France 2008

This was our first trip abroad in the new camper so we were really looking forward to it. We left late Saturday night on the 2nd August, BIG MISTAKE. We arrived in France at the beginning of the Public Holidays. It was fine up to around the Paris area then the traffic came to a standstill. Iv'e never seen such queues without the cause being an accident. We got off the motorways as much as possible and kept to the back roads heading in a general southerly direction. After 14 hours driving we stopped at a Campanile for the night just to get away from all the traffic. The following afternoon we arrived at Entraygues in the Lot valley where we stayed for 3 nights. We then went off to Camp des Tunnels in the Ardeche for another 3 days. A couple of days later we stayed with some friends in Traversay then headed home. 2 weeks is definitely not enough time!!

Our campsite at Entraygues with the hills behind and the river in front. There is a swimming pool with free access but I preferred the river.

The bull of Laguiole in the town square.

The town of Laguiole which specialises in knife making. There are stalls along the roads with men making the knives as you watch.

Estaing a lovely old town just SE of Entraygues.

A VERY hot day in the Lot Valley

The famous Millau Bridge.

A pretty little town nestled in the Gorge du Tarn.

We took our time enroute from Entraygues to the Ardeche so we could see a bit of the countryside and explore some of the smaller roads.

This interesting little hamlet seemed to be in the middle of nowhere with a zip wire and basket/metal barrel for people to get themselves across the river to the road from the hamlet. There appeared to be a track going from the hamlet but we never worked out where it joined the main road.

The caves of Madelaine a worthwhile visit not to far from Pont d'Arc.

A bird's eye view of the gorges and how the river had cut it's way through the rock.

An absolute haven for canoeists. The campsites were pretty crowded around this area.

One of the "Beaux Villages" of France, Conques sur Ciel.

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An interesting looking village that we never got to see.

Our last campsite before home, Samur. The most expensive one we had stayed at during the holiday.

The classic photo of Monet's garden.

Monet's garden at Giverney was worthwhile visiting as it is very beautiful. The downside is the hordes of people that are also visiting it in the high season. The shop at the exit was the best part for me, it was fascinating, you could look at all of his paintings there.

A trip to remember.