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France. Spring 2025
  • timandjacky uk
  • timandjacky uk

France. Spring 2025

An open-ended adventure by timandjacky uk Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 29, 2025
    timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Small Marina stop opposite the aire
    Nice parkup with room to relaxSome very large barges use the river AaAire is on the edge of a small park with waterwaysPleasant walk up to the village churchLovely walks along the river side, with a bridge across to the village

    Watten, Nord

    Apr 29–May 2, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Our first stopover on our Spring trip to France is in Watten, about 45 minutes from Calais where we crossed to via the Channel Tunnel.
    Our aire is overlooking the River Aa, a very nice location and very popular, we took the last available spot when we arrived late afternoon.
    We had originally planned just to stay one night but our fridge/freezer stopped working. I rang 3 repair places but none could help so Tim set about doing some trouble shooting and of course he got it working again but time passed and we decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing in the sun and exploring the town when it got cooler...it's been very hot!
    1st May is a Bank Holiday across France so that was a good reason to stay here for another day. We were lucky to find a little local shop that was open so we could get supplies for lunch and dinner until we get to a supermarket tomorrow......our cupboards are a bit bare!
    We've enjoyed a lovely stay in Watten with motorhomers from France, UK, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Motorhome aire
    The town hallSt Vaast church

    Estaires, Nord

    May 2–3, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    It's been very hot today, after a stop at Longuenesse to stock up our food supplies we have driven to the small town of Estaires where there is a village aire for three motorhomes. A free stopover with a €2 charge for drinking water. We are next to a boulodrome with games going on throughout the afternoon. (The French love their boules).
    The town has 2 particularly notable buildings; a Flemish neo-renaissance town hall and the neo-gothic style church of St Vaast.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Church of Saint MartinSaint Amand abbey

    Saint Amand les Eaux, Nord

    May 3–4, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    We had a big drop in temperature and rain whilst we were travelling today to Saint Amand les Eaux.
    The town square is dominated by the tower of Saint-Amand Abbey which is one of the buildings remaining structures.
    We are staying by the sports centre alongside the River Scarpe.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Saint Pierre church
    The leaning spireMotorhome aire

    Solre le Château, Nord

    May 4–5, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We continue to travel south close to the Belgian border.
    Today's stopover is at Solre le Château. Aside from a very nice aire there isn't alot in the town other than the Chuch of Saint Pierre built in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, its leaning spire is visible from miles around.Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Lovely river side walks from the Aire
    The river and surrounding hills are beautifulThe Marie in the town centre has distinct architectureView along the quayside to the aireThe Aire is level and quiet next to the riverLovely river views from the motorhome

    Haybes, Ardennes

    May 5, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We drove through Belgium to get to our stopover at Haybes in the Ardennes. We are parked up on the banks of the River Meuse in a beautiful location. We enjoyed riverside walks and exploring the town which has lots of old and architecturally striking houses.
    We've had fine weather and a few degrees warmer today after rather biting winds yesterday.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    The Aire is near a well maintained canal
    Pleasant park near the aireUnusal Greek ionic style churchAire on the banks of the canal has all services available

    Dieue-sur-Meuse, Meuse

    May 7–8, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We are staying waterside again today, in the Meuse department now, parked up by the Canal de Meuse, a very nice stopover with lots of walking opportunities alongside the canal and into the town.

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    1Lovely walk down to the village via the ramparts walk
    Typically french, pretty medieval villageThe Sierck gate, One of three fortified gateways into the villageImpressive walls around the village give it the nickname Petite carcassonneLovely medieval garden against the village rampartsVillage was very quiet despite being a weekendEntrance to a small citadel that sits above the villageGreat views of the village and surrounding countrysideViews over the villageMotorhome aire, free to park with free services

    Rodemack, Moselle

    May 8–11, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We spent 3 days in the Beau Village of Rodemack which has the nickname of 'Little Carcassonne' thanks to both the imposing ramparts which surround the village and to the citadel.
    Rodemack is in the Moselle département of France on the borders of Luxembourg and Germany. We enjoyed lovely we ather while we were here and had the perfect mix of exploring the towns history and relaxing in the sunRead more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Another aire with individual bays, sits just below the citadelle
    Plenty of overflow parking for motorhomesViews from the citadelle down into the town belowThe citadelle has massive high wallsThe citadelle covered a huge area overlooking the townTown is pretty, with strong German influences, nestled in the surrounding forestsThe church within the citadelle wallsHoney I shrank my wife!Distintive alpine style churchesThe citadelle sits on top of the hill and dominates the town

    Bitche, Moselle

    May 12–13, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We found a lovely aire below the citadel walls in Bitche. It's very popular and the overflow parking area was also full of motorhomes and camper vans. Everyone was out enjoying the sunshine and the place had a very nice vibe.
    We had a lovely walk around the citadel walls with great views of the surrounding town below.
    Another free spot generously provided by the community.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Quiet Aire on the banks of the Rhine with views across to Germany
    Some massive barges travell alongvthe RhineNiska loved walking along the river edgePavilion of peace built by the local French and German neighbouring townsThe Aire is next to a free ferry crossing joining France and GermanyThe rhine gets busy at timesViews of one of the river cruise ships from the window

