Apr – Jun 2024

France, Spring 2024

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France, Spring 2024 Traveler
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Day 25–27
April 27, 2024 - April 29, 2024
2 nights
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 9 m
France Montalivet-les-Bains 45.378443, -1.15247645°22’42” N 1°9’9” W
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Montalivet les Bains, Gironde
Apr 27–29, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
From Lamarque we drove to the north of the Médoc (in torrential rain) then down the west coast to Montalivet where we are staying over the weekend.
We are staying in a Camping Car Park just a few metres from a wide sandy beach bordered by a beautiful forest. The weather brightened considerably when we arrived here and we took full advantage of the great walking opportunities here.
On Sunday we visited a huge market in the town where we bought a delicious rotisserie chicken for our lunch (and tea).
More walking after lunch and we headed to the beach in the evening with lots of other people to watch the sunset .
Interesting fact about Montalivet; it is home to the world's first naturist holiday resort opened in 1950 and still running! (We didn't know this before arriving here .....the resort is a stone's throw from us ! 😉)
We've had a lovely weekend here.Read more
Traveler The chicken is a naturist, I see 😮
4/28/24Reply
TravelerMy French is pretty good but when we approached this area and we kept seeing signs 'naturiste' I just assumed it meant an area with nice nature. We kept our eyes straight ahead on the road 😉
4/28/24Reply
Traveler🤣
4/28/24Reply
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Day 27–28
April 29, 2024 - April 30, 2024
1 night
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 15 m
France Lachanau 45.180434, -1.08226945°10’50” N 1°4’56” W
Lac de Hourtin, Gironde
Apr 29–30, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
We've driven through beautiful forests in western Médoc to Hourtin where we are staying just a short walk from Lac de Hourtin. This is the largest freshwater lake in France extending 11.2 miles at its longest and 3.1 miles at its widest , parallel to the Côte d'Argent on the Atlantic Ocean. We enjoyed lovely walks here including on l'ile de la banane on the shores of the lake.Read more
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Day 28–29
April 30, 2024 - May 1, 2024
1 night
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 7 m
France Dunes de Partillot 44.796774, -1.22966444°47’48” N 1°13’47” W
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Lège-Cap-Ferret, Gironde
Apr 30–May 1, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Fantastic weather today! We've moved out of the Médoc region of the Gironde and into the Arcachon Basin, such a beautiful forest drive.
We've arrived in Lège- Cap-Ferret where we are staying in Le Grand Crohot forest. Its absolutely beautiful here, this aire is free, no services just an amazing location. Forest walks and visits to the beach have filled our day. This place has a wonderful vibe. Couldn't ask for anything more!Read more
Traveler Is that you surfing? Lol
4/30/24Reply
Traveler Looks a fantastic location. All free too!
4/30/24Reply
TravelerNice to see all three of you in the picture. You should teach Niska to take a photo of you and Tim 🤣 xx
4/30/24Reply
Traveler😄
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Day 29–30
May 1, 2024 at 5:15 PM - May 2, 2024
1 night
🌧 12 °C
Altitude: 47 m
France Canal de la Teste à Cazaux 44.530834, -1.16086344°31’51” N 1°9’39” W
La Teste-de-Buch, Gironde
May 1–2, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌧 12 °C
In France 1st May is celebrated by the gift of a posy of Lilies of the Valley (muguet in French), a tradition dating back to 1561. Sellers were lining the roads.
But we've had torrential rain for most of the day and not too warm either! So we've had to take our chances with the weather and got wet a few times! Still, we found a nice stop in La Teste-de-Buch where we eventually had to give in to the weather and hunker down!Read more
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Day 30
Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 12:05 PM
🌬 13 °C
Altitude: 49 m
France Dunes du Pilat 44.585282, -1.20821144°35’7” N 1°12’30” W
Dune du Pilat, Gironde
May 2, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
Sunshine is back!
