Third Trip To France (1 Viewer)

[Granjan]

Apologies if this is boring for some but know some folk like to see what others get up to and hope some of you might enjoy reading it.
We set off Thurs evening and travelled a couple of hours to Rutland CC site, lovely meal in the Plough pub (curry night) and an early night.
Drove next morning to Folkstone (waving all the way ... very few returned waves !) for our first trip ever on the Euro Tunnel. Scheduled for the 2pm shuttle but offered the 12.40. Husband a bit nervous about loading but when you follow the coaches you know you can fit.
Just cleared away the remnants of a quick sandwich and we were in France, amazing and so easy! straight out of the terminal and hit the road towards Reims with the intention of getting a couple of hours down the road. No site booked and hoping to try our first Aire.
Arrived at Aire 34 lac du chantecoq, which per all the Aires takes up to 50 Rv's
We pulled in and could only see one, bit worried... then just over the brow and we could see maybe 40 motorhomes with a pizza delivery van and a billboard with a menu.
David said that he thought he would like it! Had a short walk by large lovely lake lots of birdwatchers and a cycle track that goes all the way round.
Had a really peaceful nights sleep woke by the bakers van at 7.30. Amazing! Free! (Not the Pizza!)
Drove on down Saturday through to the Rhone Alps. To Camping La Colombiere CC site at Neydens between lake Geneva and Lake Annecy.
Pitched next to a chap who was born in the same village as David and another couple who live in the Rhubarb triangle!.
Hired a car today .... Just one small problem, hubby is much better at driving the motorhome with RH drive than a small fiat with LH drive, the side roads are small quite busy around here and he likes to get as near to the curb as he can and doesn't mind taking out the odd bush!
I really try not to speak but it is very hard not to scream at times.
Anyway we got lost and have been up and down every valley seen lots of lovely mountains,

visited Lake Annecy

viewed Geneva from the mountain top. Chamonix tommorow hopefully.

 

[John.]

Brilliant more updates as & when please

 

[Fenman]

Great photos and please, please keep up the travelogue.

 

[Terry and Jan]

Looks great, have a good one!

 

[Easyliving]

Great hearing about your travels, photos are very good. More please. There is an aire at Chamonix which though expensive at 12 euros a night (2012 price when we were there) its very near the town and even nearer where you get on the cable car.

The cable car is a must while you are there but remember to take something warm to wear, its pretty cold at the top of l'Aiguille du Midi.

Enjoy the rest of your trip and keep us posted, we want to know all the details!

Paul

Just found a pic of the Chamonix aire, taken from the cable car up the mountain. Just a car park as you can see.

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[DavidG58]

Nice writing style, glad to see there are others with 'normal' trips complete with real events

keep it coming

 

[DavidG58]

Another vote for Aguille du midi cable car, it is amazing, near vertical cable car, kin expensive but well worth it

Have fun

 

[Easyliving]

Another vote for Aguille du midi cable car, it is amazing, near vertical cable car, kin expensive but well worth it

Have fun

Yes, quite expensive, about 46 euros each if I remember rightly plus extra for the lift to the very top. It was probably the highlight of our 4 month trip though, well worth it.

Paul

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

Not boring at all, I for one am interested as we may go in that direction on our second venture into France, our first is in a couple of weeks down the west side.

 

[wizzer59]

Great stuff keep it up and plenty of pics as well your going almost the same route as we will on Tuesday

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[DavidG58]

Yes, quite expensive, about 46 euros each if I remember rightly plus extra for the lift to the very top. It was probably the highlight of our 4 month trip though, well worth it.

Paul

The lift to the very top opens up old wounds for me, we thought we were on the 'top' some years ago and I must admit for fifty somethings took part in something normally reserved for the younger amongst us, our version of the mile high club, we had no idea that another view point about 50m higher could well have seen our 'private moment'

nobody commented or complained but we did have to share the same lift down again

 

[PodsPals]

Sounds great. We are busily planning to head to France early Sept through to early Oct and are hoping to head to Provence (possibly via bits of Alsace on the way back) and are reading all accounts from fellow funsters with great interest.
Cheers

 

[scousebird]

Lovely pics, keep them coming

 

[GAVLAD]

This is great - thanks for taking time out to keep us posted.
I've not been on the Eurotunnel (done ferries in past) so this was interesting to hear from a first time user. And we only used sites and just stayed at an Aire whilst visiting a Normandy beach landings for a few hours, so keep it coming.

My All the Aires guides have just arrived, so the above is about to change for us.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Popeye]

Apologies if this is boring for some

Well it sure as hell isn't boring for all of us watching keep it coming, and no not at all jealous......... just looking forward to my impending freedom and I'll be there....... luuuurve it......... Griff

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[Easyliving]

The lift to the very top opens up old wounds for me, we thought we were on the 'top' some years ago and I must admit for fifty somethings took part in something normally reserved for the younger amongst us, our version of the mile high club, we had no idea that another view point about 50m higher could well have seen our 'private moment'

nobody commented or complained but we did have to share the same lift down again

Blimey, I'm shocked by such behaviour

Photo below was taken from the very top of l'Aiguille du Midi, hopefully you are not in it!

