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Gilly and Ian do France

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Gilly and Ian do France Traveler
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Day 36
Monday, June 26, 2023 at 9:05 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 110 m
England Padiham 53.803, -2.316653°48’11” N 2°18’60” W
Homeward bound Friday 25th June.
June 26, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Up early to set sail back to England 🇬🇧. Pleasant crossing with boat full of school children. We were checked by the animal welfare customs officers. Both Ezra and Jess said they had been well looked after and had enjoyed their adventure very much. A diversion took us throughthe centre of London. Spotting the Dome, Shard and Gherkin en route. After a long drive home we celebrated with a KFC! 🍗Read more
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Day 33
Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10:09 AM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: Sea level
France Bassin des Chasses 50.971, 1.827250°58’16” N 1°49’38” E
Back in Calais Thursday 24rd June
June 23, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Feels a bit like home being back in Calais. Stayed at our usual overnight spot. Saw the Paris Marionette dragon puppet. Quite a sight at the side of the road! Lovely relaxing afternoon with the back doors open by the harbour. Managed to see the last of the tall ships sail in. Our last meal was pizza in the piazza!Read more
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Day 28
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 9:13 PM
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 53 m
France Jumièges 49.434757, 0.82889549°26’5” N 0°49’44” E
Jumieges Sunday 18th June
June 18, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Parked up for 3 days' rest and relaxation. The tall ships festival was sailing up the River Seine. The traffic was ridiculous. You would think France was being evacuated! After awetvoiple of days, the weather fined up enough for some poolside fun.Read more
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Day 27
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 5:12 PM
☁️ 30 °C
Altitude: 115 m
France Saint-Georges 44.43851, 1.43962644°26’19” N 1°26’23” E
Cahors Saturday 17th June
June 17, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C
Cahors is a lovely busy town with a great market on a Saturday. Enjoyed looking round the town and in the little shops. The bridge is magnificent with its 4 towers. We also found the preserved remains of a Roman amphitheatre in the underground carpark. Free overnight stop here.Read more
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Day 26
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 5:10 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 228 m
France Lautrec 43.704452, 2.13021443°42’16” N 2°7’49” E
Mazamet Friday 16th June
June 16, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
A 40 minutes drive that took 3 hours! After driving through a national park forest, we found the suspension foot bridge. Unfortunately, dogs were not allowed. At one end of the bridge was a Château belonging to Simon de Montford. A beautiful spot!Read more
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Day 25
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 5:44 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 135 m
France Alzeau 43.298876, 2.22156143°17’56” N 2°13’18” E
Montolieu and Saissac Thursday 5th June
June 15, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Lovely day spent roaming small French villages. Montolieu is built on an impressive gorge and known for its book shops.
Saissac has a ruined Château a so-called Chathar castle, which dates back to the early 13th century. You can see the pyrenees beyond. Both are beautifully French and quiet.
We're staying on a very friendly campsite with lovely owners. Pauline and Greg. Took the opportunity to have a good clean up! 👌Read more
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Day 24
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 5:43 PM
🌬 24 °C
Altitude: 135 m
France Alzeau 43.298862, 2.22153443°17’56” N 2°13’18” E
Carcassonne Wednesday 14th June
June 14, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 24 °C
A truly magnificent medieval town inside the city walls. Great atmosphere and good spot for lunch and a drink. Winding roads lead to interesting shops and vistas.
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Day 22
Monday, June 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM
☁️ 25 °C
Altitude: 9 m
France Gruissan 43.101475, 3.08553843°6’5” N 3°5’8” E
Gruissan Mon and Tues 12th & 13th June
June 12, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Stayed at camping paradise! Paradise for mosquitoes! Grim campsight and eaten alive! 🦟🦟🦟
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Day 21
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 3:13 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 7 m
France Vidourle 43.54236, 4.13292943°32’32” N 4°7’59” E
Cote d' Azur Sunday 11th June
June 11, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Staying in a village called Le Grau du Roi.
