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Autumn 2024
  • timandjacky uk
  • timandjacky uk

Autumn 2024

Meandering along ancient pilgrimage routes in France and Northern Spain Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 3, 2024
    timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Wissant, Pas de Calais

    Sep 3–4, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    Our first night stop on another meandering through beautiful France.
    We had to have a walk down to the beach, beautiful as ever, Niska had a great run around after sitting very quietly (mostly sleeping) on the journey.Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Esquerdes, Pas de Calais

    Sep 4–5, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    After a couple of stops to get groceries and fresh water we found a very nice free stopover in Esquerdes by the Salle de Fetes which was formerly a Gunpowder Factory. It was next to a park with a lake and Niska couldn't resist darting into the lake for a swim on our walk .Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Péronne, Somme

    Sep 5–6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Heading south today's drive was through farmland and industrial areas so not terribly scenic but we did find another great free stopover in Péronne which has tons of history . Few towns in France have been so devastated by war over the centuries. Burned and pillaged in the time of the Normans, gravely damaged during the Spanish occupation, devastated by the Germans in 1870, totally destroyed in 1917, and bombed and burned in 1940.
    Our stopover was opposite a beautiful park which leads into the town. It was a great find.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Corbeny, Aisne

    Sep 6–7, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    It was rainy this morning so we decided not to walk into town to the boulangerie. Instead we stopped en route at Holnon to get our bread and by the time we stopped at our park up we had beautiful warm sunshine.
    We are staying in the village of Corbeny where Motorhomes have free spaces to stay by the river. Lovely walks and lovely views and the opportunity to sit outside just relaxing in the sunshine (to be honest just relaxing is our usual vibe on holiday!!).
    Great boulangerie in the village too!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Saint Marie-du-lac-Nuisement, Marne

    Sep 7–8, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Beautiful weather again today and we found a great spot to stay in another tiny village through which the River Blaise runs. Great, long riverside walks although we had to divert into the village when it became too hot alongside the river where there was no shade . This place is popular with cyclists and walkers, very beautiful.Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    La Ville aux Bois, Aube

    Sep 8–9, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We had intended to travel further than we did today but we found a really charming place where we stopped for lunch and decided to stay overnight. Ville aux Bois is the smallest commune in the Aube region., with just 33 inhabitants, we think we met most of them on our walk. As usual everyone very friendly and inviting and generously providing free stopovers and free services for motorhomes, we shared our spot with travellers from Belgium.
    Our parkup is opposite the church where there is a memorial to 2 young British airmen who died when theur aircraft crashed in the village in May 1944. (Of the remaining crew, 2 escaped and 5 were held prisoner).    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Chateauvillain, Haute Marne

    Sep 9–10, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We stocked up on groceries at Brienne le Chateau and filled our tank with diesel then headed south to Chateauvillain. Another free park up in a very interesting historic town for us to explore .

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Mirébeau sur Bèze, Côte d'Or

    Sep 10–11, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Our drive today took us largely through forests to another village stopover at Mirébeau sur Bèze. Our park up is in a quiet corner of this pretty town with some very nice walks. We have a good nose for finding lovely free places to stay (and some good apps too!)Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Chateau-Chalon, Jura

    Sep 12–13, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We had a stop in Dole this morning to get LPG and top up on cheap diesel then a lunch stop at Domblans. Not far away up a winding hill road we stopped at the Beau Village of Chateau-Chalon , torrential and persistent rain prevented us from exploring the village that afternoon but we woke up to sunshine and spent the following morning enjoying the sights in the village. Being perched on a hill meant panoramic views of the vineyards and villages below and lots to explore in the village itself, very old and very well preserved and not at all commercial which is very appealing to us.Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Abbaye Notre Dame de Dombes, Rhône

    Sep 12–13, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We had a lunch stopover in Cousance where we stayed once before in October 2017. We bought bread and pastries from the boulangerie and used the free services here and got back on the road after lunch.
    We have a very nice nightstop in the grounds of the beautiful Abbaye Notre Dame in Dombes. It was a hive of activity when we arrived, the first day of the season selling apples from the vast orchards here. People were buying apples by the crate load!
    It's very peaceful here as you could imagine and nice walks in the grounds and around the perimeter of the Abbey. Another place generously offering a free place to stop over.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Yzeron, Rhône

    Sep 13–14, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We had a very picturesque drive through the Auvergne-Rhône-Alps region to get to our park up in the mountains at Yzeron.
    We are parked by Lake Ronzey so beautiful walks that also took us into the little town centre.
    This is such a lovely place to stay, so peaceful, nice clean mountain air and beautiful nature.
    Another free stop. What's not to love!!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler

