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France, Spring 2024
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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    3Surfer wipeout as the sun sets

    Montalivet les Bains, Gironde

    27–29 avr. 2024, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur

    Lac de Hourtin, Gironde

    29–30 avr. 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
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    Lège-Cap-Ferret, Gironde

    30 avr.–1 mai 2024, 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!En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur

    La Teste-de-Buch, Gironde

    1–2 mai 2024, 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!En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur

    Dune du Pilat, Gironde

    2 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur

    Gastes, Landes

    2–3 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur

    Mimizan Plage, Landes

    3–4 mai 2024, 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 😎.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur

    Vielle-Saint-Gerons, Landes

    4–5 mai 2024, 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!    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Relaxing in the sun (27C) before the thunderstorms arrived later
    Niska exploring the pine forestChapelle Sainte-Thérèse in the dunesDriftwood thrown high onto the beachesAdmiring the views, before the stormsPyrenees in the distanceThunderstorm approaching from SpainMiles of fine sand on the bay of biscayVery pleasant camping car park aire for the night

    Labenne, Landes

    5–6 mai 2024, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    View over Anglet towards spanish end of pyreneesLovely views of the lighthouse with rough seaAnother storm brewingNice covered walkway (near a golf course) along the beachAirepark parkup for the night with sound of the sea, was busy and not very level

    Anglet, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

    6–7 mai 2024, 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!    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Beautiful views over pyrenees mountains from the village
    Fantastic parkup locationÉglise Saint-Martin de SareTypical "baserri" basque style houseLovely village squareOne of the few streets leading to the village squareLarge Pelota (Basque sport) pitch in the middle of the village

    Sare, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

    7–8 mai 2024, 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!En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Old bridge into walled village
    Old bridge over the river NiveViews of the pyrenees from the walled villagePilgrims starting the 30 day Camino francés walk to the Santiago de Compostela In PortugalSome fantastic gardens seen from the walk along the village wallsVillage walls with mountain viewsBasque houses and gardens from the wallsView from one of the many arrowslitsLovely views of the river and mountainsPretty bridge just outside the villageNiska found a discarded baguette on our evening walk and wasn't going to give it upOld bridge into the villageVery pleasant Motorhome parkup next to village walls, got busy later (French bank holiday)

    Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlant

    8–9 mai 2024, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Fantastic weather for walking in the mountains
    View of the lakeQuiet parkup near the gorgesLake through the treesLake and mountains (some snow still visible)Surprised goats near waterfallSlightly menacingly staring goatsGoats checking out NiskaNiska checking out the goatsThe goats doing what goats doPretty small waterfallGreat location for a picnic spot at entrance to the gorgeEntrance to the gorge ( unfortunately was closed)Lac de la gave de sainte-engraceFantastic quiet parkup for the night (We were joined by other campers later)Enjoy the pyrenees sunshine

    Gorges de Kakuetta, Saint Engrâce

    9–10 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin marker 1760m (5774 feet) above sea level
    View of Pic d’Anie mountain in background from the colHandy parking space at the colViews over le pierre Saint-Martin massifPierre Saint-Martin ski resort a little further down the valleyAvalanche warnings! Bit of a drop on the rightSpectacular views and drops on the roadSome narrow ridges, with low headroom to negotiate in the motorhome

    Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, Pyrénées

    10 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    The col features on many tour de France races
    Lovely parkup for lunch at the top. Fantastic views, so quiet and air so clean.Top of the pass marker 1709m (5706 feet)View of the Valley we drove upMore mountain roads to negotiateRestaurant and memorial at the top (Niska was distracted as she had spotted another baguette)Spotted some tiny people inspecting the spokes on some parked bikes

    Col d'Aubisque, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

    11 mai 2024, 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!    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Hiking/biking trail along the old miners track
    View of the village and cloudy mountains beyondVillage bridge over the "Gave de Cauterets" mountain riverThe XI centuary Beaucens Château guarded the Valley. Today hosts birds of prey.Dark tunnel entrance on miners trailExiting the tunnel on the miners trackThe "Gave de Cauterets" runs down through the villageOne of the roads out of the villageMountain trail/miners track leading high above the villageAnother lovely mountain parkup for the night

    Pierrefitte-Nestalas, Hautes-Pyrénées

    12–13 mai 2024, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Fantastic views of the surrounding mountains without the previous days clouds
    1Snow capped Hautes-Pyrénées in the distance1The motorhome aire with clear skies

    Pierrefitte-Nestalas (Monday morning)

    13 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Famous tour de France landmark
    Views from the col are breathtaking (unless you are a dog)Proof that Tim was also on the tripPic du Midi (with observatory at the top)Parking space at the col, looking back at Pic du MidiArreau at the bottom of the Valley with the Hautes-Pyrénées in the distanceNext stop Arreau, 7.5 Miles (12Km) and 2500 feet (750m) below37.5 Miles (12Km) of narrow winding mountain roads down to our next stop at Arreau

    Col d'Aspin, Hautes-Pyrénées

    13 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Niska looking pleased that she was very brave crossing a scary metal foot bridge to get to town
    Arreau sits on the confluence of two mountain riversLovely bridge in the town centreView down the main streets to the Mairie ( town hall)The Maison des Lys, classified as a historic monument, in the centre of ArreauMaison de Saint-ExupèreMany pleasant waterside properties in the townPicturesque riverside walk around the town1Niska loved the walk, lots to sniff and exploreArreau Mairie (town hall) rebuilt in 1930sLe Château de Ségure d'ArreauMotorhome Aire (camping car park) plenty of room, but needed a bit of weeding

    Arreau , Hautes-Pyrénées

    13–14 mai 2024, 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.En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Road up to the Mauvezin Château fort and motorhome home parking
    The Château fort is built on a high rocky outcropThe Château fort is imposing from all approachesWatch tower overlooking the PyrénéesWatch tower gate guarding alternative route to the Château fortChâteau fort GoatsMauezin church with Pyrénées shrouded in cloudOne of the many tracks to walk along around the Château fortTrack up to the Château fort through the watch tower gateThe main watch tower guarding the route up to the Château fortMotorhome parkup for the night. With stunning views of the Pyrénées and Château fort

    Mauvezin, Hautes-Pyrénées

    14–15 mai 2024, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • timandjacky ukFrance, Spring 2024Voyageur
    Central market square with the Mairie, typical of a french bastile town
    Central square surrounded by couverts (arcades) containing all manner of shops/cafésInside view of typical couvertsOne of the historic houses, on a street leading to the central squareMarciac convent, now the town hall and cinemaView of the convent bell towerÉglise Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Marciac (lens distortion!)Lake a short walk away from the townMotorhome Aire with view of the church and convent bell towersVery well laid out Aire. Free to park, small charge for services/electricMarciac showing motorhome aire location

    Marciac, Gers

    15–16 mai 2024, 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!    En savoir plus

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