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Day 21
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 3:13 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 7 m
France Vidourle 43.542357, 4.13291743°32’32” N 4°7’59” E
Nimes Sunday 11th June
June 11, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
On our way to the Cote d' Azur, we got stuck in a classic French traffic jam. Drivers were tooting their horns, waving their arms around and shouting! Great fun! 👍(as Ian was driving)
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Day 21
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 3:07 PM
🌩️ 28 °C
Altitude: 6 m
France Vidourle 43.542389, 4.13290743°32’33” N 4°7’58” E
Over night goats Saturday 11th June
June 11, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌩️ 28 °C
Just 20 minutes out of Avignon, we found a camping spot near a fishing lake. Canals feed off the River Rhone to irrigate the crops growing in this massive wine area. In the morning, a huge herd of goats and sheep wearing cowbells trotted past us on their way for a drink and fresh pasture.Read more
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Day 20
Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 9:20 PM
🌙 25 °C
Altitude: 21 m
France Vallabrègues 43.858094, 4.62505543°51’29” N 4°37’30” E
Avignon Saturday 10th June
June 10, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 25 °C
The drive to Avignon took us through extensive vineyards and lavender fields. Enjoying the magnificent countryside as we went.
We arrived in Avignon late afternoon and explored the magnificent city inside the walls. Massive cafe culture with almost every pavement and square packed with tables. Beautiful architecture all around, and the Pope's Palace was spectacular! After a quick drink, we headed back to the van and decided to move out of the town for a quieter night.Read more
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Day 20
Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 9:20 PM
🌙 25 °C
Altitude: 21 m
France Vallabrègues 43.858095, 4.62504543°51’29” N 4°37’30” E
Chatteau de Grignan
June 10, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 25 °C
We spotted the chatteau from the road and decided to call in. This ancient village was charming. With points of interest round every corner, we waited for the chatteau to open. We were surprised to find that it had been rebuilt around 1911. Restored to its former glory, we thoroughly enjoyed looking around the apartments and grand terraces.Read more
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Day 19
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 6:01 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 199 m
France Puy-Saint-Martin 44.626667, 4.97333344°37’36” N 4°58’24” E
Puy Saint Martin Friday 9th June
June 9, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
We left Annecy this morning and drove for 6 hours. The weather has turned a little grey and rainy. Heading towards Avignon, we passed over 30 miles of walnut plantations. Some lavendar farms and beautiful golden corn fields.
As it was getting late, we looked for a suitable stop over and spotted a quaint French village. Puy Saint Martin is so peaceful. The ramparts from the ancient castle still exist. The village was first on the map in 1049. It was originally a Roman outpost, and a statue of Mercury was found at the summit of the hill. A perfect spot for the night.Read more
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Day 18
Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 2:52 PM
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 467 m
France Chaparon 45.802796, 6.21128445°48’10” N 6°12’41” E
Paragliding in Annecy Thursday 8th June
June 8, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
What an amazing day. Paragliding was Awesome! We met our pilots at the landing area and then drove to the takeoff sight. Up a very steep road with hairpin bends. At last, we were harnessed up and ready to run! As the wind caught the parachute, we were lifted into the air. The mountain fell away, and the vista of the turquoise lake below! Stunning! After touching eachothers canopies, we had a very smooth landing. Another wonderful experience!Read more
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Day 17
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 10:46 AM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 451 m
France Eau Morte 45.793333, 6.21833345°47’36” N 6°13’6” E
Cruise to Annecy Wednesday 7th June
June 7, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
An early start to catch the boat for an hour long cruise stopping at all the best beaches. The lake is a beautiful shade of turquoise. Annecy old town is just beautiful 😍. Interesting buildings with the clearest river I've ever seen winding its way to the lake. A nice cold beer and 'people watching'. Perfect day!Read more
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Day 16
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 5:22 PM
☁️ 24 °C
Altitude: 467 m
France Chaparon 45.802772, 6.21132245°48’10” N 6°12’41” E
Annecy Tuesday 6th June
June 6, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
Up late and a lazy breakfast of croissants and tea. Little trip out to stock up on provisions and then the pool! Loved the kids slides 🛝🤣 and caught some rays.