We have driven by the Dune du Pilat in the Arcachon bay today. It's the largest sand dune in Europe and a very popular tourist destination. We've climbed it twice before on different holidays ....it's hard work!! But we just looked at it today and enjoyed the rest of our very scenic drive through the most beautiful forests.Read more
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Day 30–31
May 2, 2024 at 4:08 PM - May 3, 2024
1 night
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 19 m
France Gastes 44.329215, -1.15212744°19’45” N 1°9’8” W
Gastes, Landes
May 2–3, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
We are now in the Landes department, staying in Gaste on the shores of Lac de Biscarosse et Parentis. It's such a beautiful location and we love our stops by the water. We've taken full advantage of the beautiful weather after all the rain we had yesterday and we've had lovely walks around the lake and through the forest. It's so peaceful here.Read more
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Day 31–32
May 3, 2024 - May 4, 2024
1 night
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 13 m
France Boulogne 44.215663, -1.2812544°12’56” N 1°16’53” W
Mimizan Plage, Landes
May 3–4, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
We've hardly driven any distance today, just 10 miles to our weekend spot at Mimizan Plage. We are parked up on the edge of the forest and about a 15 minute walk to the town and beach, both of which we visited this afternoon. We found a very secluded spot which we had to ourselves by the water by scrambling over some rocks and Niska had a great time swimming. We're mostly chilling this weekend 😎.Read more
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Day 32–33
May 4, 2024 - May 5, 2024
1 night
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 16 m
France Ruisseau de la Palue 43.902817, -1.30935443°54’10” N 1°18’34” W
Vielle-Saint-Gerons, Landes
May 4–5, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
We had torrential rain overnight and same forecast for Saturday so although we had planned to stay at Mimizan over the weekend, we felt we had exhausted our walking opportunities and decided to edge a bit further south . We found a nice park up close to the shores of Lac de Léon and the weather turned so it was sunny and warm for a walk around the lake . Niska fell in the water (wriggling around on her back trying to scratch an itch but misjudged how close she was to the waters edge and slid backwards down the bank!).
It's very peaceful here, we can hear lots of birdsong, lovely!Read more
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Day 33–34
May 5, 2024 - May 6, 2024
1 night
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 16 m
France Ze O Zen 43.596381, -1.45581143°35’47” N 1°27’21” W
Labenne, Landes
May 5–6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Continuing to meander south at a leisurely pace , we are in Labenne today. Had lovely weather (till a torrential rainstorm hit us as we were walking back from the beach).
Lovely walk through the forest (part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela) where we came upon the Saint- Thérèse Chapel in the sand dunes.
The beach is vast and the sea is wild! Very beautiful.
Another beautiful place on our travels.
We can see the Pyrénées in the distance ....that's the direction we're heading....eventually.Read more
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Day 34–35
May 6, 2024 - May 7, 2024
1 night
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 15 m
France Plage des Corsaires 43.506091, -1.53549543°30’22” N 1°32’8” W
Anglet, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
May 6–7, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Today we are staying in the lovely town of Anglet just north of Biarritz. We stayed here in our first motorhome in July 2014 and it was good to return. This is a popular surfing and holiday destination. We are a short walk to the beach and we can hear crashing waves from our motorhome. The weather was nice enough for shorts and t- shirts (though everyone else was wearing coats and scarves 😀).
This is probably our last coastal stop of this holiday....tomorrow we head to the mountains....we can see them in the distance!Read more
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Day 35
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 12:23 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 13 m
France Plage Sokoburu 43.372042, -1.78301243°22’19” N 1°46’59” W
Hendaye, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
May 7, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We started driving the west coast of France last Autumn and picked up the route on this holiday. Today we did the last leg which was beautifully picturesque through Biarritz, Bidart, St Jean de Luz and finishing at Hendaye. It was a busy route; more traffic than we've seen for the rest of the holiday. Now heading along the Pyrénées.Read more
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Day 35–36
May 7, 2024 - May 8, 2024
1 night
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 62 m
France Sare 43.312291, -1.58341743°18’44” N 1°35’0” W
Sare, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
May 7–8, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Our first stopover in the western foothills of the Pyrénées is at Sare which is part of the traditional Basque province of Labourd. En route we hopped in and out of Spain.
It's a really charming commune with traditional 'Basque Houses' dotted in the landscape. Yesterday we stocked up our fridge and food cupboards as we don't expect to come across so much commerce as we traverse the mountains. But we have found a boulangerie for the morning!Read more
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Day 36–37
May 8, 2024 - May 9, 2024
1 night
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 166 m
France Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 43.162197, -1.23731643°9’44” N 1°14’14” W
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlant
May 8–9, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
It's a public holiday in France today and tomorrow (VE day and Ascension day respectively), so the roads are very busy; everyone is out enjoying themselves and motorhome parking in popular tourist places is at a premium! Nevertheless we've had an incredibly beautiful drive across the mountains and we've found a space in a park up in the beautiful town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The town is the starting point for the Camino Francés, the most popular option for travelling the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. (We met 2 women from the USA who were undertaking the walk).