 

[DavidG58]

Blimey, I'm shocked by such behaviour

Photo below was taken from the very top of l'Aiguille du Midi, hopefully you are not in it!

View attachment 64560

not enough snow for our visit (Feb 07) just after 'our event' a man came up, quite casually opened up the side walls on the bit your photo shows and swept snow off the edge, Oh Please! it is about a 2000ft straight fall

we have been up twice, first time I came off the chair lift, still pretty terrified, saw the way up was an open staircase round the outside of the building, held onto my eldest who was more scared than me, got to the top to find the rest of family already there, there is an internal stairway, the outer being maintenance, I am terrified of heights and this is seriously high. I think 5000m, way higher than Ben Nevis

 

[Granjan]

Thanks for all the input and encouragement makes it worth the effort. Early start today tried to stock up from supermarket before our trip out to Chamonix. Lots of traffic heading for Geneva, didn't want to go too far so headed into the nearest mall thinking there had to be a supermarket because there were trolleys!
Anyway discovered that the shops don't open till 12.30 on Mondays considered a bacon Mac-muffin on the way out but resisted.
Set off via Annecy on the D roads over the mountains, really lush , green, cows with bells, Swiss style Chalets, ski lifts perfect! Asked husband if I could stop to take a photo .. just got round corner he saw a bit of gravel, veered off and bottomed the car! No view at all by now ! Husband livid I am quite used to this sort of thing so a quick bit of then a lot of laughter.
Roads here are a fair mix of amazing civil engineering feats /decrepit and treacherous mountain roads. French drivers can be quite impatient in the de-restricted areas so you do have to keep your wits about you.
Arrived in Chamonix parking in the first car park on the right, should have been in the one on the left but this was pretty hidden. ( only €4 anyway) Got straight on the cable car because the clouds were starting to close in. €57 each ... usually I am a bit tight about these type of things but not much point in going all that way and not going up. A real mixed bag of people in the cable car including a group of elderly Japanese tourists who looked like they were going to the moon and in need of oxygen at base camp, a few skiers, climbers, walkers. As a concession to the potential cold at the top of Mont Blanc We both put sweat shirts on but we did get some funny looks me with my flip flops and David with his shorts. We didnt have any intention of walking into the Glacier or anything and didnt touch any ice or snow, did wonder how I would manage escape hatch though! (we don't own outfits for every sport going)
Fantastic ride up just amazing. Occasional stomach lurching jolts and a big bump when you get to the top. Briefly imagined myself as Felix Baumgartner on his 39km jump, then considered Davids 58 mile high jump attempt, Amazing! far too busy there for us .... no Mac-muffins for my husband here either!
Chaminox town lovely had a lovely set lunch not bad at all for €28 euros each, duck salad, steak with pepper sauce and Tarte Tatin.
Came back to camp via the motorway which just skirts the swiss border and managed a quick swim before it started thundering and lightening. It has been 28c today. No tea tonight still full from lunch. Set of for Apt tommorow in hopefully sunny Provence. Really looking forward to that.

 

[Granjan]

So big catch up, only had 30 mins wifi per day
Last Tuesday we travelled 4.30 hrs 239 miles to Apt Provence.
Mainly by toll motorway ....I am not one for taking great note on expenses but maybe 40 /45 euros in tolls we have seen fuel from 170 euros per litre diesel down to 122 euros. Just one main stretch D road through some tight villages and towns but we followed coaches and HGV's so no worries. Stopped at Le Marche supermarket for a few supplies and a picnic lunch in the car park. Mostly the roads very quiet and only 3 sets of traffic lights the whole journey.

Met up with some tugger friends from last year at Camping Le Luberon, they spend 7 months away in their caravan, 5 in France and 2 in Cornwall.

Nice site not overly polished, swimming pools a bit basic and no hot water or noise after 10.30, only 6 amp electric which creates a bit of a juggling act but very pretty location and we have what we need.Baker calls each morning and you have maybe 20 people queuing for their croissants, pain au chocolat or Bagette.

Lovely pitch lots of trees for shade though our awning seems ok after replacing one arm from last year it now clicks fully back in when it retracts.

It is just a bit early for full impact of the Lavender fields but they are on the verge and there are cherries on the trees and poppies, olives and vines everywhere.
Took our A S electric bikes out for their first outing this year straight up a massive hill to a lovely old Provence village Saignon. Hard work even on assist but mainly because we are so unfit after winter. Village full of budding Artists and one Michelin star restaurant .....
Yesterday another trip out to Rousillion. More commercialised very quaint, lots of artisan goods and a small outdoor market good for a bit of commercial therapy. Perched on Ochre cliffs the soil has been used as a pigment base by artists for centuries. Wouldn't like to be here in August it was 31c and thats enough for me.

