Pyrenees 24th July - 4th August 2010 Actual
Day 1 Southampton – Dover – Calais – Paris – Orleans – Saint Amand Montrond
A 150ml drive to Dover, nothing exciting, made the ferry in plenty of time, met up with Mike (of Bushpig fame) and family. Then got on to the ferry late because of a technical itch with the ferry, but made good time across the channel, and so the long journey south began.
The idea as previously is to hit the tolls roads, make some time, and we did, got to Saint Amand Montrond (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/centre/cher/campsite-municipal-la-roche-103864/) mid to late afternoon, excellent campsite here, pitch tents in the sunshine and relaxed after a very tiring drive, I was very tired by the time I arrived.
540mls in 1 day, in a heavily laden 110, I’m sure she could carry on, I couldn’t, and that’s enough for me in a day. Went to bed at 20:00hrs didn’t wake up until after 6am, the longest sleep I’ve had for ages.
If your camping anywhere in Europe have a look at this; http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/ Buy the CD, an excellent planning tool, once loaded onto a PC, it can run without it in the drive, or just use the website, all these sites have been inspected and all so far have been; clean, friendly and good value. Buy the card, I didn’t, if I had I’d save a few £££.
Day 2
Up early for another long drive, this time only 370mls (only he says), straight South; via Millau and that famous viaduct, Narbonne and onto Carcassonne.
I followed maps, the others satnav, I arrived about 30mins before them after they went via Toulouse. It took a while to check-in into this popular and busy site, caravans were turned away, but plenty of room for real campers :), and made every welcome.
The others arrived soon after, and we enjoyed an enjoyable 15min walk to Carcassonne (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/languedoc-roussillon/aude/campeole-la-cite-110167/) walled city, and a very good meal inside the square, followed by drinks in a very scenic garden. Got to bed late, but had a great day, and a very enjoyable evening!
French toll roads; these are clean, have plenty of stops and aren’t that expensive. Although if you’ve a high vehicle you’ll pay more, as tolls are based on height.
The 110 doing 940mls in 2 days at a very steady pace, and returning about 24mpg, very happy with her!
Day 3
This is it, our trip begins; on the road to Andorra, having done this route before, but still amazed by it. The D118 out of Carcassonne, via Limoux (cheap fuel here), quite a nice small town really, onto Quillan and pick up the scenic D613 pass the Gorges de Rebenty, and onto Ax-les-Thermes. Which is a sizeable town at the foot of the Pyrenees, hop onto the N20 into Andorra, pass the pleasant French customs, over the top or take the tunnel.
Stock up on fuel, wine, spirits, bacci etc. And onto the campsite in Andorra de la vella (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/andorra/campsite-valira-103817/), decided to play safe and camp here, found a better campsite on our way out of Andorra though, but that’s another story. Did shopping, set-up camp, and relaxed. Another great day!
Day 4
Out of Andorra on the ”Smugglers route”, a well known dirt track for some 25mls and similar amount of tarmac roads, starting at Pal, then out of Andorra via Tor, Alins and Llavorsi. Even met a loaded minibus coming up the track! LOL! This is what we had come for, finally, such a shame we all missed it last time around, they would have loved it! Maybe next time?
Then onto Sort, to our campsite, (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/spain/catalonia/lerida/campsite-s.a.-noguera-pallaresa-106742/) excellent campsite, river on one side and set in stunning scenery, easy to find, does white-water rafting, kayaking, and other water sports, friendly staff, though showers and toilets are basic, but all there.
A very, very enjoyable day in glorious weather, and a fabulous evening around the bbq, enjoying good company and good wine.
Day 5
A dirt track day planned whoopee! Downloaded a track onto my Garmin, about 8mls South, in Guerra de la Sal, track stared with about 10mls of tarmac, not much of a track, then we hit dirt, about 30mls of it, averaging about 10mls an hour, because of the terrain, and a detour after coming across some engineers repairing the road. The detour was through a fantastic, but abandoned village, pure pleasure wandering around here, and then some 15mls more on tarmac.
An absolutely stunning, brilliant drive thoroughly enjoyed it. So after leaving the campsite for a quick dirt track, we arrived back after 5hrs of driving, much to our surprise, but having the time of our lives.
We then packed up and head for our campsite in El Pont de Suert. (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/spain/catalonia/lerida/campsite-alta-ribagor%e7a-108247/)
Very nice campsite, friendly staff, great location and at a decent price.
