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Le grand tour
  • Mark John-Williams
  • Helen Evans
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  • Mark John-Williams
  • Helen Evans

Le grand tour

European adventure 2025 Leggi altro
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    Le grand tour

    Day 51 Mum and home

    29 ottobre, Galles ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Had breakfast with Ellie and Wynne, then she headed off for nursery and work, and we said goodbye and set off for Cardiff. Had an hour and half with Mum sharing holiday experiences, then carer Ruth arrived and we said goodbye. Hoping to get Wynne to Mum when we babysit at the end of the month. Stopped at the Squirrel in Ludlow, then home by 4pm. Wow, what an adventure! 51 days, 3500 miles travelled, £600 on fuel, £15 per night on average camping costs, and £xxxx spending moneyLeggi altro

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    Day 50 Wynnechops time

    28 ottobre, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Set off early as we parked in a parking meter spot. Quick stop at Taunton services, then onto Berkeley by 11.30. Had a lovely day and evening with the 'chops' who is now getting very chopsy! 😝 A lovely walk and then back for some dinner and a brief Wynne sitLeggi altro

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    Day 48 Roscoff

    26 ottobre, English Channel ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    Drove up from Quimper, slightly worried with fuel situation as its Sunday, but managed to get some. Aire wasn't as near to town as we hoped, so went into Roscoff any way and found a good space just outside the library. Had a stroll around the town and Charlie had a run on the beach. Had a wine in Ty Pierre then back to the van and decided to chance staying where we were. Back into town to get a takeaway and a beer back at Ty Pierre.Leggi altro

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    Day 49 St Pol de Leon & home

    26 ottobre, English Channel ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    Uneventful night in our free camping spot, we drive over to St Pol de Leon. Check out the Aire and I take Charlie for a quick walk on the beach. We drive in a little closer to town and walk in for a nose around. Find a cafe bar on the square, have a beer (with some welcome nibbles) and get accosted by the local drunkard. He learns I play guitar and threatens to fetch his guitar while also nearly pinching my glasses. We make a sharp exit and get back to the van to head to the port. Pick up 3 cases of La Vielle wine working out around £3 per bottle. The ferry crossing felt longer this time, and we take part in 2 quizzes, useless in the 1st one, not so bad in the music one. We booked a hotel in plymouth and have a nightcap and a cheap takeaway. Knackered!Leggi altro

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    Day 47 Concarneau & Quimper

    25 ottobre, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Had a stop off in the lovely walled town of Concarneau which was well worth it, lovely place. Onto Quimper where we luckily got a spot at the Municipal campsite. Walked into town for the evening, although we were a bit tired. Eventually, we found a dog friendly bar as the centre was mostly restaurants. A younger person's place with a DJ on the decks. Got a burger on the way homeLeggi altro

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    Day 46 Vannes part deux

    24 ottobre, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    A long old drive up to Vannes, we stopped at Roch-sur-yon, realising that we'd stopped there on the way down. Had a quick coffee and topped up the fuel. Finally arrived at Le conleau camping car park aire, next to the site we'd used before, but only 16 euros. Feeling grubby and a bit camped out now, we managed to drag ourselves into Vannes, going to another Irish pub that allowed dogs -
    Paddy O'Dowds. Got a beer in and noticed the pub was filling up, and a good atmosphere was brewing. After seeing some Pro 2 rugby highlights, it clicked when we saw that Vannes RFC were playing Colomiers in a top of the table clash on the TV. We were joined by a young gang, one of whom Dad was a big George North fan. 3 pints later, and Vannes had won a close encounter to go top of the table! Great night    Leggi altro

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    Day 45 back to La Rochelle

    23 ottobre, Francia

    The weather was not good so we waited a while to depart. The wind was up to 50 mph and you could really feel it. Broke it up into 3 legs, driving through Saintes, then onto Ro⁸chefort, but only having turned around seeing that the satnav was taking us over the horrendous high bridge that we'd done on the way down. Had a break for a windy stroll to a cafe for a Croque monsieur, then the final leg to La Rochelle which felt long. Arrived at the Aire point de neuf which was on the opposite side of town from the Municipal campsite site we'd stayed at. Had a completely different view walking into town, and the waves were churning on the front. Had a wine on the harbour, I grabbed a nice kebab and Helen got some supplies. We found an Irish bar where we could drink inside and chatted to an Irish couple who'd just come for the weekend and been diverted by the winds to Toulouse airport, 6 hours away. Mark had stomach cramps on the way home and the van toilet had to save him, sorry wifey 😢Leggi altro

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    Day 44 Cognac & weather

    22 ottobre, Francia ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Bad weather on the way, we spent an hour in gorgeous St Emilion and had a coffee before heading off. Stopped midway for a stop and shop and the heavens started opening. Got to Cognac and pulled into a 'Camping car' aire 5 euros to join and 14 for a night with electric and some services. Right by the river so a bit trepidacious with storms coming. Walked along the river into town and a beer in the Garage bar. Back for a wet and windy night in the vanLeggi altro