Doorway in Rousillon

 

[Granjan]

Yesterday we had a change of plan Gorges Du Tarn looking wet for next few days we moved south and east to St Aygulf near to Frejus and St Raphael, parkland style camping 19 euros with 10 amp electric, just out of the village, no pool but a beach just across the road and numerous small sandy bays for swimming. Went a long for us bike ride right round the bay and had lunch in the marina 2 courses 17 euros each, very nice. Husband was a bit beside himself with the heat and nearly forgot his manners just stopped him from swigging his water from the bottle and forgetting his glass

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[DBK]

Just found this thread, not sure why I missed it. A great read, great pictures - keep on blogging!

I've just booked a few moments ago the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff for early September, returning early October. A quick French fix.

 

[Nik]

Thanks for posting this. A great read and an inspiration for our first trip abroad in July. Only got 10 days so not sure how far to go but we need to end up somewhere we can stop for 4/5 nights just to relax and not travel each day. Preferably near a beach. Have you pre booked any sites or just using Aires?
Keep it coming please.
Have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Nik

 

[Gin Palace]

The Oysters look amazing! Lovely photos! all new to us so we are learning from you thanks for the posts inspiring!

 

[Easyliving]

Great photos and description of your travels, ideal for all of us wishing we were doing the same. Keep on blogging...

Paul

 

[Gin Palace]

Just found this thread, not sure why I missed it. A great read, great pictures - keep on blogging!

I've just booked a few moments ago the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff for early September, returning early October. A quick French fix.

Going across at the same time hope we meet along the way!

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[GAVLAD]

Beach looks great!
Keep us all posted and enjoy

 

[Granjan]

Thanks for posting this. A great read and an inspiration for our first trip abroad in July. Only got 10 days so not sure how far to go but we need to end up somewhere we can stop for 4/5 nights just to relax and not travel each day. Preferably near a beach. Have you pre booked any sites or just using Aires?
Keep it coming please.
Have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Nik

We booked mostly of sites because we do like to get our table chairs etc out and we like a pool but the pools are much busier in the school holidays. If you are just travelling I would use the aires, the driving is really easy nothing much on the roads except for the hot spots, if you only have 10 days don't go so far, we have 26 nights this time, we were really amazed by Arcachon dune du Pilat and love Le Capeyrou in the Dordogne but I am sure there are lots of wonderful places further north.

 

[Granjan]

The Oysters look amazing! Lovely photos! all new to us so we are learning from you thanks for the posts inspiring!

Just a mini ipad photo's makes it easy travelling around I take alot of photo's of the pages I am browsing on the internet ie reservation details etc. husband has a big ipad and it is so heavy mine just fits in my bag and really light. Have books , music etc on their too. Our tugger friends showed us a Truma App that helps you level you vehicle and see where the sun is on the pitch! So I can leave the spirit level at home next time another thing off the payload!

 

[sleep e carr]

Thanks for posting this. A great read and an inspiration for our first trip abroad in July. Only got 10 days so not sure how far to go but we need to end up somewhere we can stop for 4/5 nights just to relax and not travel each day. Preferably near a beach. Have you pre booked any sites or just using Aires?
Keep it coming please.
Have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Nik

Hi Nik enjoy your trip to France, if it's time and you have not got a long stay you can't go wrong with Berk plarge

Thanks for posting this. A great read and an inspiration for our first trip abroad in July. Only got 10 days so not sure how far to go but we need to end up somewhere we can stop for 4/5 nights just to relax and not travel each day. Preferably near a beach. Have you pre booked any sites or just using Aires?
Keep it coming please.
Have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Nik

Thanks for posting this. A great read and an inspiration for our first trip abroad in July. Only got 10 days so not sure how far to go but we need to end up somewhere we can stop for 4/5 nights just to relax and not travel each day. Preferably near a beach. Have you pre booked any sites or just using Aires?
Keep it coming please.

Nik

Hi Nik I don't think you can go far wrong with going to Berk look on your map it's just south of Boulogne about 75 miles from
Calais when you come off of the main road on to small road over rail crossing left at roundabout straight ahead until you sign saying dead end turn right and head for big red and white light house turn left towards it go into car park in front of college complex you will see other campers from all over Uk and Eu come out of car park to main road turn left beach about 500 mtrs in front of you big promenade lots of cafe's and restaurants indoor pool life guards on beach kids play area nice town street market, It's a great place to be to get a taste of France. good luck and enjoy your holiday safe travels lets know how you get on it cost nothing to stay in Berk

 

[Granjan]

Had a lovely day again, took our bikes round the nature park, didn't see much except a snake middle of first picture in water and some butterflies.
We then went on to les Issabres and then back along the coast 18 miles with the lakes bit. Beautiful coves with pebble / sand beaches 85 degrees showing on one of the illuminated displays as we passed. Dave fell asleep for a couple of hours when we got back, then we went for a swim, just had a nice entrcote steak cooked on the gas Cobb, €6.98 for two and a nice bottle of red, sorry always eat it and then remember that I should have taken the photo! Might move on tommorow weather could be not as good, we have seen quite a bit here now and we are booked in at Port Grimaud on thursday so dont want to overdo the area!