Day 6
A rest day; drive the 50 odd miles along the stunning N260 to Ainsa, shop, swim and relax, catch up with a few things, and plan future days. Excellent campsite (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/spain/aragon/campsite-ainsa-106675/) here, great views over old Ainsa, good facilities and a lovely patio overlooking the old and new Ainsa’s.
From the outset the weather has been kind, apart for a bit of rain, it has been absolutely perfect, hot, sunny and glorious. We pitched our tents, wandered around the old town, did a bit of shopping, and relaxed with wine and cheese.
Day 7
A morning visit to the national park was on the cards; http://www.pyreneesguide.com/2153/pyrenees-guide-place-ordesa-national-park.html
Though we didn’t know it, and what a find, an absolutely stunning drive/walk around this beautifully stunning area, little bridges, a tiny church built into a rock face, huge gorges. Just unbelievably majestic.
We arrived back after some 5hrs, did some swimming, drinking, relaxing and then had a wonderful meal on the campsite's patio, what a way to spend the evening.
Day 8
Back into France today; I left a little earlier than the others, as they had the faster td5 disco and wanted to leave a little later.
Left Ainsa on the A138, refuelled in cheaper Spain, through the free tunnel into France, continuing along the D929, (Mike had spotted some lakes near the “Reserve Naturelle du Neouvielle” on the maps last night), and so I went off and explored these, a very beautiful area, twisty narrow roads with sheer drops all overlooking these stunning lakes. Even found a dirt track, but only did 1km before it came to a dead end.
Left the area and rejoined the D929 North, before leaving the main road along the D918, and the steep climb with many switchbacks, and finally over the magnificent Col d Aspin, all away along and finally topping out on the famous “Col du Tourmalet” (the highest tarred road in the Pyrenees at 2115m) just 2 weeks before the Tour de France passed here, and it was heaving with people, all taking photos. I even passed quite a few cyclists on the way up, must be mad!
After taking a few photos myself, I dropped down some lovely switchbacks all the way into Bareges (some hot springs are here), where I did some shopping, through beautiful Luz-St-Sauveur which had a huge outdoor market, and up towards our campsite near Angeles-Gazost. (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/midi-pyrenees/hautes-pyrenees/campsite-du-lac-109858/)
Once again in France as always, a great camping site, excellent facilities and all at a very reasonable price, so different to camping in rip-off Britain. There are loads of campsites all along the D918.
The others arrived later, and we all relaxed, enjoying good food, chit-chat, wine and cheese in the evening sunshine. Unfortunately it rained a bit during the night, but such is life.
Day 9
Awoke early as always and started to get ready for another fun day, after a croissant, 2 cups of tea and a shower, felt alive.
Going West, still along the D918, which is an outstandingly scenic road, unfortunately it was raining a bit as we drove through Aucun, Arrens-Marsous, and began climbing the mountain passes, the first being the “ Col de Soulor” at a modest 1474m, but couldn’t see much in the rain and heavy mist.
We continued along, zigzagging our way up and down the switchbacks up and over the “Col d’Aubisque” where the rain and mist cleared to see an awesome sight! Just like being in a plane, we’re so high we can see above the clouds in brilliant sunshine just the peaks of the mountains around us, amazing! Just fantastic! Up here also were Donkeys, Horses and people sightseeing, shopping in a little bazaar or drinking in a little café.
After a while we carried on, down the other side back through the mist, which was hairy on this narrow twisty roads, got out of the mist and into rain, marvellous, didn’t stop in Eaux-Bonnes where there is more hot springs, through the scenic Beost and joined the N134 North.
As we wanted to visits some famous gorges, and still a little way from a campsite, we joined the N road North, and onto D920 towards the beautiful Oloron-Ste-Marie, where we didn’t have too much time to stop unfortunately (maybe next time), we carried on along the D936 before heading towards Maulion-Lichacre and our campsite near Libarrenx (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/aquitaine/pyrenees-atlantiques/campsite-uhaitza-le-saison-103566/).
The last few campsites weren’t booked, we just booted up the ACSI EuroCampings CD I’d brought and mentioned earlier, found a site or two near our route and visited them, simple and it worked, but we did see a lot of campsites again in this area that weren’t on the CD.
