We’re back in beautiful France, and guess what? The temperature is just as sizzling as ever! To beat the heat we are hopping between camping car park sites near the sea or next to campsites with swimming pools. At one point I found myself sprawled out on the motorhome floor, desperately searching for a whisper of breeze, who knew that “cooling off” could turn into such a workout?
Our first stop is the picturesque Cerbère motorhome aire, nestled next to the municipal campsite and surrounded by enchanting pine forests. The views of the Vermeille coast are absolutely breathtaking, with sunrises so stunning they’d make even the most dedicated night owl consider becoming a morning person. If you’re a fan of wild nature and tranquility, this is your spot. The coves of pebbles along the rocky coast are perfect for a quiet escape.
Of course, what’s an adventure without a few unexpected passengers? We’ve picked up a hitchhiking army of ants. So, we spent a delightful morning fumigating the van, armed with insect spray and a determination to reclaim our mobile home.
Over the next week, we spent our time soaking up the sun at Alenya, Carcassone and Revel. Our days were a mix of lounging by the van, making a splash in the pool, and then heading out for a leisurely walk around 10ish in the evening when the temperature was slightly more forgiving.
Surrounded by a sea of motorhomes, I couldn’t resist joking with John about trading him in for a man with air conditioning. Let’s be honest, the allure of cool, breathable air is hard to resist when you’re melting faster than an ice cream cone in July!
As we wrap up another week and the nights are only marginally cooler, it’s safe to say I’m not exactly winning any popularity contests for wanting to return to France. But hey, who needs to be the flavor of the month when you’re a walking, talking sauna, right?
Ah, the joys of life on the road!
After a walk down a rubble track we find a small cove in Cerbère, but it’s tricky getting in and out of the water because of the rocks
Amazing views out to sea where we watch the boats passing until late
Just as the temperature finally drops, the wind starts blowing a hooley and our table takes flight, not sure how this bottle of wine survived its hit the floor several times and the awning’s flapping like it’s a kite
We only venture out for a walk late evening in Alenya
Our motorhome now looks like a crime scene from a Cocaine documentary. With powder everywhere, I just hope no one decides to search us—explaining our battle with the ant army might sound like the world’s worst cover story.
John has turned into a weather version of the speaking clock. Every hour, I get updates on what the temperature would be if we were still in Spain. “It’s 35 degrees here, but in Malaga, it would be a perfect 29!”
A trek up Carcassonne’s steep steps has me melting. So we retreat to the van, sit in the shade, where we are serenaded by the campsite’s entertainment, which sounds like they’ve hired Margarita Pracatan for the night
In Revel the saga of me trying to stay cool continues so we go to the Municipal swimming pool where we get free entry by showing the Camping car park card
Great selection of bread at the market in Revel, we buy a nutty wholemeal for lunch
Whilst walking round the market in Revel I heard a voice that made me do a double take faster than you can say “Oh, what’s occurring?” I would recognize that distinctive Welsh lilt anywhere—it was none other than Rob Brydon, the beloved Uncle Bryn from ‘Gavin and Stacey’ sipping his espresso and chatting away.
Not sure what fish are being breed in the garden next to the aire in Revel but they go a little bonkers when it’s feeding time
Early evening when it starts to cool down John manages to get out for a bike ride
Coordinates for Aires used in France
Alenya
N 42° 38′ 11
E 2° 59′ 11
Carcassone
N 43° 12′ 0
E 2° 21′ 10
Revel
N 43° 27′ 13
E 2° 0′ 50