    Drusenheim, Bas-Rhin

    May 13–14, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We are now in the Bas-Rhin département; beautiful forest drives and exquisite villages. Our stopover is in Drusenheim on the banks of the Rhine; Germany is just over the river and a free ferry takes cars and passengers on the short crossing throughout the day.
    The river is also busy with cruise boats and barges. We had lovely walks alongside the river in beautiful weather. It's a very popular spot with locals but very peaceful at night.
    A fantastic place to stop.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Lovely views over the vineyards from the parkup
    Parking for motorhomes is in one of the villages parking placesNiska enjoyed a walk through the vineyards above the villagesAbandoned castle sits high above the villageCastle had a commanding view over the country side and vineyardsViews of the parking, village and beyond from a view point above the villagePretty houses on the main streetOne of the two churches on the villageVillage streetSurprised to see a stork nest in the villageSome of the village grape presses on display with scary looking manikins

    Mittelbergheim, Bas-Rhin

    May 14, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    On the wine route we stayed in the Beau Village of Mittelbergheim. The village is surrounded by vineyards and the houses and other buildings have a distinct German style.
    Such a beautiful place to explore and stay in, accompanied by glorious weather!Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    The village is surrounded by vineyards that stretch wherever you can see
    Above the village, the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle overlooks the valleyLots of quiet pretty streets in the villageThe church sits high in the villageThe town hall built 1782 has a commanding position at the centre of the village on the main streetThe village has narrow streets and tall buildingsThe boulangerie has excellent selection of tasty bread and patisseriesLots of pretty half timbered houses, built in German styleSome with lovely balconiesLots of the buildings feature ornate stone carvingsLots of wine merchants selling bottles direct to the public in the villageThe main street was very pretty, high buildings offering shade from the sunThe village was very pretty and colourrful with all the painted half timbered housesThe empress Eugenie bench (1874). A place for peasants to rest and place their loads1The parkup was in the middle of the vineyards, a 5 minute walk from the village

    Saint Hippolyte, Haut-Rhin

    May 15–16, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we are in Haut-Rhin in the wine region; staying in the beautiful village of Saint Hippolyte.
    Our parkup is amidst the vineyards.
    The ancient village is beautiful, lots of half timbered houses and higgledy piggledy streets. We enjoyed lots of beautiful walks.Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Fantastic views into the valley below from the motorhome
    Large parking area on winter skiing slopesLooking down the valley towards Sainte Marie aux MinesNiska enjoyed the views from her favourite seatParked up ready for the night. Weather is changeable at this altitudeCol de Bagenelles 905m sign next to the parkup

    Col des Bagenelles, Haut-Rhin

    May 16–17, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We enjoyed a very scenic drive high into the Vosges mountains and found a perfect spot to park up at the top of the Col de Bagenelles.
    We had fantastic views and great mountain walks.
    The temperature dropped by about 10 degrees but the air felt so clean.
    This spot is very popular with bikers for the photo opportunities and the winding roads.
    It was so quiet at night, just us and another campervan that joined us.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Impressive Town hall and school building in the village centre
    Church and surrounding area had been developed recentlyWar memorial with Le Coq on top (unofficial symbol of France)Swiss style chalet in hills over the villageThe village has a well stocked fishing lakeNice woody walk to next villageThe Aire (€8/24hr) included all services including 16A electricRevolution laundrette near to the aire entrance

    Plainfaing, Vosges

    May 17–19, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We drove down from the mountain into the valley and found a lovely aire in Plainfaing where we decided to base ourselves for the weekend for a bit of R&R .
    The weather was fantastic for relaxing and having a day off from driving.
    (We want to go back up the mountain roads but they will be very busy over the weekend).
    There was a great boulangerie in the village and we enjoyed a walk along the voie verte to the next village (Fraize), as well as exploring all of Plaifaing (its not very big!).    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    The Col is at an altitude of 1,343m, with parking and the Vue des Alpes restaurant
    The tree lined valleys were very green and provided a lovely driveNiska loved the hike to the topAir traffic control radar centre is an impressive building at the top of the mountainThe entrance to the radar station was very grand and seemed out of placeViews from top looking towards SwitzerlandThe radar station stands over a WW2 memorial to the Chasseur AlpinsFantastic views at the top of the highest mountain in the vosges (1424m)The Aire overlooked the popular tourist route de CrêtesBeautiful sunset over the mountainsLovely red sky at night.......Incoming storms forecast for the morning

    Col de Grand Ballon, Murbach, Haut-Rhin

    May 19, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We had the most scenic mountain drive today with a lunch stop at Col de la Schlucht and a quick pit stop to admire the views at Le Markstein and a final stop at Col de Grand Ballon where we are staying the night.
    The Grand Ballon is the highest mountain of the Vosges at 1,424 metres and our afternoon hike took us to the summit. The views were amazing of course.
    We stood with lots of motorhomes overnight and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and a very peaceful night.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Houses built on steep roads that are part of the french jura mountain range
    The ruined Château de Ferrette sits high above the townÉglise Saint-Bernard de Menthon is one of the oldest churches in Alsace dating back the 12th CThe Church built on a steep streetThe Aire was a short walk away from the town

