After 3 years in London, my fiancé and I are heading back to Melbourne, but first we decided to put our relationship to the ultimate test of a 3month European van tour! Whilst we had a fairly detailed itinerary planned for our roadtrip, it was always going to be a case of seeing how things unfolded once we were on the road. Our only essential stops were Pamplona, the Pyrenees for Le Tour and Oktoberfest. What follows is equal parts advice and experience from our time on the road.
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French Roadtripping and Free Camping, Oui!
We started our France trip with the ferry from Dover – Calais, passed the time by playing poker with our copper coins and some old boys who joined us. The staff onboard were less than impressed with this!
We spent our first day driving to Rouen, (which is pronounced MUCH differently than it reads!) which is a beautiful old historical city. We found a campsite for €9 in the centre of town, but had to pay €1.60 for a hot shower. We couldnt believe the patisserie delivered to the campsite, loving it! Pain au raisin si vu plait!
The next day we journeyed on to Blois, the prettiest town we’ve come across yet! It’s right on the river Sienne, with loads of restaurants and cafes, with the river infront and grand old cathederals behind. Cèst Magnifique!
We camped the second night in a rather dodgy way, we didn’t rock up till about 10pm and the office was closed so we camped in the car park! Had a good old fry up for dinner, ran in to use their showers and loos, then bailed in the morning before the office opened! Au Revoir!
Today we toured around Blois, stumbled across a wicked fruit, veg, fromage and charcuterie festival in the city centre – bring on the free samples! Merci! Had a look at the Chambord Chateau, the Chevernay Chateau and the Villandry chateau but being broke Australians, couldnt afford to go in, so there was quite a bit of fence jumping and peering through hedges going on! A Bientot!
We have eaten so well though, the produce is second to none and the wine is so cheap! So far we have gone through 2 bottles of €3 red wine and a packet of 8 french beirre was €3.50! Haven’t found the French to be as rude as everyone says, they are all quite helpful and they love Aussies, so we have been getting on fine even though our French is rubbish!
Heading to the coast tomorrow, hopefully will make it to La Rochelle but if not, there are heaps of free campsites on the motorways called ‘aires’ so they will do for a night! It’s just a basic campsite with a dunny but it’s free!
We are absolutely loving France so far and loving the wicked van! Might not want to come home I think!
Much love peeps,
Lily and Cliff
xxxx
