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I assume from your moniker that you live in Shoreham, if that's correct have you thought of taking an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo. Once in St Malo take the E3 via Rennes & Nantes then join the E5 at Niort and via Bordeaux to Biaritz. I've not camped that far south so can't help on campsites things to do etc.

Just had a thought you could do Portsmouth to Bilbao (24hrs), ferry departs on a Friday out an Tuesday back but Bilbao is only a short drive about 2hrs to Biarritz.

Hi Ocelus - I'm not from Shoreham, but your suggestions have given me food for thought. I guess it would certainly cut down on the drive time in France.

Bear in mind the new French traffic regultions - this is from our internal news portal:

NEW REGULATION:  Breathalysers – effective 1 July 2012.
 
As of 1 July 2012, it will be compulsory for drivers of all motor vehicles including motorcyclists, excluding mopeds to carry a breathalyser in their vehicle while travelling in France.  The breathalyser has to be certified by French authorities, showing an “NF” number
 
The official text states that one unused certified breathalyser must be produced. The recommendation is that two single-use breathalysers are carried.
 
SPEED NOTE:
 
Holders of EU driving licenses exceeding the speed limit in France by more than 40 km/h will have their licenses confiscated on the spot by the police.
 
RADAR DETECTORS AND SATNAV SYSTEMS:
 
It is absolutely prohibited to carry, transport or use radar detectors.  Failure to comply with this regulation involves a fine of up to 1500 euros and the vehicle and/or device may be confiscated.
 
As part of the changes to French motoring law, road signs indicating the location of fixed speed cameras are being removed and additional fixed speed cameras added.  A GPS based navigation system (SATNAV) which has maps indicating the location of fixed speed cameras must have the “fixed speed camera PoI (Points of Interest)” function deactivated.

Hi Shoreham-Boy!
Bear in mind that the ferry to Spain is very expensive! Even the price of fuel, plus paying to drive on French Autoroutes will not work out as costly as using this crossing.
We've taken both the car and our campervan around most of France, and find that the Tunnel is about the fastest and most hassle-free way of getting there.

There are loads of reasonably-priced little Municipal camp sites to stop en-route in France, and you should have no problems in finding them. Bear in mind that they get very busy at weekends from Friday onwards and during school holidays, so be sure to either travel mid-week or get to your overnight stop early!
If you intend to stay near a beach, you should also book ahead for the same reasons.
If the area around Biarritz is too crowded, why not try the Languedoc coast? Less busy than Provence further east, and lovely scenery & beaches. Also it's a a more direct drive from Calais, with some interesting places to vist on the way, eg Avignon, Pont du Gard, Orange, Montpellier.
Have great time!

check out a website called "France Passion".  For about 25 quid, you get membership to an huge site that has campsites where you camp for free all over france (there is another spanish one too), on farms, vineyards, etc, all sorts of artisans where sometimes they have shops, sometimes restaurants etc.,  the website is really clear and hugely informative.  believe me, its £25 very very well spent.
enjoy...
Pam
ps dont miss the Milleau Bridge... one of my absolute favorite places in Europe... super spectacular and v.v.v impressive.

I have driven a similar route before when camping in the Vendee and discovered that by following th A28, I came across a pleasant campsite at Le Lion d'Anger, just a little south from Angers itself, the site is on the banks of the river and opposite the racecourse. BTW don't know if you're absoultely set on Biarritz, the Vendee is great cycling contry (nice and flat!) and lots of waterways for kayaking see: http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/canoeing-in-the-vendee.htm

Thank you all for your comments.

Based on your info we are likely to bring the trip forward a week or two and head towards Brittany and Vendee, rather than down to Biarritz.

Once again thanks.

Excellent campsite in Saumur (Loire Valley) called 'Camping le Chantepie' just about within a days drive of Le Havre (possibly St Malo?) ferries.
Haven't been for a couple of years and it may have gone very up-market, but if you're into wine Saumur is well worth a stop. Try to find a fizzy red (excellent with strawberry tarts from a patisserie!).

Sorry - additional - Saumur also has river (canoeing), chateau (check their website though as they were renovating last time I was there), and wonderful walks/cycles along the river. Ticks all boxes but beach?

Thank you Elli, I'll have a look at Saumur this weekend.

I know the strawberry tarts (and wine) will be appreciated!!