    Le Puy en Velay, Haute-Loire

    Sep 14–15, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    We are in the absolutely beautiful town of Puy en Velay. It is the starting point of the Via Podensis, one of the 4 French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.
    The town is steeped in history with the most wonderful architecture spanning centuries.
    The Notre Dame de l'Annonciation cathedral
    is a major monument of Romanesque art and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
    Perched on a volcanic rock is the statue of Our Lady of France standing 16 metres high and painted red.
    Perched on another volcanic outcrop is the Chapel of St-Michel d'Aigulhe dating from the 10th century.
    The towns cobbled streets are lined with lovely independent artisan shops.
    We walked miles today exploring this beautiful place. Even Niska was impressed, mostly loving all the town smells to be honest!
    We are parked high above the town with amazing views. We are in a Camping Car Park; €14.80 for the night, our first paid for park up, still a bargain!!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    Shops selling regional produce
    Mairie and town squareThe legendary beast of GevaudanAnother homage to the Beast of GevaudanThe church with scallop shell of St.James over the door, always open to pilgrimsOn of the many crosses along the routeA mysterious stone carving, which the village seems very proud of!A large flat motorhome area overlooking the village

    Aumont Aubrac, Lozère

    Sep 15–16, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    We had another very scenic drive today, mountains, plateaux and pine forests following as closely as we can the Via Podensis to take us to our destination at Aumont Aubrac.
    The village has lots of interesting history and we are perched on a hill with great panoramic views.
    There is much tribute throughout this region evidenced with carvings and statues of the Beast of Gévaudan a man eating animal who terrorised the former province of Gévaudan in the Margeride mountains of south-central France between 1764 and 1767.
    Our stopover once again is provided free by the community, we were the first to arrive around lunchtime and by evening the aire was very full!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    Beautiful village with plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes on the river lot
    Lovely parkup with all facilities overlooking the riverBeautiful old village, with narrow streetsLots of very pretty half timbered buildingsLovely river side walksNarrow bridge to cross to get to the aireVillage motorhome aire, is along side the river surrounded by rolling hills

    Entraygues sur Truyère, Aveyron

    Sep 16–17, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We have driven down from the mountains today into the valley to continue following the Via Podensis and to take advantage of the opportunity to do a food shop for the week.
    The route was incredibly scenic and we also had an impromptu stop in the Beau Village of Saint Comte d'Olt to use the motorhome services.
    Our stopover at Entraygues sur Truyère is fabulous, we are parked on the banks of the River Lot and its about 10 degrees warmer than it has been in the mountains so we've taken advantage sitting by the river chatting with neighbours before we had a lovely walk into the beautiful town and back along the river.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    Bridge over the Truyére river
    The village is on the confluence of the river Lot and TruyéreFantastic looking and restored 13th century Château overlooks the riversLooking towards the village from the ChâteauView of the village from the hillside opposite

    Entraygues sur Truyère, Aveyron

    Sep 17–18, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We decided to stay another day by the river in this beautiful village. We did lots of walking to see all this place has to offer and we enjoyed our rest day (not sure what we're resting from 😉).

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    2The river Lot, is slow running and teaming with fish
    The river runs through a deep tree lined valleyHydroelectric generators are dotted along the river. A large weir spans the river hereThere is s lock here to allow boats to navigate past the weirThe village has an unusual and modern churchLovely free parkup for the night with all services availableThere aire is in lovely green space at the village centre next to the river

    Boisse Penchot, Aveyron

    Sep 18–19, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We've only driven a fairly short distance (35 miles) today to another beautiful spot in Aveyron and our drive was very scenic, we are very much enjoying this region.
    Our stopover in Boisse Penchot is a municipal aire in a lovely parkland setting by a lake and provided free with services. And we've got fabulous weather too.
    Done lots of great walking again.
    Insects have made a meal of me today, Tim not once!!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    Tree lined avenue down to the village
    Very pretty house in the villsge, this one was a small hotelA few half timbered housesVillage church on the hill down to the AireVery clean narrow streets in village centreSome beautifully kept gardensThe village school was quite large for such a tiny villageAnother view of the churchSmall aire for 4 motorhomes with all services

    Bardigues, Tarn et Garonne

    Sep 20–21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Another beautifully scenic drive today to arrive at Bardigues. This very beautiful village was quite off the beaten track and provided a very pleasant free park up. Just us and Danish travellers staying tonight and it was so peaceful.
    We had lovely walks exploring the whole village.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    Pretty market hall in centre of the village (Lots of cars though)
    Village church was very grand for the size of villageLots of arcades under the arches in the Bastide villageSome very grand stone built houses

    Saint-Clar, Gers

    September 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We had a stop in St Clar to top up with fresh water. We hadn't intended to travel along this road but a road closure and a deviation took us on a different route than we had planned.
    The Aire where we picked up water was in an orchard close to a pretty town so we parked up and had a walk around the town and a visit to the boulangerie. It was a nice surprise stop!Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    The tiny village has a huge collegiate church at it's centre
    The cloisters in the church are stunning and beautifully preservedThe peaceful village centre is lovely to walk aroundPlenty of medieval side street to exploreThe restaurant in the village centre is popular with pilgrims and touristsWell preserved houses line the side streetsThe village has several gateways through to the centreSome very large houses at a village entranceView of the collegiate churchThe village has provided alternative sleeping accommodation for pilgrims on the parkMotorhome parkup has lovely views of the church and parkEnough parking in dedicated area for 4 or 5 motorhomes (no services)