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    Day 43 Lovely St Emilion

    21 ottobre, Francia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    As we set off, we saw a red squirrel and before that, we had a cricket visitor in the van. Travelled up to St. emilion on various roads and with stormy weather accompanying us. Stopped at a supermarket for respite, then got caught up in some weather affected traffic around Bordeaux. Eventually, we arrived at St Emilion about 4, parked up and decided to have a night in an apartment we'd been eyeing up. £80 but worth it for a nice big bed and some space for the night. Had a Vietnamese at cafe saigon, which was lovely, even if I struggled with the chopsticks 😄Leggi altro

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    Day 42 Capbreton stopoff

    20 ottobre, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Reluctantly left lovely San sebastien as its been of our favourites a d we know the weather may turn as we head north. Only half an hour or so, and we're over the border with no scary tunnels! Notice an aire by the bus station in St Jean du Luz for another time. Up via Bayonne and another 30 minutes or so to reach Cap Breton. Decent site with a pool and bar/restaurant open (3 euros to use though). Take a walk onto the bath at the back of the site and get to the beach and dunes where there is a beach bar called Soweto. We're reminded of the price difference between France and Spain when we order a drink. Watched the paragliding for a while, but the wind is up, so set off to the village (20 minutes) a nice little place with little shops and eateries. We get some supplies, have a wine and head back in the dark. Getting cold now!Leggi altro

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    Day 41 San sebastien pinxtos supreme

    19 ottobre, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Weather looking a bit cooler today, so set off later for town. Had a wander in the streets we hadn't seen and ended up by the river and seeing the 2nd beach (more surfy). Rain started coming in, so found an Irish bar where we could sit inside. Dancing going on outside with about 50 or more older folk involved. Stopped for a wine before doing a little bit of shopping and heading backLeggi altro

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    Day 40 San sebastien swim

    18 ottobre, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Had a coffee and olives at the campsite bar then got the bus down to town. Got off at the beach and walked along admiring the gorgeous beach. Helen went down for a quick dip, and then we walked around and past the Marina. Had a wine while a family with annoyingly loud and boisterous kids did their thing. Into the old town and had a pintxos in a nice bar while a load of teenage football fans celebrated like they'd won a game, but it turns out their game was cancelled! Finished up at the cheap bar and chatted with an Aussie and an older American couple. Home to bedLeggi altro

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    Day 39 San sebastien

    17 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Set off early as we were camping on a street again, very misty morning, so stopped for a quick coffee, then got going. Easy going at first, then we started to hit the northern mountain ranges. Stopped at a truckers stop for fuel, thenboff again, lots of tunnels, but no biggies. Eventually got to our campsite after missing a turn and travelling through the town twice. The site was right out of town and up a steep hill, so walking would have been a challenge, but fortunately, they allow dogs if you pick them up! Had a nice afternoon in the gorgeous seaside town in the sun. Had a drink and some tapas at Antonio's in the square, then wandered streets of the old town, where there were loads of tapas/pinxtos bars. We stopped at a couple before getting the bus back.Leggi altro

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    Day 38 Burgos

    16 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    A nice drive up to Burgos, lots of straight single roads, birds everywhere, Mark saw a vulture in a field and Helen saw a peregrine falcon. Stopped en route in a small village for a beer and managed to easily locate a riverside parking spot via park4night. 10 minutes walk into another impressive town with a wondrous cathedral that took 3 centuries to complete! Ended up sleeping where we parked, which was fineLeggi altro

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    Day 37 Segovia

    15 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Stressful drive up to Segovia, skirting Madrid very busy, then I missed a turn off and ended up in a 3.2km tunnel and a toll (1st one). Dramatic scenery, campsite nice, settled in then walked into town. A bit too long of a walk - 40 minutes plus, but arrived at the spectacular Aqueduct made by the Romans 1900 years ago, astonishing engineering. Had a beer break then up through town via more amazing cathedrals and churches and finally the fairytale castle. On the way back had a drink and some lovely free tapas again, plus chestnuts from our neighbour! Long walk back homeLeggi altro

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    Day 36 Fly Toledo!