The town is absolutely steeped in history and truly picturesque and full of tourists and pilgrims today. We've also had beautiful weather to enjoy exploring this lovely place.Read more
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Day 37–38
May 9, 2024 - May 10, 2024
1 night
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 470 m
France La Caserne 43.001117, -0.84330543°0’4” N 0°50’36” W
Gorges de Kakuetta, Saint Engrâce
May 9–10, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
We had another walk around the beautiful town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port this morning, very busy again on this public holiday. As we got back on the road crossing the Col d'Osquich and headed further across the mountains the traffic ebbed away and we enjoyed another breathtaking drive in beautiful sunshine. We reached our stopover in Saint Engrâce in time for lunch. We've found a free parkup close to the Gorges de Kakuetta. The gorges are actually closed at the moment ; a study is undergoing to secure the site. But there are beautiful walks in the area and so many beautiful natural sights. We were joined by 4 other motorhomes by evening in this lovely secluded spot. We are loving being in the mountains.Read more
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Day 38
Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:05 AM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 1,782 m
France Soum de Lèche 42.969331, -0.76778942°58’10” N 0°46’4” W
Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, Pyrénées
May 10, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
We've traversed several mountain passes today, so travelling slowly along narrow and very winding roads and being rewarded with the most terrific scenery (and lots of ear popping!). Our first pass was the Col de Soudet followed by the Col de la Pierre St Martin; we got out at the summit to stretch our legs, breathe in fresh mountain air and just enjoy our beautiful surroundings.Read more
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Day 38–39
May 10, 2024 - May 11, 2024
1 night
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 1,224 m
France Lac de Fabrèges 42.873767, -0.39380742°52’26” N 0°23’38” W
Lac de Fabrèges, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
May 10–11, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
We found a fantastic free park up at Lac de Fabrèges in Laruns, high in the mountains. Of course we have great views and lovely lakeside walks and as it's the weekend it's popular, so motorhomes and campervans aplenty! It's got a lovely relaxed vibe. Everyone is sitting outside eating and drinking and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.Read more
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Day 39
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 12:12 PM
☀️ 18 °C
Altitude: 1,549 m
France Col d'Aubisque 42.971668, -0.34690442°58’18” N 0°20’49” W
Col d'Aubisque, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
May 11, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
We took a drive on the Col d'Aubisque mountain pass this morning in glorious sunshine. It's steep, winding, narrow and with the reward of the most incredible views. It's popular with cyclists, alot were on the pass today and it is regularly part of the Tour de France. We stopped at the top and had our lunch and a short hike. We found some snow, Niska went nuts!
We would have liked to continue our drive onwards on the Col du Soulor but vehicles over 3.5 tons are not permitted so we drove back down the Col d'Aubisque, much quicker and easier than driving up!Read more
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Day 39–40
May 11, 2024 - May 12, 2024
1 night
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 535 m
France Laruns 42.986389, -0.43027142°59’11” N 0°25’49” W
Laruns, Pyrénées-Atlantiques
May 11–12, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Our park up today is at Laruns. We're close to both the town and numerous hiking trails and we have wonderful views. It's been hot today, it feels like a storm may be brewing!
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Day 40
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 10:29 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 556 m
France Laruns 42.98763, -0.43179442°59’15” N 0°25’54” W
Laruns (Sunday morning)
May 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We were in no rush to leave Laruns this morning so we had a walk into town to visit the very busy boulangerie...worth queuing for our bread and chocolatines (which we ate immediately!)
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Day 40–41
May 12, 2024 at 4:27 PM - May 13, 2024
1 night
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 530 m
France Pierrefitte-Nestalas 42.961045, -0.07939642°57’40” N 0°4’46” W
Pierrefitte-Nestalas, Hautes-Pyrénées
May 12–13, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
We have driven past Lourdes today (we visited in 2014, the pilgrimage site is well worth a visit but there are way too many tacky gift shops) to get to Pierrefitte-Nestalas in the central Pyrénées mountains.
