The Big France Trip - Summer 2014

paul56

Thanks for all the effort you have put in to write this D. Much appreciated. Didn't take the 'van abroad this summer - your post makes me realise what we missed!

royandsharont

Thanks for the additional info David. I have never been to Monaco but I did have a friend who was Captain on John Paul Getty's yacht and he was always in port there with his guests. How the other half live eh! Regards, Roy

DSB

Thanks for all the effort you have put in to write this D. Much appreciated. Didn't take the 'van abroad this summer - your post makes me realise what we missed!

Thanks Paul.  Still have a handful of photos to go...

David

DSB

Thanks for the additional info David. I have never been to Monaco but I did have a friend who was Captain on John Paul Getty's yacht and he was always in port there with his guests. How the other half live eh! Regards, Roy

It's worth going just for the fireworks, but it's heavy going on the feet!!  When we were waiting for the fireworks, we were approached by a young lady who actually spotted the dog and approached us because she was missing her own dog (the same breed) at home.  She was working on a large boat owned by some rich Australian lady and seemed to be enjoying herself, although she said the work was hardand the hours long.  How the other half live indeed!!!

David

DSB

14 August THURSDAY (Neydens) Visit Old Bridge at Cruiselles and La Saleve.

We arrived at Neyden's, still in France, but near Geneva on 13 August.  It was damp and a little wet underfoot.

On the 14th we went to visit an old bridge just South of Cruseilles.  The floor of  the bridge still had wooden slats - luckily closed to traffic but you could walk across...

After a stoll across the bridge and back we drove up to Mt Soleve for lunch and a view over Geneva...

David

 

DSB

15 August FRIDAY (Neydens) Visit Yvoire

We started off by aiming for Evian, but the place was so busy we decided not to stop.  Instead we went to Yvoire - a medieval village on the banks of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman).  Very busy little place - full of tourists.  Lots of tourist type shops!!

David

DSB

16 August SATURDAY (Neydens) Vist Lake Annecy

We couldn't even park the car when we went to Annecy - it was so busy.  Instead we drove up into the hill for lunch and then on the way down bumped into a French bride on the way to the church..

...then we did a circular tour of Lake Annecy stopping off at various points...

In the meantime, back at the campsite, the English had arrived!  A Caravan Club Rally organised by the North London Centre...

David

DSB

17 August SUNDAY (Neydens) Visit Geneva & Switzerland

We certainly chose a good day for our little visit to Geneva and Switzerland.  A good view of the lake and famous fountain....

As we drove out of Geneva the Swiss side we go a view we weren't expecting.  Mt Blanc in all it's glory....

David

DSB

18 August MONDAY (La Rochette, Melun) Travel from La Columbiere to Camping La Belle Etoile, Quai Maréchal Joffre, La Rochette, France

One final photo of the pitch at La Columbiere, before packing up and setting off for Melun.  This would have been a grass pitch but they put down some stones so that we didn't get the full effect of the soft ground.

David

DSB

19 August TUESDAY (La Rochette) Carol & Anna visit Paris
20 August WEDNESDAY (La Rochette) Visit Gorges d'Apremont, towns on the Seine

On the Tuesday, Carol and Anna just had to visit Paris and I willingly volunteered to stay behind with the dog.

Wednesday we went to find the Gorges d'Apremont.  Lots of vegetation meant it was quite difficult to capture on camera...

Lizzie seemed to enjoy eating the vegetation...

A quick whizz through Fontainebleau...

...and a short ride alongside the Seine...

......and back to the site at Melun ready to pack up....

David

DSB

21 August THURSDAY (Chalon-en-Champagne) Travel from La Rochette to Chalons-en-Champagne

22 August FRIDAY (Chalon-en-Champagne) Visit Epernay and Champagne Route (Vets @ 17h.30)

23 August SATURDAY (Chalon-en-Champagne) Day at Campsite - picnic lunch out.  Pack up day.

We had little time at Chalon, but we needed to visit the vet so that Lizzie could visit the vet.  She got the VIP treatment.  No messing with worming tablets, the vet gave her an injection and we were on our way.

We did manage to squeeze in a ride through the 'Champagne Route' and a visit to Epernay......

Avenue de Champagne, Epernay....

Well, our holiday was almost over.  Saturday was pack up day and visit to the supermarket!!!  It was on the way back to the site from the supermarket that we realised that one of the fuel injectors had gone on the car.  We still managed to limp back to Calais
and subsequently, back home.  Car now fixed.  Here's to the next time....... Au Revoir France!

David

JaneandIan

Fantastic pics David. Many thanks! We've been to the wonderful Mont Ventoux (Ian and his friend have cycled up from Bedoin) and are regualar visitors to the Chalons site - but your other amazing pics encourage further exploration. We do love France!

Laowjo

I've loved looking through your pictures David, a really lovely way to  share your trip around France. Nice to see some of the places we have visited and many more that are on our 'to do' list. As huge Tour de France followers, the Ventoux is a definite!

Thanks Again!

milliehull

I have absolutely loved all your photos and stories of your trip.  It looks wonderful.  I particularly liked the picture of Mt Blanc. Are you planning next year's trip yet David?

Georgiejuniorgirl

Thanks again . Absolutely wonderful , reading this and seeing all your lovely photos has really cheered me up . I hope more people do the same x

brue

Really enjoyed all the pics and descriptions. We've got friends near Epernay so it was nice to see the champagne countryside at the end of your trip.

DSB

Wow!  Thank you all so much for the lovely comments - really pleased that you have enjoyed looking at them.  I've learnt quite a lot doing a 'story' in this way.  Perhaps my biggest lesson is that on photo is worth more than a whole detailed description.  Not began to think about next year yet, but we have plenty of time.

Best wishes

David

magnet

thank you for sharing with us your holiday, great reading and love the photo's it's given us idea's for future holidays.

dave & sue

DSB

thank you for sharing with us your holiday, great reading and love the photo's it's given us idea's for future holidays.

dave & sue

Thanks Dave & Sue.  Glad it's been useful.  I've actually really enjoyed doing it.  It's given me the chance to sift through lots of photos and to remind me of all the places we visited.

David

DSB

I have absolutely loved all your photos and stories of your trip.  It looks wonderful.  I particularly liked the picture of Mt Blanc. Are you planning next year's trip yet David?

Looks as if next year will be a UK holiday, Millie.  Our son is getting married on August 1st and our youngest daughter has to start back to 6th form academy half way through August.  We'll only have a clear run of about two and a half weeks, so not really
long enough for a big trip over the channel.  Thinking of Pembrokeshire next year.

David

Urchin

David, what a fantastic journal. Have been vanning to France since going with my parents in 1967. But have only ever once visited this area some 20+ years ago. So, your account of your holiday has inspired me to visit this area next year.

Many, many thanks, now can't wait for next June / July to come round.

DSB

Hi Urchin.  You'll have to do a report of your visit next year too.  I'll look out for it.  LOL Glad you enjoyed reading

David