We arrived at the campsite early afternoon, set-up camp and went of to visit the gorges. I read about over a year ago and hoped to do them on our last trip, but very poor weather put pay to that, not this time.
The d’Holzarte et d’Olhadybia and de Kakouetta gorges are one of Europe’s wonders, absolutely awesome. As it was mid afternoon, I really wanted to see both, because both are so different. So with a spring in my step we went to Gorges de Kakouette first, awe inspiring! Narrow walkways following the gorge, streams and waterfalls everywhere, didn’t make the caves, but thoroughly enjoyed it, a couple of hours spent there, and onto the Gorge d’Holzarte et d’Olhadybia, what a climb, knackered by the time I got to the top! Must be for at least 30mins straight up, just when you think you get to the top, another climb, but when you finally level off you’re greeted with a magnificent sight of a wire rope bridge high above the gorge, I’ve seen photos of this, and it looked even more spectacular in real life. With my plan fulfilled, and my body rested I set off back down to the Landy, and returned to the campsite.
Had a lovely evening swapping stories, enjoying good food, wine and good company, what a day!
Day 10
Awoke early as always and started to get ready, unfortunately it rained a bit heavy in the night, nearly flooding the other tent, so I set off in overcast weather, as the others needed more time to get ready.
Heading north now, so a lot of miles, the others were quicker in the disco, so they’ll soon catch up. A straight forward run up the D11/D23//D933/D430 and join the toll road for one junction, miss Bayonne by coming off at J6 to join the D33/D12 and then hop on the N10/E5 North to Bordeaux.
And so it was; a good drive up to Bordeaux, follow the ring road and onto the D1215 or D2 through the vineyards, I’m home! Just love this whole area, so I visited a few Chateaus’ and a bit of wine tasting. :)
The others made the campsite (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/aquitaine/gironde/campsite-mun.-les-gabarreys-111495/) , and set about drying their camping gear in the glorious sunshine, we meet there and caught up with stories etc, a great journey so far and thoroughly enjoying ourselves.
After a while we drove around lovely Pauillac, did some shopping, then some wine tasting, fabulous, this whole area still produces 85% of the world’s red, and it’s stunning!
After a while, and feeling a bit hungry, we arrived back at camp and wandered into town, surprisingly not a lot open at 19:00hrs on a glorious July evening, so we wandered back around, and went back to camp and had a bbq, cheese and wine, what else do you need? Good company? Nope had that as well!
So to bed, ready for the long drive tomorrow.
Day 11
Awoke early as always and started the long drive north, as the slower vehicle the others would leave later, the idea was to make the “Le Mans” area to camp. So onto the Bordeaux ring road, but missing the toll road and picking up the N10 to Angouleme/Poitiers, a great stretch of road, missing the expensive toll, fuel cheaper, plenty of stops and in a 110, just as fast.
Rejoined the toll road at Poitiers, onto Tours and Le Mans, I was making good time as was the others, so I carried onto a beautiful place called Sees just North of Alencon, where there is a very good municipal campsite (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/basse-normandie/orne/campsite-mun.-le-clos-normand-101176/), good size pitches, minutes walk into town, shops and fuel, and camping at a very good price, as in most of France. Sees it the typically pretty French small town, keeping it's buildings and history intact, not ruining it with crass new buildings, and the centrepiece; a 700yr old catherdral which was in the film "Joan of Arc", apparently. Go there! And at 250mls from Calais, a nice place for a stop if your heading up of down this side of France.
A lot of miles, the 110 breezed it, got there just before 16:00hrs, the others not long after, set up camp, did some shopping and relaxed, another great evening with good company, good wine and decent food.
Day 12
Awoke early as always, the last day, we left together to cover the 250mls on toll roads to Calais, via Rouen/Abbeville and up, our ferries booked at 14:30, but we got there after another great motorway cruise at just after midday, stopped at one of the many splendid rest areas on the French roads. Got an earlier ferry, calm crossing and arrived in Dover, said our goodbyes, and went our own ways.
My route not much of a problem, apart from getting stuck in a monsoon for 30mins on the M25, before arriving home at about 17:00hrs. What a fantastic, memorable journey! Another real journey had a great time, saw some lovely stunning sights and mostly in glorious weather. Can’t wait for the next one!
What next? Who knows, let’s look at the maps and crack a bottle!
Cheers Mike! http://bush-pig.co.uk/ South African designed, British built BBQ's.
