Ice In Or Around Le Mans?

[chop456]

Hi all,

I've searched the archives for an answer to this, but found nothing I'd call definitive.

Is there anywhere around Le Mans (or on the way from Paris), that cubed or block ice (or both), can be purchased with certainty?  Our drinking strategy depends on this, so as you can see, it's a matter of the utmost importance.   

Canada Phil suggested the RV rental route and provided some helpful info, but that isn't panning out.  Since we're flying, the generator/refrigerator method isn't really feasible either.  We'll be in KN, presumably by ourselves, so sponging fridge space from  a fellow CA'er isn't going to work, either.  Something that's cropped up in the states over the past few years is fast food restaurants selling bagged ice.  It seems more prevalent at McDonalds than other chains.  Is there any possibility of this?  I'm already waist-deep and $75 into a beer cooler and transportation project which obviously needs ice to be of any value.

Thanks!

[Nordic]

The local Hypermarket Carrefour does sell bags of ice, it does sell out fast but is available.

The other Hypermarkets will also sell ice.

However If you dont want want to use it for drinks, just cooling, in the past we have used frozen veg, corn on the cob seems to be the best, and you can eat it once it has defrosted!

[Snoring Rhino]

You can buy Ice from the local Super / Hypermarkets but as with anything like this, if its hot, the demand will be high and dont expect them to be overstocked in anticipation. We always found the Hypermarket just outside of Arnage quite well stocked, it depends on when you get there and how often you need to replenish it for your plan to work (remember getting around on Saturday / Sunday morning is a nightmare and some dont open or only for a short time on Sundays).

[jpchenet]

As Nordic says, the Hypermarkets do sell ice but they don't seem to stock much of it for some strange reason.

Also, be prepared for a shock. It comes in 1kg bags and is the equivalent in price to about $3  

[Andy Zarse]

Don't worry. Something will turn up. I guarantee it.

You could also try the fish counter at the Hypermarket, they seem to have a never ending supply of the crushed variety and give it away by the bagfull. You'll need to purchase a couple of cheap igloos too.

[chop456]

Hopefully we'll have to restock once at the most.  The cooler(s) I'm getting claim that they'll hold ice for 5 days at 90F.

$3/kg?!?  Warm beer just started tasting better.  The gas station near my house sells 20lb. bags for $3!  Maybe I'll just bring some with me.  

We'll be checking our coolers as baggage.  There's an Igloo model that fits perfectly under the size allowance.

[jpchenet]

Ah yes, that's the other thing to let you know. Coolboxes (igloos) over here are tiny!! About 18 Litres! Last year I bought a roll along igloo back from Sebring with me as they are so much bigger and cheaper over there. Simply removed the handles and wheels and stowed them inside it with the camping gear!

You can get 12v cool boxes that you can run from a car or motorhome socket. They normally chill to about 20/25 degrees C below the ambient temperature so if it's a scorcher like last year that's not enough to keep food and milk fresh but does take the warmth off the beers.

[chop456]

We've pretty much resigned ourselves to the ice-powered coolers at this point.  I like the idea of the coolbox, but with the availability of ice being what it is over here, I'd probably never use that feature again.

This is the model we'll have.  (At least one, possibly two).

http://igloocoolers.com/products/Full%20Size/MaxCold/2731

It states the capacity as 47L.

I appreciate everyone's help.  These answers are exactly what I needed!

[jpchenet]

Hopefully we'll have to restock once at the most.  The cooler(s) I'm getting claim that they'll hold ice for 5 days at 90F.

$3/kg?!?  Warm beer just started tasting better.  The gas station near my house sells 20lb. bags for $3!  Maybe I'll just bring some with me.  

We'll be checking our coolers as baggage.  There's an Igloo model that fits perfectly under the size allowance.

What size are you thinking of bring Chop?? I feel a plan coming together? I would quite like another cooler so depending on what you bring I may well be interested in buying it off of you before you go home. My brother in law is coming over in August so I was going to ask him to get me one. This is the one I bought bakc last year!

http://www.igloo-store.com/product_detail.asp?T1=IGL+MAX+COLD+60&HDR=wheeledseries

Nothing is confirmed yet but I'm trying to get hold of an ice maker which we would then have set up on Maison Blanche so hopefully we might be able to solve the ice problem. I'll let you know!

[Robspot]

Why not simply place your beer in the middle of a conversation between Fax and JonnySpa27 then sit back as the icy blasts from each participant chill your beer with ease  

[jpchenet]

Why not simply place your beer in the middle of a conversation between Fax and JohnnySpa then sit back as the icy blasts from each participant chill your beer with ease  

ROTFLMAO

[Andy Zarse]

Why not simply place your beer in the middle of a conversation between Fax and JohnnySpa then sit back as the icy blasts from each participant chill your beer with ease  

ROTFLMAO

Excuse my hignorance chaps, but WTF does ROTF mean? BTW, I know what LMAO means even though there is clearly no rectal detachment involved.

[Fran]

ROTF = roll on the floor (as demonstrated by the lil smiley fella)

for future reference

PMSL = piss my self laughing

SMSL = nuff said! 

 

[BigH]

I once sh*t myself while walking down to the newsagent for a copy of the Guardian, but SMWWDTTNFACOTG, just doesn't seem to convey the whole grisly reality of it.
H

[garyfrogeye]

If you're really desperate, the bread/milk vans which usually drive around the camping sites (well HA anyway) usually have bags of ice for sale, but again at ridiculous prices.