Back in France, and though it’s only been a few weeks since we were last here, it feels like months have passed. As we begin this final stretch of this year’s adventure, we follow the roads that wind through familiar landscapes, passing by rustic villages where time seems to stand still.
Each day, as we head further north, the sun slowly disappears, replaced by a steady curtain of rain that follows us all the way to Calais. Still, it’s not without its highlights, especially catching up with Pete and Dawn for a few days. There’s something special about seeing familiar faces when you’re constantly on the move.
As we meander towards Calais, it’s impossible not to reflect on how this trip has been, and just how different each country we’ve passed through feels. Traveling through Spain, France, and Portugal in a van is like embarking on a road trip with three distinct personalities — all charming in their own way, but each with its quirks, especially when it comes to weather, cost of living, and the inevitable language barriers.
Spain, particularly in summer, feels like driving a mobile oven. The sun is unforgiving — you might as well cook dinner on the dashboard and save the gas. The heat is relentless, but it’s worth it for the incredible landscapes and late-night tapas under the stars.
In contrast, northern France greets you with rain — not the gentle kind, but a constant mist that turns the world outside your window into a scene straight from an old French film. The locals are ever-persistent in their loyalty to the French language, even if they speak other languages. We quickly master the art of pointing at pastries and saying “croissant” in ways you never thought possible, just to get by. Sure, fuel and food are pricier, but there’s something wonderfully comforting about stopping at a café and enjoying the best Mille-Feuille cake you’ve ever had.
Then there’s Portugal, where the weather is a total wild card. One day you’re basking in the heat, and the next you’re layering up to brace against the winds or fires that occasionally sweep through the region. But with cheaper living costs, it’s easy to splurge on the local treats — especially the addictive pasteis de nata, which we normally consume by the dozen, but were quick controlled this year. Don’t think you can skate by with Spanish, though. The Portuguese will stare at you like you’ve just insulted their ancestors. Stick with “Obrigado!” and your best smile.
In summary? Spain is for sweating, France is for fancy yet expensive treats, and Portugal is for playing weather roulette while feasting on pastries. Traveling through all three in a van? It’s an adventure like no other — one that constantly keeps you on your toes and reminds you of the beauty (and occasional chaos) of the open road. So with our 90 days nearly up we head to the ferry where the wet and blustery weather waits to help us across the water.
Back in France we head for the coast and spend the night in Labenne where its a short walk to the sea
Home for the night in Labenne, its quiet when we arrive but soon fills up
Domaine de Brandeau which was formerly Château La Peyraude, is run by Christelle, Jean Luc and Raphaël Counilh who produce several different wines and run a motorhome stop too. They are very friendly so we spend the night amongst the vines and its a free stop with the purchase of a bottle of wine.
Over the next couple of weeks, we make our way slowly back up to Calais, where the ferry awaits to carry us across the channel to Dover.
We pass through Montrichard, a nice town in the Loire Valley of France, that briefly appears in the film *Catch Me If You Can*
We spend a wet and rainy night in Tour-en-Sologne. Situated on the Beuvron River, Tour started as a small military outpost charged with monitoring the region. It was established by Charlemagne’s charter of approximately 800 to defend the abbey of Saint-Aignan-d’Orléans, a major landowner in Tour. Others claim that Tour draws its name from a mound surmounted by a tower, where the church’s surrounding wall is located today.
At Wissant the rain finally stops so we get out for a walk and an ice cream
As we enter the village of Escalles, the signs of persistent rain are everywhere. The usually quiet vikkage is now marred by swollen streams overflowing their banks, turning roads into rivers of murky water.
Co ordinates of Aires used in France
Labenne
N 43° 35′ 47
W 1° 27′ 17
Domaine de Brandeau
N 44° 46′ 28
W 0° 6′ 12
Coutras
N 45° 2′ 29
W 0° 7′ 59
Chalais
N 45° 16′ 18
E 0° 2′ 30
Verteuil-sur-Charente
N 45° 58′ 47
E 0° 14′ 7
Tour-en-Sologne
N 47° 32′ 14
E 1° 29′ 58
Mesnières-en-Bray
Wissant