Our park up is directly adjacent to a hiking trail further up into the mountains. It's cooler today so perfect hiking weather for the 3 of us. We had great views of the town from up high.Read more
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Day 41
Monday, May 13, 2024 at 10:18 AM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 494 m
France Pierrefitte-Nestalas 42.960579, -0.0771442°57’38” N 0°4’38” W
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Pierrefitte-Nestalas (Monday morning)
May 13, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Yesterday the mountains were shrouded in mist but today we have sunshine and clear blue skies and the mountains are in clear view.
We had a walk into town after breakfast to buy our daily bread. We were the last motorhome to leave the aire so no queuing to use the services.Read more
Traveler Spectacular view, Jacky
5/13/24Reply
Traveler Wow. Stunning
6/23/24Reply
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Day 41
Monday, May 13, 2024 at 1:07 PM
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 1,481 m
France Col d’Aspin 42.941719, 0.3275942°56’30” N 0°19’39” E
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Col d'Aspin, Hautes-Pyrénées
May 13, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Once on the road we drove back to Lourdes to fill up with LPG then we headed to the Col d'Aspin en route to our next stop. We had thought there may be a possibility we wouldn't take the Col because of the heavy mist in the mountains yesterday but clear skies meant we could drive one of our favourite roads in the Pyrénées. We've driven up and down this Col a number of times before. There was little traffic on the Col today in both directions, mostly cyclists and motorbikes and we had a lovely stop at the top to take in the views. Our next stop at Arreau is at the bottom of the Col. We very much enjoyed the drive today.Read more
Traveler Take care x
5/13/24Reply
TravelerThanks Wendy, hope you had a lovely weekend at Lyndon Top x
5/13/24Reply
TravelerWe did thanks, but it was too exposed, and Willow was too hot, so we left a bit early. A mountain breeze would suit her better lol x
5/13/24Reply
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Day 41–42
May 13, 2024 at 4:13 PM - May 14, 2024
1 night
☁️ 18 °C
Altitude: 705 m
France Arreau 42.902787, 0.35605542°54’10” N 0°21’22” E
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Arreau , Hautes-Pyrénées
May 13–14, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
We are staying in the absolutely charming mountain town of Arreau today and tonight. The historic heart of the town is full of buildings with remarkable architecture. On the main street, many of the residences date from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Our walk in and around the picturesque streets in the town took us over numerous bridges and footbridges and all of it surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains. It really feels like you've stepped back in time here.Read more
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5/13/24Reply
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Day 42–43
May 14, 2024 at 2:42 PM - May 15, 2024
1 night
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 504 m
France Mauvezin 43.11821, 0.27831943°7’6” N 0°16’42” E
Mauvezin, Hautes-Pyrénées
May 14–15, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
We had torrential rain overnight and similar forecast for the next week as well as a dramatic drop in temperature! So we have decided to move out of the mountains and head north. Of course that means we'll have to come back to this region, I think we're up for that challenge 😀.
We decided to take advantage of the poor weather today to get some chores done in Lannemezan; a big food shop and a stop at a Revolution Laundry.
Then a short drive to Mauvezin where we have a free nightstop next to the chateau. The rain abated and we had a couple of nice walks including around the chateau grounds. We've got great views from our motorhome and this is a lovely spot we have found . We are joined by Spanish motorhomers tonight.Read more
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Day 43–44
May 15, 2024 at 12:43 PM - May 16, 2024
1 night
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 155 m
France Laus 43.527734, 0.15918243°31’40” N 0°9’33” E
Marciac, Gers
May 15–16, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
We've said goodbye to the Pyrénées today, maybe our favourite region in France and moved into the Gers department; it was a beautiful drive.
We're staying in Marciac, this is a lovely bastide town which is known for its annual international Jazz festival which runs for a fortnight every summer. (The secondary school in town is called Collège Aretha Franklin; students have the option to study Jazz music!)
The town convent has been converted into a town hall and cinema and it has a lovely town square with restaurants and shops clustered around its four sides. It's been a bit rainy on and off today but we only got drenched once 😉.
Our parkup near the lake is provided free by the community, with a small charge for services which we don't need today. There are about ten other motorhomes parked with us. It's a lovely peaceful spot!Read more
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