Well, here we are. Six months, three countries, countless baguettes, a few too many downpours, and one very determined search for a Mille-Feuille later — it’s time to hit pause on our travels. But not without one last hurrah!
The past few weeks have taken us from the hills of Rostrenen — where we had a lovely evening catching up with Ann and Bill (great company, questionable postcode) — back to the coast for a classic mix of laundry stops and grocery top-ups. Life on the road isn’t all sunsets and wine… sometimes it’s socks and supermarket queues.
We parked up beside the lake in Châtelaudren for a few quiet days at a peaceful little aire, soaking up the stillness and a few bonus hours of sunshine (we took photos as proof).
From there, we hugged the coastline, waving farewell to Brittany and meandering our way into Normandy. Cue a rollercoaster of weather: blazing blue skies one minute, torrential rain the next. We’ve had beach strolls, unexpected soaks, ice cream detours (purely for morale), and even some surprise reunions with friends along the way — the sort of simple, lovely moments that make this whole lifestyle a joy.
One of the highlights? Realising we were near some Only Fools and Horses filming locations. Naturally, we detoured to Gatteville-le-Phare and Barfleur, half-expecting Del Boy to pop round the corner in a Reliant van. Comedy gold, in picture-perfect French villages.
We also embarked on the Great Boulangerie Hunt — because John claims I can remember places solely by their pastry offerings. Forget landmarks or campsites, we’re navigating France by flaky layers and gelato.
And now… we’re back at Calais, waiting to board the ferry, looking slightly crumpled but full of stories (and probably a bit of sand). It’s been a brilliant, soggy, sunny, delicious six months. But now it’s time for something different.
Thanks for following along — until the next adventure!
Bon voyage (for now)
Parked up for the night in Rostrenen—a little rough around the edges, but it’ll do for a quiet stopover.
We spend a few peaceful days in Châtelaudren, nestled in the Leff valley, perfectly balanced between Brittany’s coastline and countryside charm.
Wandering Châtelaudren’s narrow lanes once bustling with artisans: from clog and chair makers to weavers, saddlers, haberdashers, and milliners who crafted their own felt.
The tide had just receded along this stretch of the Brittany coast—perfect conditions for a bit of shell hunting.
Craggy cliffs and hidden coves—this dramatic Breton coastline never fails to impress.
Cherrueix, a charming coastal village, offers sweeping sea views and a glimpse of Mont Saint-Michel on the horizon.
In Cherrueix, where we were greeted by a character we can only describe as the French version of Mr. Fiddler—cash only, of course! The site had a somewhat confusing pricing structure, but we made it work and stayed the night
Cara-Meuh is a family-run dairy farm that’s been here since 1929. In the wake of the 2009 crisis, the Lefranc family reinvented it—welcoming visitors and transforming their organic milk into artisan caramels, cheeses, and more. We could stay overnight, but decide to roll on.
Lots of shell displays in Coudeville-sur-Mer
A quiet pass-through at Coudeville-sur-Mer, tucked between sea and countryside.
Gatteville-le-Phare
Near Barfleur lies Gatteville-le-Phare—supposedly linked to Uncle Albert’s wartime tales. The kind of village that still whispers of memory.
Checking Vessel Finder—and strangely enough, the Trotter is moored just offshore. Small world.
Balfleur Harbour
This dovecote in Barfleur is believed to date back to the 15th century. Known as a pied dovecote, it stands alone—lined with stone nesting holes, each designed to keep droppings from soiling the one below.
Utah beach it’s an interesting place to visit
This unassuming building is said to be one of the original homes from the time of the D-Day landings at Utah Beach.
A contemplative walk along the sands of Utah Beach—where history lingers with the waves.
One of the “Three Trees of Liberty,” planted in Ouistreham, Utah Beach, and Montormel to commemorate 70 years since the D-Day Landings. Designed by Hervé Mazelin as part of the “70 Voices of Liberty” project.
A hit with British visitors—Mickaël and Stéphanie’s farm in Juaye-Mondaye is warm, welcoming, and full of local charm.
Inside the abbey at Juaye-Mondaye—quiet, contemplative, and beautifully preserved.
It’s a blustery day when we cross Pegasus bridge
With the circus taking over two previous sites we stop at we end up in Honfleur for the night
An old war bunker in Saint Valery on Caux
Saint‑Valery‑en‑Caux is historically significant as the site of the 51st (Highland) Division’s surrender in June 1940
Saint Valery Sur Somme and we catch up with Trevor and Ching over lunch, a perfect way to round out this stretch of the journey.
You never quite know what you will find at an aire when you arrive
Finally tracked down a Mille-Feuille
Another day another supermarket launderette better not forget they are on the back
Watching the old steam train pull into Saint Valery sur Somme
Just 22 miles from Calais we decide to park up at a small site in Henneveux for the night
Fort Mahon in Ambleteuse is the only offshore fort still standing from Cherbourg to the Belgian border
Today at Wissant Beach, we witnessed a real-time incident involving illegal immigration. A group of migrants stood in the water for around two hours, clearly waiting to be picked up by a boat. During that time, several police officers and other authorities arrived on the scene—but shockingly, no one made any attempt to intervene or stop the operation.
When I approached the police to ask why no action was being taken, I was told that if I didn’t stop asking questions, and if I didn’t leave the beach immediately I would be detained!! Ironically it was a British woman facilitating the whole thing!
Wissant tonight what a difference a few hours make
Coordinates for Aires used in France
Rostrenen
N 48° 14′ 1
W 3° 19′ 12
Châtelaudren
N 48° 32′ 19
W 2° 58′ 15
Planguenoual
N 48° 32′ 53
W 2° 35′ 51
Cherrueix
N 48° 36′ 5
W 1° 42′ 44
Vains
N 48° 40′ 25
W 1° 25′ 51
Coudeville-sur-Mer
N 48° 53′ 15
W 1° 34′ 2
Gatteville-le-Phare
Barfleur
N 49° 40′ 26
W 1° 15′ 53
Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
N 49° 24′ 48
W 1° 10′ 42
Juaye-Mondaye
N 49° 12′ 29
W 0° 42′ 23
Honfleur
N 49° 25
10″ E 0° 14′ 31
Saint-Valery-en-Caux
N 49° 52′ 20
E 0° 42′ 34
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
N 50° 10′ 56
E 1° 37′ 44
Montreuil
N 50° 27′ 34
E 1° 45′ 34
Henneveux
N 50° 43′ 58
E 1° 49′ 28
Ambleteuse
N 50° 48′ 58
E 1° 38′ 6
Wissant
N 50° 53′ 14
E 1° 40′ 16″