..after three years away we still hadn't forgotten how much we enjoyed this.
We managed about the same numbers of nights in the 'van in the UK during this period, and though it was a godsend post-lockdown, the UK simply isn't the same motorhoming experience as the Continent (more like short-stop caravanning).
We crossed on Eurotunnel around midday Saturday. As I'm not a fan of northern France we've been wont to overnight in the UK, and get an early train so we can head well South, but this time circumstances dictated different.
It was actually OK. An early start (we could tune an hour or so off) meant we could take our time and still be bumped forward 30 minutes on the crossing. Our target was to fill with fuel (cheap in France at the moment), and stock up with supplies at a supermarket, (in theory you can take little in with you at the moment, practice, given the complete lack of checking, is different). Both were possible at our first overnight target of Bergues (inland from Dunkerque), and we were on the Aire de camping car there by 15:30.
The Aire lived down to expectations (which is a bit unfair). It's a large, red shale "car park" with no facilities other than overflowing rubbish bins, and space for 25-30 vans. Plenty of space when we arrived, full by nightfall. It's also free.
The upside is that it abuts the town wall of Bergues, which is a surprisingly attractive town, accessible by a 3 minute walk. We had a good late afternoon stroll, followed by a similar evening. Despite a Jazz/Pop/Festival in the centre, with multiple sound stages, the night was entirely peaceful.
It proved a very useful transit stop, and one we would probably use again. Five minutes walk on the Sunday morning to the Boulanger/Patissier, and we were on our way.
First night over, we assumed our usual "follow your noses and the weather". Accordingly, we ended up on the Franco/Belgian border on an aire de camping car in a little town on the banks of the Meuse. Fantastic location with quiet grassed standing direct onto the river, and electricity, water and dump for €10 per night (plus an extortionate 22¢ tourist tax).
Mucho chill-out, and a good walk today up to a Roman encampment and viewpoint followed by an evening BBQ has rounded things off. (We're both still a bit challenged for distance).
It's the complete freedom (compared with the UK) that attracts. The weather tomorrow, and further out, may be a bit challenging, but we have a great amount of flexibility.
Germany is calling!
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Motorhome fettled new
Motorhome fettled new