Journey Through France - September 2006
Day 1
After spending 5 hours in Casualty at our local hospital as a result of Dot falling down the
stairs the night before we were due to depart, we finally decided to go ahead with the
long-planned trip even though Dot was now on crutches; couldn’t drive, could hardly walk!
Left home in Lancs at 9 am heading for our overnight stop at Hythe, Kent. Arrived at
Daleacres around 4pm and were glad they gave us two pitches (so we didn’t need to unhitch)
near the entrance, allowing for a quick (and quiet) getaway in the morning.
Day 2
Up early ready for a short drive to Eurotunnel for an 8am departure, wondering how it
would be getting car and van onto train! No problem! Arrived at Coquelles 10am local
time with 270 miles to go to our first overnight in France at ‘Les Hauts Frenes in Eaux Puiseaux,
where we arrived in glorious sunshine at around 4pm. This is a ‘ferme’ - similar to our CL’s in
that it’s on a working farm but not restricted to 5 vans. Beautiful site @ €10 per night including
electricity! Couldn’t explore village and it’s restaurant as we had to find the local Carrefour
to stock up with provisions.
Day 3
Left ‘Hauts Frenes’ early vowing to return and decided to try the toll-free N road. Found we could go just as fast and you definitely see more of the ’real’ France. Destination today is Chantemerle-les-Bles, south of Lyon and another 273 miles according to the Michelin Man!
And we hadn’t given a thought about passing through Lyon on a Friday afternoon!
Day 4
Final day ’en-route’, again making an early start heading for the Cote d’Azure and Mandelieu la Napoule. We decided to get back on the Autoroute (A7), a decision which we came to regret, and for which we are still suffering.
Approaching a peage one has to carefully choose which lane to enter as some are for credit
cards, some for cash (correct amount), some manned, etc. I selected the required lane
but unfortunately hadn't noticed it had a height-restriction barrier, until I crashed into it!!
Not being able to get onto the roof of the van I inspected it from below and saw the status
aerial was OK, so too was the flue for the heater. The only damage I could see was a couple of scratches on the skylights. So we pressed on, arriving in La Napoule at about 3.30pm.
Site EHU required continental adaptor, and reverse polarity. Good job I had made these
prior to our trip! 'Les Cigales' was our base for the next fortnight, but we couldn't do much
sightseeing as Dot couldn't walk far on her crutches.
Day 16
Decided to start packing up, taking down awning etc. - particularly as storms forecast for
tomorrow. Torrential rain all through the night and pouring down with thunder and
lightning when we woke in the morning. So much for our planned early departure, as we
sat in the van watching the rivers of water pass by our pitch. Worse still - we have a leak in
the roof! Fortunately (?) it's coming in the shower room. Still haven't managed to get onto
the roof to inspect. Finally departed through improving weather for our first homeward stop
at Avignon. Lovely old city with the magnificent Pope's Palace, and of course the famous bridge
Day 17
Leaving Avignon for Arnay-le-Duc south of Dijon - a drive of about 250 miles - and our
next halt, Camping Etang de Fouche (etang meaning lake). Arnay is a lovely old medieval
town and we decided to treat ourselves to a meal out. Bad move!! It was a Sunday and all
but one of the restaurants were closed. And it was obvious why the one remained open -
they were desperate for business!
Day 18
Another 275 miles northwards to Peronne and Camping Port de Plaisance for our final night
halt in France. Arrived in good time and because of our disappointment last night we
thought we'd dine out again. Bad move!! It is a Monday - and most restaurants are closed
on Mondays! We eventually found a good, but expensive, restaurant, but the evening was
marred somewhat by one of our fellow diners having a heart attack. So we have nothing to
moan about really.
Day 19
Final day in France heading for Eurotunnel. Arrived early and one of the good things about
Eurotunnel is that in arriving early you are usually put on an earlier train. So made good time
just avoiding rush hour on M25.
To sum up. A great experience, and we are looking forward to more of the same in 2007. We've learnt a lot. Like don't expect to dine out in rural France on a Sunday or Monday!
The National roads (N-roads) are just as quick as the Autoroutes but cheaper and you
see more of the real France. From our experience there are bits of dual-carriageway every few kilometers so slow traffic can be passed. If on N-roads beware of Diversions. We
found ourselves in the middle of a diversion in Arras and found ourselves going through
it a couple of times, and once becoming jammed in a narrow side street. Also, personally, we will not stay just for one night at overnight halts. We feel two or three nights will allow for
a bit of R&R along the way. It's too much of a rush to arrive on site late afternoon and
leave early in the morning - especially if like us you need to hunt out the local supermarket.
An up-date on our experience at the peage! Once home the roof was immediately examined and we found two holes at the rear of the roof. Our insurers, thankfully, have agreed the
roof needs replacing and a new roof is on order. I must pay tribute to the insurance
company and assessors - I know it's what we pay for, but you hear so many horror stories.
However, we hope in about 6 weeks to have our van back with a new roof!
Here's to the next time!
Dunc n'Dot