    14 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Had a chilled morning, cleaning the van and getting our 2nd wash load done. Walked into town mid afternoon and had a stop for a quick wine, then onto the main square. Needed some food so had a little esplanada (pasty) but went back to the cafe in the sun and Helen had a chicken burger. Just enough time to get down for the zip wire, but Helen had a false start. Hubbies words on the walkie-talkie got her sorted and she smashed it, although she had to stop and dangle at the end as the camera needed a fresh battery/so card. Had a celebratory g & t, then homeLeggi altro

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    Day 35 Toledo

    13 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Set off early as we were on the street again. Filled up with cheap fuel at less than £1.10 per litre and drove for an hour to stop at Valdepenas, a small town. Walked up to the square for a coffee and then back to carry on north. A lovely drive with a bit of rain on the way and passing the Consuegro windmills and into Toledo (3 hours +). The site was lovely, just a shame the pool wasn't open. Walked into town via the old bridge (30 mins), noticing the zip wire across the river. Up to the old town, all lovely, stopping at a bar in the square for some food. Then onto to see the main square and the magnificent Alcazar at the top. Had a final beer with a view, but it was getting chilly so headed back to camp (45 mins). A great dayLeggi altro

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    Day 34 Jaen

    12 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Set off early as we were parked on the street. Found a street eventually where we could park up, just. Walked up through the outskirts of town and got a square, where we could see a stage being set up and then noticed young woman beautifully dressed, ready for dancing. Discovered it is National day of Spain - an unexpected delight! Lots of people gathered and lots of performances while we sat in a bar to the side. Wandered up to the beautiful cathedral, noticing that everyone was dressed up smartly and most of the women dressed in their flamenco outfit. What a scene and very buzzy, difficult to find a seat and the little sidestreet bars looked delightful. Eventually, we had to head back to the van, with no other option than to sleep another night on the streetsLeggi altro

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    Day 33 Granada

    11 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Took the journey up to Granada, thought we'd have lots of tunnels but it followed the valleys mostly. Parked near the river and walked in. What a lovely place, passed a wedding on the way, had wine on the square, then made it up as far as could to get sight of the Alhambra. Stopped at a couple of the legendary tapas bars where you get a choice of tapas, including La riviera, so cheap to have drinks and food. Walking back via the main shopping streets which were absolutely buzzing. Need to come back for a long weekend! Camped where we'd parkedLeggi altro

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    Day 32 Oktoberfest

    10 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Into town, via a market/bootsale. Checked in to see what was happening with Oktoberfest which started at 2. Had a beer and tapas nearby which was nice, then walked a bit of the beach, then up to the Cross on the headland. Back to the Oktoberfest for one, nice music but only getting going. Back to base via the cheap bar (more tapas!)Leggi altro

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    Day 31 Almunecar chilling

    9 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Walked into central Almunecar and had a beer and tapas in the square. Walked to the beach further on and had a stop for some lovely sardines and a wine. Back via Aldis and the local bar, then out again for the evening. The Blues bar wouldn't have dogs, so stopped in a square for wine then walked back via McDonald's and Helen took a tumbleLeggi altro

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    Day 29 west again

    8 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Set off after topping the fuel up, a 2-hour drive it we stopped at Adra on the way for a refesh. Lots of tunnels started appearing but it was fine.Motril OK for a stop-off but that would be about it. Onto our next site at Playa de pontiete. An ok site with a pool etc, but overpriced at 24 euros. Nice coastal area, beach and boardwalk etc, but beyond a few beach bars not a lot to do. Found a good little beach bar where we had some wine and the supplied tapas, great host. Campers parking across the road for free, notedLeggi altro

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    Day 30 Almunecar

    8 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    A short hop over to Almunecar over a windy coastal road. On arrival at the closest campsite to town we were a bit disheartened as it looked like a ramshackle place. However, it just turns out to be a bit rustic and 'home-made' with lots of quirky bits. Walked down into town to the front, 15 minutes and had a beer on the beach with the obligatory tapas -olives and tortilla. Off to find the old town, getting a little lost, but got to the castle at the top, then heard a hubbub around a bar in a side street serving lots of fish tapas. Helen hustled in and wasn't sure she'd ordered correctly when a hot plate of whitebait arrived. Turns out this was just the tapas to go with the beer, as she was shouted at to get the prawns she'd ordered. What a find! Back via a beach bar where we bumped into some Scots staying at our site who are experienced motorhomers. Back to base via another cheap locals bar where we had beers, wine, large G and T and more tapas, for a tenner!Leggi altro

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    Day 28 west again

    6 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Drove south, a couple of tunnels on route and some rain. Arrived at the campsite, which, in itself was fine, but the area wasn't great. Good supermarket 5 minutes away to stock up in. We walked across the road through a scruffy area and a dirt car park where lots of vans were pitched up, but the beach wasn't great. Glad to be away from here the next dayLeggi altro

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    Day 27 sea dip and brits session

    5 ottobre, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Lazy morning, had some breakfast at the bar, then set off to the coast 20 minutes away. A bit blowy but the beaches were nice, and there were camper spaces in some of the car parks. Helen went for a dip in the waves, and then we had a wine and a walk. Had a rubbish meal on the square then had a nightcap at the grumpy goat and lo and behold the girls from the night before we're there, so spent an hour or so with them and a couple from Wigan.Leggi altro

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