Day 1 Southampton – Dover – Calais – Paris – Orleans – Saint Amand Montrond
A 150ml drive to Dover, nothing exciting, made the ferry in plenty of time, met up with Mike (of Bushpig fame) and family. Then got on to the ferry late because of a technical itch with the ferry, but made good time across the channel, and so the long journey south began.
The idea as previously is to hit the tolls roads, make some time, and we did, got to Saint Amand Montrond (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/centre/cher/campsite-municipal-la-roche-103864/) mid to late afternoon, excellent campsite here, pitch tents in the sunshine and relaxed after a very tiring drive, I was very tired by the time I arrived.
540mls in 1 day, in a heavily laden 110, I’m sure she could carry on, I couldn’t, and that’s enough for me in a day. Went to bed at 20:00hrs didn’t wake up until after 6am, the longest sleep I’ve had for ages.
If your camping anywhere in Europe have a look at this; http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/ Buy the CD, an excellent planning tool, once loaded onto a PC, it can run without it in the drive, or just use the website, all these sites have been inspected and all so far have been; clean, friendly and good value. Buy the card, I didn’t, if I had I’d save a few £££.
Day 2
Up early for another long drive, this time only 370mls (only he says), straight South; via Millau and that famous viaduct, Narbonne and onto Carcassonne.
I followed maps, the others satnav, I arrived about 30mins before them after they went via Toulouse. It took a while to check-in into this popular and busy site, caravans were turned away, but plenty of room for real campers :), and made every welcome.
The others arrived soon after, and we enjoyed an enjoyable 15min walk to Carcassonne (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/languedoc-roussillon/aude/campeole-la-cite-110167/) walled city, and a very good meal inside the square, followed by drinks in a very scenic garden. Got to bed late, but had a great day, and a very enjoyable evening!
French toll roads; these are clean, have plenty of stops and aren’t that expensive. Although if you’ve a high vehicle you’ll pay more, as tolls are based on height.
The 110 doing 940mls in 2 days at a very steady pace, and returning about 24mpg, very happy with her!
Day 3
This is it, our trip begins; on the road to Andorra, having done this route before, but still amazed by it. The D118 out of Carcassonne, via Limoux (cheap fuel here), quite a nice small town really, onto Quillan and pick up the scenic D613 pass the Gorges de Rebenty, and onto Ax-les-Thermes. Which is a sizeable town at the foot of the Pyrenees, hop onto the N20 into Andorra, pass the pleasant French customs, over the top or take the tunnel.
Stock up on fuel, wine, spirits, bacci etc. And onto the campsite in Andorra de la vella (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/andorra/campsite-valira-103817/), decided to play safe and camp here, found a better campsite on our way out of Andorra though, but that’s another story. Did shopping, set-up camp, and relaxed. Another great day!
Day 4
Out of Andorra on the ”Smugglers route”, a well known dirt track for some 25mls and similar amount of tarmac roads, starting at Pal, then out of Andorra via Tor, Alins and Llavorsi. Even met a loaded minibus coming up the track! LOL! This is what we had come for, finally, such a shame we all missed it last time around, they would have loved it! Maybe next time?
Then onto Sort, to our campsite, (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/spain/catalonia/lerida/campsite-s.a.-noguera-pallaresa-106742/) excellent campsite, river on one side and set in stunning scenery, easy to find, does white-water rafting, kayaking, and other water sports, friendly staff, though showers and toilets are basic, but all there.
A very, very enjoyable day in glorious weather, and a fabulous evening around the bbq, enjoying good company and good wine.
Day 5
A dirt track day planned whoopee! Downloaded a track onto my Garmin, about 8mls South, in Guerra de la Sal, track stared with about 10mls of tarmac, not much of a track, then we hit dirt, about 30mls of it, averaging about 10mls an hour, because of the terrain, and a detour after coming across some engineers repairing the road. The detour was through a fantastic, but abandoned village, pure pleasure wandering around here, and then some 15mls more on tarmac.
An absolutely stunning, brilliant drive thoroughly enjoyed it. So after leaving the campsite for a quick dirt track, we arrived back after 5hrs of driving, much to our surprise, but having the time of our lives.
We then packed up and head for our campsite in El Pont de Suert. (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/spain/catalonia/lerida/campsite-alta-ribagor%e7a-108247/)
Very nice campsite, friendly staff, great location and at a decent price.