    Ferrette, Haut-Rhin

    May 20–21, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today we had another very picturesque drive down from the mountains to the small town of Ferrette which is close to the Swiss border.
    We had a couple of stops en route; at Cernay to get our daily bread and at Hirzbach to fill up with fresh drinking water.
    Ferrete is a tiny place, we had a nice walk around, getting back to the motorhome about 30 seconds before an almighty thunderstorm with lightning and very heavy rain. Niska wasn't too keen and snuggled up under the dining table.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    The etang de la veronne is part of a large outdoor leisure area
    Motorhome parkup near several lakes just below the Vosges mountainsNice boardwalks cover the northern end of the lakeLots of wildlife, fish and birds on the waterNiska loved the sound and smells of the walkMotorhome parkup was in a large overflow carpark at the leisure parkNiska enjoyed a lot of freedom at the parkup

    Sermamagny, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

    May 21–22, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We were expecting a day of rain today but it didn't materialise until around 8pm, by which time we were hunkered down for the evening!
    We had another lovely drive, nudging briefly into Switzerland.
    We stopped at Delle to get food for lunch and fill up with diesel and lpg then onto our stopover at Sermamagny Lakes.
    The site has a large lake and other smaller ponds and a man-made beach. The location is dedicated to the observation and preservation of the ecological environment of the area. There are lots of walks, bird hides, and nature trails; a really beautiful place that we loved exploring.
    We had lots of room to park up and Niska enjoyed roaming around while we relaxed in the sun after our hike.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Lovely stream winding through the village
    Park by the aireMountain views from the villageThe area is very popular with cyclistsSaint Claude churchSki jumpHouses dotted in the mountainsA great wood stack for a bonfireNiska loved the walking trails in the mountainsVillage housesThe motorhome aire had plenty of space for big motorhomes

    Ventron, Vosges

    May 22–23, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    We had alot of rain overnight but this trailed off mid morning to give us a beautiful day.
    We had a lovely drive into the Vosges mountains with a pit stop at Le Thillot to top up with fresh water then on to our parkup at Ventron.
    A very nice aire on the edge of the village with fabulous views and great walking trails. We enjoyed our stay here.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Parkup in the village infront of the church
    Catholic Church dedicated to Saint Denis and MarieColourful village gardensLovely village housesAlpine style Village House in picturesque setting

    La Bourgonce, Vosges

    May 23–24, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    We had beautiful sunny weather again today. We are heading towards Saint Dié de Vosges where we have a vet appointment on Saturday morning.
    We are staying about 10 minutes away in the quiet and pretty village of La Bourgonce. We are parked up in front of the church where there are also full motorhome services. There is no charge for parking or services but we gave a donation for the church.
    We enjoyed exploring the village; it feels quite prosperous.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Vétérinaire Nexane
    Boulangerie near to the vet.

    Saint Die des Vosges

    May 24, 2025 in France ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We had an appointment with the vet this morning for Niska to have her worming tablet and to have her travel documents authenticated.
    Camille our vet was lovely and Niska didn't mind it at all but she would have preferred it if the tablet was wrapped up in a piece of ham like she gets at home (we spoil her!!)
    After the vet we stopped at the boulangerie a few doors down. Never before have I joined such a big queue for a boulangerie! It was definitely worth it, the bread (still warm) and pastries were delicious!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Bridge in Haironville over the river Saulx
    Lavoir; former wash houseA walk around the ancient villageSteps leading up to the churchFormer fire station from 18th centuryPlenty of room for motorhome parking

    Haironville, Meuse

    May 24–25, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We are edging north as we will be heading back to Blighty in a few days.
    We've driven North of Nancy to Haironville in the Meuse department.
    We are parked up by the Salle de Fêtes in this little town with lots of interesting old buildings.
    There was an event on in the Salle de Fêtes tonight, sounds like a good time was had by all with the last stragglers leaving at 3am. These people know how to party!! We were pretty tired; it didn't disturb our sleep particularly!    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    A walk beside the canal
    The aire was decorated with Chinese lanternsChateau MontebelloSaint Hilaire churchThe canal wending through the villageFirebugs .....everywhere on treetrunks!

    Mareuil sur Ay, Marne

    May 25–26, 2025 in France ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    Today we are staying in the beautiful village of Mareuil sur Ay. We stayed here in 2017 and were glad to have the opportunity to come back.
    Our aire is beside the canal where beautiful houseboats are moored.
    This looks to be a very prosperous area where there are numerous Champagne producers.
    We had lovely walks alongside the canal and around the village.    Read more

  • timandjacky ukFrance. Spring 2025Traveler
    Our aire....just us tonight
    Swans on the lake in the park opposite the aireA heron on the lakeDucklingsRabbits on the crazy golf coursePeace Gardens in the Chateau de Péronne

    Peronne, Somme

    May 26–27, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We are making our way north for our return to Blighty on Wednesday. We are staying in Péronne tonight. We've stayed here before and it's a good stopover for our return journey. We're parked up opposite a beautiful park which leads to the Chateau and the town .Read more

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