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Day 15
Monday, June 5, 2023 at 3:42 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 456 m
France Eau Morte 45.793333, 6.2245°47’36” N 6°13’12” E
Annecy Monday 5th June
June 5, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
It was great to have a long shower and clean all the bedding, etc . Afterwards, we walked to the beach at Doussard on the north end of Lake Annecy. Had a lovely swim and tried to get the dogs to join me. Later we enquired about a boat trip to the old town. All booked for Wednesday. A leisurely stroll back and then tea alfresco.Read more
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Day 14
Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 4:14 PM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 467 m
France Chaparon 45.802778, 6.21129445°48’10” N 6°12’41” E
Annecy Sunday 4th June
June 4, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
After driving for 10 days, we needed to recharge our batteries, and now we have set off back to France 🇫🇷. Using a toll road for the first time, we drove through some very long tunnels. The town of Annecy looks beautiful on the lakeside. Our campsite is a way up the lake and is very well set up with an indoor and an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant and sun terrace. Clean, modern facilities will make this a pleasurable stay for a weeks holiday.Read more
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Day 12
Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11:42 AM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 569 m
Switzerland Strandbad Neuhaus 46.68, 7.81833346°40’48” N 7°49’6” E
Interlaken Fri and Sat 2nd, 3rd June
June 2, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Had a lovely day in Interlaken. Watched the hang gliders and marvelled at the snow topped mountains. Chocolate sold by the lump and very expensive watches! Relaxing afternoon. Met Julie and Steve and shared stories of near misses! ❤️ Sat out until dark playing with fire 🔥.Read more
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Day 11
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 3:05 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 467 m
Switzerland Lopper 46.979217, 8.31460746°58’45” N 8°18’53” E
1
In Switzerland 🇨🇭 Thursday 1st June
June 1, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Set off this morning heading for Switzerland 🇨🇭. Crossed the border without stopping. The scenery became spectacular very quickly with steep winding roads. Had a couple of nice little breaks by the lakes and drove on to Interlaken. No wild camping allowed in Switzerland, so we found a great campsite near town and decided to stay 2 nights. Home cooked meal, delicious 😋.Read more
Traveler Cornflakes and wine, nice xx
6/2/23Reply
TravelerIt's pasta! Xxx 👌
6/2/23Reply
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Day 10
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 3:46 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 341 m
France Sundgau 47.613672, 7.23348447°36’49” N 7°14’1” E
Altkirch Wednesday 31st May
May 31, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
After a refreshing sleep by a graveyard! (not) we have decided to stay in France another night. The campsites in Switzerland are expensive. So, a good shower n stock up with power and water on the French side of the border.
Lazy, sunbathing day at a campsite that is a work in progress! Friendly owner came out with treats for the dogs.
Steak and strawberries for tea! Afterwards we sat out with some rose wine and watched the moon rise. 🌙Read more
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Day 9
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 1:26 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 197 m
France Colmar 48.076667, 7.35833348°4’36” N 7°21’30” E
Colmar Tuesday 30th May
May 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Beautiful Colmar with an area they call little Venice ❤️. We decided to park as close as possible to the centre ville and ended up driving through cobbled streets packed with tourists! 🙄 Eventually, found a suitable parking spot and explored the interesting pretty town. A welcome lunch and a beer was calling!Read more
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Day 8
Monday, May 29, 2023 at 5:35 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 210 m
France Barr 48.408333, 7.44833348°24’30” N 7°26’54” E
Barr Monday 29th May
May 29, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Leaving Strasbourg to go south, we began to see miles of vineyards. Pulling off the main road, we found a little village called Barr. We are now well into the Alsace region of France. Barr is an interesting little place with bags of character. Decided to spend the night here overlooking the vineyards.Read more
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Day 8
Monday, May 29, 2023 at 3:37 PM
🌬 26 °C
Altitude: 148 m
France Strasbourg 48.578333, 7.75166748°34’42” N 7°45’6” E
Strasbourg Monday 29th May
May 29, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 26 °C
Strasbourg means 'city of streets'. We parked a 10 min walk from the centre. What at 1st seemed like any other large city turned into a city of amazing beauty and culture. From the Cathedral de Notre Dame and mansion houses, to cosy squares and tiny houses.
Strasbourg became part of Germany in 1870. The occupation lasted until 1918 when, after Germany's defeat in the First World War, the region was ceded to France under the Treaty of Versailles.Read more
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