Day 6
A rest day; drive the 50 odd miles along the stunning N260 to Ainsa, shop, swim and relax, catch up with a few things, and plan future days. Excellent campsite (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/spain/aragon/campsite-ainsa-106675/) here, great views over old Ainsa, good facilities and a lovely patio overlooking the old and new Ainsa’s.
From the outset the weather has been kind, apart for a bit of rain, it has been absolutely perfect, hot, sunny and glorious. We pitched our tents, wandered around the old town, did a bit of shopping, and relaxed with wine and cheese.
Day 7
A morning visit to the national park was on the cards; http://www.pyreneesguide.com/2153/pyrenees-guide-place-ordesa-national-park.html
Though we didn’t know it, and what a find, an absolutely stunning drive/walk around this beautifully stunning area, little bridges, a tiny church built into a rock face, huge gorges. Just unbelievably majestic.
We arrived back after some 5hrs, did some swimming, drinking, relaxing and then had a wonderful meal on the campsite's patio, what a way to spend the evening.
Day 8
Back into France today; I left a little earlier than the others, as they had the faster td5 disco and wanted to leave a little later.
Left Ainsa on the A138, refuelled in cheaper Spain, through the free tunnel into France, continuing along the D929, (Mike had spotted some lakes near the “Reserve Naturelle du Neouvielle” on the maps last night), and so I went off and explored these, a very beautiful area, twisty narrow roads with sheer drops all overlooking these stunning lakes. Even found a dirt track, but only did 1km before it came to a dead end.
Left the area and rejoined the D929 North, before leaving the main road along the D918, and the steep climb with many switchbacks, and finally over the magnificent Col d Aspin, all away along and finally topping out on the famous “Col du Tourmalet” (the highest tarred road in the Pyrenees at 2115m) just 2 weeks before the Tour de France passed here, and it was heaving with people, all taking photos. I even passed quite a few cyclists on the way up, must be mad!
After taking a few photos myself, I dropped down some lovely switchbacks all the way into Bareges (some hot springs are here), where I did some shopping, through beautiful Luz-St-Sauveur which had a huge outdoor market, and up towards our campsite near Angeles-Gazost. (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/midi-pyrenees/hautes-pyrenees/campsite-du-lac-109858/)
Once again in France as always, a great camping site, excellent facilities and all at a very reasonable price, so different to camping in rip-off Britain. There are loads of campsites all along the D918.
The others arrived later, and we all relaxed, enjoying good food, chit-chat, wine and cheese in the evening sunshine. Unfortunately it rained a bit during the night, but such is life.
Day 9
Awoke early as always and started to get ready for another fun day, after a croissant, 2 cups of tea and a shower, felt alive.
Going West, still along the D918, which is an outstandingly scenic road, unfortunately it was raining a bit as we drove through Aucun, Arrens-Marsous, and began climbing the mountain passes, the first being the “ Col de Soulor” at a modest 1474m, but couldn’t see much in the rain and heavy mist.
We continued along, zigzagging our way up and down the switchbacks up and over the “Col d’Aubisque” where the rain and mist cleared to see an awesome sight! Just like being in a plane, we’re so high we can see above the clouds in brilliant sunshine just the peaks of the mountains around us, amazing! Just fantastic! Up here also were Donkeys, Horses and people sightseeing, shopping in a little bazaar or drinking in a little café.
After a while we carried on, down the other side back through the mist, which was hairy on this narrow twisty roads, got out of the mist and into rain, marvellous, didn’t stop in Eaux-Bonnes where there is more hot springs, through the scenic Beost and joined the N134 North.
As we wanted to visits some famous gorges, and still a little way from a campsite, we joined the N road North, and onto D920 towards the beautiful Oloron-Ste-Marie, where we didn’t have too much time to stop unfortunately (maybe next time), we carried on along the D936 before heading towards Maulion-Lichacre and our campsite near Libarrenx (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/aquitaine/pyrenees-atlantiques/campsite-uhaitza-le-saison-103566/).
The last few campsites weren’t booked, we just booted up the ACSI EuroCampings CD I’d brought and mentioned earlier, found a site or two near our route and visited them, simple and it worked, but we did see a lot of campsites again in this area that weren’t on the CD.
