Motorhome ‘aires’ for overnight stops tend to be functional rather than scenic in themselves, but they’re practical in high season and, if you do some research, they are often extremely well located for visiting local points of interest. This has certainly been the case as we’ve travelled northwards into Brittany. And you immediately know you’re… Continue reading Venturing into Brittany
From Marais to Vendée
Well we survived the peak day of heat,which reached a stifling 42C, by finding a site with a pitch that was in complete shade, by doing nothing and by retreating to the air conditioning when it really got too much. At least it was just the one day and the temperature had dropped at least… Continue reading From Marais to Vendée
Hot, hot, hot!
Well you certainly don’t need us to point out that there’s a heatwave going on in Europe and the UK. You’ve probably seen there have been serious wildfires in parts of France (and other countries) and two of the biggest fires are in areas near Bordeaux that we drove through just last month. The area… Continue reading Hot, hot, hot!
Still loving the Lot
We’re back on the River Lot, an area we keep getting drawn back to, and at a different, but equally lovely, riverside campsite surrounded by vines. The weather is settled here now and the vines are in full growth mode with plenty of leaves and grapes getting larger. In contrast to this, a couple of… Continue reading Still loving the Lot
A Cultural Exchange
Since Brexit, the rules as to what country designation we have to show on vehicle number plates when travelling in Europe have changed and you now have to display UK rather than GB on your number plates or on a separate sticker. We have been asked several times what nationality we are as UK seems… Continue reading A Cultural Exchange
Cars – Laon and Le Mans
Well the mustard shortage has been resolved – in this household at least – thanks to kind friend Ron who came over to France last week (not just on a mustard run) bringing supplies that should last us into our dotage! We now need to find, or invent, lots of mustard based recipes. After being… Continue reading Cars – Laon and Le Mans
Champagne region
The big news in France is that there is a shortage of mustard in the shops caused by problems with mustard seed crops due to hot weather in Canada and a cold snap in Burgundy. Purchases were being rationed to one jar per customer but we haven’t seen any mustard products on the supermarket shelves… Continue reading Champagne region
Waterway engineering and Wine
We don’t seem to be able to escape from waterways for our stops, such is the proliferation of rivers and canals in this region. But it’s making for some very picturesque stays, walks and cycle rides. We’re meandering a little as we make our way towards Laon for the first weekend in June to meet… Continue reading Waterway engineering and Wine
Burgundy
Before travelling in the Burgundy region we’d assumed that it was pretty much just vineyards producing what the region is known for. But there is a lot more to it than wines as we discovered heading west to the Morvan Regional Natural Park, one of the first to be created (or designated?) in France, and… Continue reading Burgundy
From the Jura to Burgundy
As we travel around it’s interesting to see how different communes welcome motorhomes – or not. As we saw nearer the riviera, motorhomes are actively discouraged. In other places you can come across functional facilities in the smallest villages, towns with no parking restrictions and tolerant to off-grid stays and in some you get the… Continue reading From the Jura to Burgundy