    La Romieu, Gers

    Sep 21–22, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We are staying in a Beau Village on the Via Podensis (we met quite a few pilgrims passing through) that we previously visited in Spring 2022. It was nice to reacquaint ourselves with this really beautiful place which is very unspoiled and not at all touristy.
    Our aire is by a lovely park which Niska had great fun in.
    There were 4 motorhomes parked up (room for 5 but we were a bit spread out).    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    An unusual "Associates pole" next to the motorhome aire
    Lots of grand houses, some listed as national monumentsThe village is on the St.James way to Santiago in Spain, walked by pilgrims. Only 910km to goPleasant lake to walk around just outside the villageVillage church stands by itself, just off the main village squareMost buildings around the square have arches with arcades belowRow of pretty houses along the squareMotorhome parkup is on the second square near a covered market area

    Arzacq-Arraziguet, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

    Sep 22–23, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We had some torrential storms this morning (managed to take Niska out and have a trip to the boulangerie before the rains hit); by the time we parked up at our location for the day at lunchtime warm sunshine had reappeared.
    We are in Arzacq-Arraziguet which is on the Via Podensis (saw lots of pilgrims) it's a really nice town with lots of commerce and history and a beautiful lake for a great dog walk!
    Our park up is in the town square with full services all free. We were the only motorhome parked up overnight and it was very peaceful!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    3Outside the main gateway into the Beaux Village
    Motorhome parkup is in the village rampartsThe outdoor theatre on the rampartsPleasant walk along the ramparts doesn't take longMost of the village defences are still in very good conditionLots of pretty houses inside the village wallsPleasant views of the Gave d'Oloron from the rampartsExcellent view of the 13th century bridge and countryside. The Pyrénées mountains in the distanceInside the main gatewayThe village has a few large squares surrounded by buildingsPretty houses on the way to the motorhome aireThe old gun powder store is now a museum16th Century church in the village was restored in the 1980sThe Marie sits in the middle of the village surrounded by wide streets and well kept homes and shopsSome of the buildings have wooden balconies overlooking the streets

    Navarrenx, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

    Sep 23–24, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We went off plan today, originally heading to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port (the final stop on the Via Podensis) we came upon the very charming Beaux Village of Navarrenx where we stopped for lunch then decided to park up for the day (and night) as very much to see here.
    This is a fortified town and we have great views of the town and beyond; walking along the top of the ramparts. We can see the Pyrénées in the distance.
    There are also very nice artisan shops in the town and a few restaurants. It feels very authentic and not at all touristy which appeals to us.
    Free park up and free services just down the road make this a great stopover. Very grateful for the generosity of these communities.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    The collegiate church welcomes pilgrims from all over the world to the start of the Spanish section
    Lots of very pleasant walking and hiking trails surround the town in the Irati forestLovely views down into northern SpainThe 12th century Silo de Carlomagno is a crypt for residents & pilgrims who died in the hospitalThe tiny church de Santiago is located next to the Silo de CarlomagnoThe town has a couple of restaurants and hotels for pilgrimsThe museum building is now the centre piece of the townThe royal collegiate church holds a service and blessings for pilgrims every eveningThe pilgrims hostel was built on the foundations of a 12th century hospital, and rebuilt in 2009Good sized carpark for visitors along with dedicated motorhome spaces

    Roncesvalles, Navarre

    Sep 24–25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Coming to the end of the Via Podensis today with a drive to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port (we stayed here in the Spring, a very beautiful place). Our onward journey is across the border to Northern Spain where we have stopped in Roncesvalles in the Navarre province; a beautiful little 'town' with just 19 inhabitants; so outnumbered on a daily basis by visitors and especially pilgrims for whom there are places to stay. A number of notable buildings are in the town including the Collegiate Church.
    We are parked with other motorhomes on the edge of the forest which has beautiful walks. Lots to see in this tiny place!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    Morgan Owners club setting up a photoshoot outside the monastery as we finished our lunch
    Lovely collection of Morgans, most UK registered although 2 or 3 were on foreign platesThe owners club turned up just as we about to leave after lunch, we stayed a little while longer

    Ayegui, Navarre

    September 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We had a lunch stop at the site of a monastery and a wine museum in Ayegui. We were joined by the Morgan owners club; made a wonderful sight! Most on UK plates but a few from Europe.

  • timandjacky ukAutumn 2024Traveler
    A view of the high town from the bridge below
    Parish Church of Santa Maria la MayorMedieval bridge over the Ebro RiverGreat views from the foot of the villageOur motorhome parkupColourful village housesThe medieval bridge looking down from the high townViews of the church with the castle in the backgroundCastilo de Davalilo can be seen in the distanceA religious mural on the side of a buildingA mural of the Hermitage of Santa Maria de la PiscinaNarrow streets and residences with beautiful iron work balconiesThe village squareOne of many bodegas (wineries) in the village1Niska tired out at end of day after walking up all those hills

    San Vicente de La Sonsierra, La Rioja

    Sep 25–26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We wre staying today in San Vicente de la Sonsierra which is at the foot of the beautiful village of Briones.
    Our park up is below the town next to the park and the medieval bridge over the Ebro River.
    We took a very steep uphill walk to Briones, well worth the effort. Some beautiful historic buildings and a very pretty village square.    Read more

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