We arrived at the campsite early afternoon, set-up camp and went of to visit the gorges. I read about over a year ago and hoped to do them on our last trip, but very poor weather put pay to that, not this time.
The d’Holzarte et d’Olhadybia and de Kakouetta gorges are one of Europe’s wonders, absolutely awesome. As it was mid afternoon, I really wanted to see both, because both are so different. So with a spring in my step we went to Gorges de Kakouette first, awe inspiring! Narrow walkways following the gorge, streams and waterfalls everywhere, didn’t make the caves, but thoroughly enjoyed it, a couple of hours spent there, and onto the Gorge d’Holzarte et d’Olhadybia, what a climb, knackered by the time I got to the top! Must be for at least 30mins straight up, just when you think you get to the top, another climb, but when you finally level off you’re greeted with a magnificent sight of a wire rope bridge high above the gorge, I’ve seen photos of this, and it looked even more spectacular in real life. With my plan fulfilled, and my body rested I set off back down to the Landy, and returned to the campsite.
Had a lovely evening swapping stories, enjoying good food, wine and good company, what a day!
Day 10
Awoke early as always and started to get ready, unfortunately it rained a bit heavy in the night, nearly flooding the other tent, so I set off in overcast weather, as the others needed more time to get ready.
Heading north now, so a lot of miles, the others were quicker in the disco, so they’ll soon catch up. A straight forward run up the D11/D23//D933/D430 and join the toll road for one junction, miss Bayonne by coming off at J6 to join the D33/D12 and then hop on the N10/E5 North to Bordeaux.
And so it was; a good drive up to Bordeaux, follow the ring road and onto the D1215 or D2 through the vineyards, I’m home! Just love this whole area, so I visited a few Chateaus’ and a bit of wine tasting. :)
The others made the campsite (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/aquitaine/gironde/campsite-mun.-les-gabarreys-111495/) , and set about drying their camping gear in the glorious sunshine, we meet there and caught up with stories etc, a great journey so far and thoroughly enjoying ourselves.
After a while we drove around lovely Pauillac, did some shopping, then some wine tasting, fabulous, this whole area still produces 85% of the world’s red, and it’s stunning!
After a while, and feeling a bit hungry, we arrived back at camp and wandered into town, surprisingly not a lot open at 19:00hrs on a glorious July evening, so we wandered back around, and went back to camp and had a bbq, cheese and wine, what else do you need? Good company? Nope had that as well!
So to bed, ready for the long drive tomorrow.
Day 11
Awoke early as always and started the long drive north, as the slower vehicle the others would leave later, the idea was to make the “Le Mans” area to camp. So onto the Bordeaux ring road, but missing the toll road and picking up the N10 to Angouleme/Poitiers, a great stretch of road, missing the expensive toll, fuel cheaper, plenty of stops and in a 110, just as fast.
Rejoined the toll road at Poitiers, onto Tours and Le Mans, I was making good time as was the others, so I carried onto a beautiful place called Sees just North of Alencon, where there is a very good municipal campsite (http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/france/basse-normandie/orne/campsite-mun.-le-clos-normand-101176/), good size pitches, minutes walk into town, shops and fuel, and camping at a very good price, as in most of France. Sees it the typically pretty French small town, keeping it's buildings and history intact, not ruining it with crass new buildings, and the centrepiece; a 700yr old catherdral which was in the film "Joan of Arc", apparently. Go there! And at 250mls from Calais, a nice place for a stop if your heading up of down this side of France.
A lot of miles, the 110 breezed it, got there just before 16:00hrs, the others not long after, set up camp, did some shopping and relaxed, another great evening with good company, good wine and decent food.
Day 12
Awoke early as always, the last day, we left together to cover the 250mls on toll roads to Calais, via Rouen/Abbeville and up, our ferries booked at 14:30, but we got there after another great motorway cruise at just after midday, stopped at one of the many splendid rest areas on the French roads. Got an earlier ferry, calm crossing and arrived in Dover, said our goodbyes, and went our own ways.
My route not much of a problem, apart from getting stuck in a monsoon for 30mins on the M25, before arriving home at about 17:00hrs. What a fantastic, memorable journey! Another real journey had a great time, saw some lovely stunning sights and mostly in glorious weather. Can’t wait for the next one!
What next? Who knows, let’s look at the maps and crack a bottle!
Cheers Mike! http://bush-pig.co.uk/ South African designed, British built BBQ's.