We had a pleasant journey through the Eurotunnel and are heading home to Andover. Enjoying a meal at “Too Fast Too Filling” was a nice way to satisfy our craving for their breakfasts and lunches after being away for an extended period. It’s often the small comforts and familiar places that make coming home or returning from a trip even more enjoyable. Now back to Andover!
It’s concerning to hear that the Wissant Aire had to be closed due to the discovery of unexploded ordnance on the beach. Wissant, being a coastal town, has a history tied to World War II, and occasionally, remnants from that time, such as unexploded munitions, can resurface.
Local authorities take such discoveries very seriously to ensure public safety. When unexploded ordnance is found, it often leads to temporary closures of areas for inspection and necessary disposal by bomb disposal experts.
During such closures, travelers are usually directed to alternative parking areas or accommodations while authorities handle the situation and ensure the area’s safety. It’s always best to follow the guidance provided by local authorities and respect the closures for your safety and the safety of others.
We were unaffected as we are moving on to the Tunnel tomorrow
Returning to a familiar spot like the Wissant Aire after nearly three months can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort for travelers. The Wissant Aire is a popular motorhome and campervan parking area located in Wissant, a picturesque coastal town in northern France.
Wissant is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy seaside activities. The Wissant Aire typically offers essential amenities like parking spaces, water, and waste disposal facilities, which are convenient for extended stays.
Staying an extra night in Pont-de-l’Arche because of excellent internet connectivity is a practical decision, especially if you wanted to catch coverage of a specific event like the AFC Bournemouth match with Aston Villa. Having reliable internet access while on the road can be a valuable resource for staying connected, whether it’s for work, communication, or entertainment.
It’s great that we had the flexibility to extend our stay and enjoy the convenience of good internet service. Pont-de-l’Arche’s location along the Seine River and its historical charm make it an appealing place to spend some extra time, even beyond practical considerations.
Pont-de-l’Arche is a lovely town situated in Normandy, France, known for its historical charm and beautiful surroundings. Parking areas and aires for motorhomes often undergo changes or improvements, such as relocating the parking spots closer to amenities like the Elsan point (waste disposal).
The new parking location was convenient, especially with its proximity to essential facilities like the Elsan point. Additionally, taking advantage of nearby supermarkets and bread shops is a fantastic way to stock up on essentials and experience local offerings while on the road.
Pont-de-l’Arche boasts a rich history, with notable landmarks like the Church of Notre-Dame des Arts and the picturesque setting along the Seine River. It’s a pleasant stop for travelers exploring the Normandy region.
Chateaudun is a charming town located in the Eure-et-Loir department in north-central France. The aire in Chateaudun is often a favored spot for travelers making their way back to Calais or exploring the Loire Valley region. Aires in France typically offer facilities for motorhome and campervan travelers, providing services such as electric hookups, water, waste disposal, and sometimes even basic amenities or nearby attractions.
Chateaudun itself is known for its picturesque medieval town with the impressive Château de Chateaudun, which is perched on a hill overlooking the Loir River. The castle is a major attraction, showcasing a blend of medieval and Gothic architecture and offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
Travelers often find the aire in Chateaudun a convenient stop, allowing for a restful stay while exploring the town and its historical sites.
We found a great stay at a municipal aire near Chateau-Larcher close to Poitiers, France. Municipal aires are popular spots for motorhome and campervan travelers in Europe, as they often provide essential services like electric hookups, water supply, and waste disposal facilities. These amenities make it easier for travelers to spend a night or more in their vehicles while exploring the surrounding area.
Chateau-Larcher is a small commune in the Vienne department of western France, and it’s not far from the city of Poitiers. Poitiers is known for its historical and cultural attractions, including its well-preserved medieval architecture, so it’s a great place to explore while you’re in the region.
Our journey through Bordeaux took an unexpected turn when we decided to spend the night right next to a charming church. The experience was nothing short of enchanting as we were treated to a unique spectacle of youthful enthusiasm and architectural marvels.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux, we parked our trusty campervan right next to the centuries-old church. It was a serene setting, with the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze and the distant echoes of a church bell ringing. We couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque backdrop for our overnight stay.
Our evening’s magic began when we noticed a series of buses parking nearby. Curious, we ventured closer to discover the source of the excitement. To our amazement, hordes of school children disembarked from the buses, their faces alive with curiosity and wonder. It turned out that this charming church was a destination for local school field trips, and we were about to witness their visit firsthand.
The illuminated façade of the church, with its intricate stained glass windows and ornate stone carvings, provided a stunning backdrop for the children’s excitement. We watched as they entered the church with wide eyes and hearts full of awe. The serene aura of the sacred space seemed to capture their imaginations, leaving them in quiet contemplation and reverence.
As the children explored the church’s interior, their laughter and whispers filled the air. It was a heartwarming sight, witnessing the next generation connecting with the rich history and culture of this beautiful city. It reminded us of the importance of preserving such heritage for future generations.
The night was spent in the company of youthful exuberance and timeless architecture. We fell asleep to the soothing chants of the children’s choir rehearsing within the church, creating a symphony that echoed through the night.
Waking up by the church was just as magical as our evening. The morning sun bathed the church in a soft, golden light, giving it an ethereal glow. We departed from our overnight spot with hearts full of gratitude for the unexpected joy we had experienced. Bordeaux had welcomed us with open arms and had gifted us a night we would cherish forever.
If you’re ever in Bordeaux, I highly recommend parking by a church and experiencing the serenity and wonder that unfolds. You never know when you might stumble upon a heartwarming scene like this, where the past and present converge in a beautiful dance of discovery.
This was going to be a driving day and get 300km closer to Calais. Wen left at around 10:30am and heading towards France but not going to cross the border until tomorrow.
Around 1pm we stopped at a service station and filled with fuel and got bread for lunch together with the iced coffees we tried yesterday. After another hour we arrived in a rural location which is an Aire but has park land surrounding it. The location is great. Another Brit couple hailing from Cornwall followed us in and we chatted for a few minutes.
Nothing much happened this evening so its early to bed. Maybe another 3 hours driving tomorrow to Bordeaux
Over night our red warning light was shining through the darkness indicating that our waste tank was full. It was only yesterday when we got a dribble out of the open tap so I wasn\’t expecting that.
After breakfast we again drove road to the drive-over drain and opened the tap….it has to be blocked. A long cable tie poked up through the open tap soon had the water flowing and the tank was empty. We left the aire around 10:30am and started our 3 hour drive. Almost immediately I spied a fuel station so I took the opportunity to fill with diesel and AdBlue.
We had decided to find a campsite but I wanted to press on today as the sun was out and as it was Sunday there was not so many lorries on the road.We made for Salamanca where we stopped at some services. We bought bread for lunch and also some Iced Caramel coffees which surprisingly were very good.
Arriving at our Campercontact stop on the outskirts of Valladolid we joined 2 other vans and settled down for the afternoon. We are adjacent to a park area and have a Spanish family one side whilst we have a French van the other. Tomorrow we will be almost out of Spain and probably about half way back to Eurotunnel.
