We leave a chilly Spain behind and finally cross the border into France via Portbou where, to John’s complete shock, the sun is actually shining. Apparently, according to him, sunshine only exists in Spain or Portugal. Well, France clearly decided to prove him wrong because the weather suddenly turned the dial up several notches. One minute we’re wrapped in hoodies; the next, we’re peeling off the layers and searching for the nearest cold drink.
Our next stop is Saint-Cyprien for a few days to deal with the not-so-glamorous side of this travelling lifestyle… otherwise known as grocery shopping, laundry, and arguing over what’s a priority to be washed next. Honestly, it feels like I have spent more time looking for launderettes than tourist attractions recently. Anyway, with blue skies overhead, palm trees swaying, and the snow-topped Pyrenees sitting dramatically in the background, even carrying bags of washing suddenly feels quite continental.
Of course, France also means boulangeries are everywhere and it was at our next stop that we found an absolutely dangerous mille-feuille from Le Fournil. Layers of flaky pastry, cream flying everywhere, sugar all down my top basically elegance at its finest, but absolutely delicious.
Over the next ten days we stop at several places along the coast but the time has just flown by, and now it’s time for John and I to part ways for a few weeks.
While my boys head off for the glamour, yachts, and champagne of Monaco Grand prix, I’m off on a little adventure of my own to catch up with family and friends.
As I leave John alone with the motorhome, he seems quite excited about me flying home while he stays in the van, mainly because apparently once I take all my clothes, makeup, and “essential” bits with me, the van will suddenly become lighter, faster, and far less cluttered. What he seems to forget is that along with the extra weight also goes the person who normally cooks, helps top up the water, does the shopping, and somehow knows where everything is stored. I’m sure solo van life will sound wonderful right up until the water tank needs filling, the fridge is empty, and he realises crisps and biscuits don’t actually count as proper meals. Or there is the slight chance he’ll become completely self-sufficient and no longer need his cabin crew to doors, but honestly, who knows what chaos lies ahead?
So, as John drops me off at Montpellier airport carrying nowhere near the amount of stuff he would have liked me to have packed, I’m off to do some duty-free shopping so here’s to the next chapter.
Honestly, I’m starting to think the washing basket travels more than we do, no sign of Gloria here either to help or chat to
St Cyprien Marina
Tonights park up in St Cyprien we have views of the snow topped Pyrennes
When the plant pots are taller than you…
Port Barcarès
A visit to a boulangerie, and the star of the show was definitely the mille-feuille, cream everywhere, absolutely no regrets in buying this
Great views of the Pyrennes at tonights park up Étang de Leucate
Old town Gruissan and port
Lots of colourboats moored along the Canal du Midi
It’s a hot day sight seeing in Bezier
When we spot Movenpick is on the menu we stop for lunch
Bezier is full of grand buildings and huge statues
Its twenty years ago since we last came to Palavas-les-Flots and not much as changed
Cabin crew to doors… feet up! No cross-checking for me for a while…. just crossing my fingers for an empty seat next to me!
Aired used in France
Saint-Cyprien
N 42° 37′ 4
E 3° 2′ 5
Port Barcarès
N 42° 48′ 7
E 3° 2′ 1
Leucate
N 42° 54′ 49
E 3° 1′ 12
Gruissan
N 43° 6′ 15
E 3° 5′ 59
Béziers
N 43° 19′ 52
E 3° 13′ 39
Palavas-les-Flots
N 43° 31′ 53
E 3° 55′ 23