Club network)

Great final night stop before heading to the ferry.

Learn more

.

---

Trip Costs

Here’s a breakdown of what we spent (based on two adults in a motorhome):

Cost	Cost
Ferry and campsites (via CAMC)	£1100
Fuel (incl. £28 AdBlue)	£428
Tolls	£200
Food and drink	£200 per person = £400
Bicycle hire in Bardenas Reales	£40
Wine tasting	£20 per person = £40
---	---
Total	£2008

For two people, that works out to £1,004 each for a full 10-day European motorhome holiday, including food & drink, wine tasting, bicycle hire, and pinchos in local bars.

Guided wine tasting in La Rioja cost only £20 per person.

---

.

---

Want to Save Even More Money?

If your travel itinerary allows you to explore Europe for more than 10 days, a different route can save more money. The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers combined deals on certain crossings, which can save a significant amount of money. For example, booking a Dover-Calais crossing with P&O and the same campsites brings the ferry and campsite cost down to approximately £500. Even with additional site night(s), fuel, and tolls, there’s still a saving to be had. Look for ‘Combined Deal’ when booking crossings AND sites on The Caravan and Motorhome Club website.

.

---

Why This Trip Works

• Easy to book: One call to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, or a website visit, sorted out our ferry and sites.
• Motorhome-friendly: All the sites had good access, friendly reception teams, and were in ideal locations.
• Incredible variety: vineyards, deserts, mountains, and lakes - this trip has it all.
• Club benefits: Discounts, help when needed, and trusted site recommendations.

Pitch at the appropriately named Huttopia Lac de Sillé in France

---

.

---

ABTA Bond

It’s worth noting that booking crossings and sites at the same time gives you an ABTA bond. But what is an ABTA bond?

It is a financial guarantee provided by a travel company that is a member of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents). It protects consumers’ money if the travel company goes out of business.

Key Points:

• Purpose: To protect customers who book holidays or travel services through an ABTA member.
• How it works: The bond is a financial security, often backed by a bank or insurance company. If the travel company fails, the bond is used to refund customers or repatriate them if they’re already abroad.
• Who requires it: All ABTA members must provide a bond or equivalent financial protection to meet ABTA’s licensing conditions.

---

 

What It Covers:

• Package holidays that do not include flights (as ATOL covers flight-inclusive holidays, another protection scheme).
• Refunds if your travel provider fails before you travel.
• Assistance and potentially alternative arrangements or repatriation if you're abroad.

If you’re a Bailey motorhome owner looking for a hassle-free and affordable way to explore Europe, the Road to Reales route is a brilliant choice. With a bit of planning (and the help of the Caravan and Motorhome Club), you can be sipping Rioja in the sun or admiring Pyrenean views in no time. I highly recommend it.

Previous

---

The Road to Reales Campsites

Next

---

Road to Reales