Propane in France

[Hadenough]

We plan to cruise Brittany this summer and over winter there. We currently use 3.9kg calor propane cylinders which I know are not available over there. I don't want to use camping gaz (cost) and prefer propane to butane (cold). I have searched here and on google but cannot find any answers for a long term solution.
Anyone any first hand experience?

 

[JanZ]

Propane is generally available throughout France, but usually in 12 or 13 kg cylinders. Main supplier we see is butagaz, in blue and silver cylinders (just blue is butane).

 

[Hadenough]

Many thanks. Just looked at the butagaz website, very useful.

 

[Shearmyste]

We have been over it France since July 2016, we had the same issue, we solved it by using what they call the cube 5kg from Butagaz, it is slightly bigger than the calor 3.9kg but it did fit for us, and it's very light to carry. The contract was 30 euros plus the cost of the gas 17 euros, we ended up getting it from Brico (like B & Q), the regulator was supplied free but I needed to have a connection for push on pipe (this was the hardest thing to get over but lots of pointing down the pipework isle solved this). They don't like to supply Propane for indoor use, but if you tell them it's for outside they will supply it.

 

[Flica]

Butagaz Cube - red top propane, blue butane.
Available all supermarkets, in a GRP reinforced polypropylene bottle.
You'll have to change the regulator (it's a patent connector) and will be appalled at the way Calor has been exploiting you.
It did cost rather less than half the price of the big Camping Gaz, but for 6kg not 2.7 - full it weighs less than Calor and the same as Camping Gaz.
And it doesn't rust and is the same height as Calor 4.5?kg.
I still have one as a backup in my boat in Greece - return to France for the odd refill but use the local polyprop bottle from Coralgas. (Shell subsidiary)

 

[Hadenough]

Thanks all,looks as though the cube will do the job. I don't think it will fit my gas locker but I can re- plumb and sit it on deck without too much trouble.

 

[Flica]

Thanks all,looks as though the cube will do the job. I don't think it will fit my gas locker but I can re- plumb and sit it on deck without too much trouble.

They fitted in my gas locker, designed for the Calor cylinder.
They are equi-dimensional, unlike the Calor cylinder which is narrower than tall. I had to shave 2mm off the locker aperture to get them in.
I have to stow the Coral cylinder, strapped down, in the cockpit, mainly because its height is increased by the adaptor for the Gaz regulator. A bit of an eyesore but easier to turn off the gas, rather than fit an electric shut-off.
The Cube regulator does have so many safety cut outs that fitting a new bottle is an experimental experience!!!

 

[Hadenough]

Interesting. My gas locker is circular and made just bigger than a 3.9 calor! So I am trying to get hold of one over here to try it for size.

 

[Mudisox]

where are you, I have both red and blue gap bottles.

 

[Garry & June 'Friendship']

Just wondered what you were basing your opinion on the "cost" of Camping Gaz on...... if UK prices then I agree. I was paying £31 in Falmouth and that seemed the standard price for the UK... once across the channel however the price plummets and the further South you go the cheaper it gets...presently in Lagos and am now paying 12euro's which puts the ludicrous UK prices in to perspective..

 

[Hadenough]

East coast unfortunately.

 

[Hadenough]

Just wondered what you were basing your opinion on the "cost" of Camping Gaz on...... if UK prices then I agree. I was paying £31 in Falmouth and that seemed the standard price for the UK... once across the channel however the price plummets and the further South you go the cheaper it gets...presently in Lagos and am now paying 12euro's which puts the ludicrous UK prices in to perspective..

Hadn't thought of that! I'll check the current price in Brittany, thanks.

 

[Mudisox]

Hadn't thought of that! I'll check the current price in Brittany, thanks.

£36 in Dartmouth!!!

 

[Hadenough]

£36 in Dartmouth!!!

Thanks but from what I can find, surprisingly there is very little current info (and most of that is from caravaners and motorhomers), camping gaz in Brittany is much the same price as Britain. In any case I want pure propane in a decent size cylinder, we will be overwintering there.

 

[mikenfi]

Hi there, the variants in France are as follows.

Camping gaz is available it is around 20-30 euros to top up. 60euros for your first bottle. Carrefour and all big auper markets stock this if not any of the bricos.

Propane is available in the 12.5kg bottles. The have an odd shape (short and dumpy with annoying plastic handles. (I have to remove thes and replace them to fit them in where the UK Blue 4.5kg bottles would slot right in.

There are various suppliers of gas in France you'll find you can't get the same gas bottle and have to soldier own to another town hoping to pick one up.

Antagaz is the brand we have. Price for butane but propane is much the same.
30 euros for first bottle (inc regulator) and 18 euros (average) bottle exchange

With regards to regulators, if you choose to go with the Campingaz then you'll need to buy one if you go down the road of one of the varying brands at the the petrol stations then you'll be given one per bottle free.

If you want to return the bottles / regulators to get your deposit back you need to have the original paperwork you get with your first bottle.