Our First Few Weeks in France: Adventures, History, and New Friends
As we mark our first couple of weeks on the road with @WeDriveTheWorld, our journey has already been filled with unforgettable moments, from exploring charming French villages to making new friends along the way. Our Toyota Hilux and Tischer truck camper have proven to be the perfect companions as we discover the beauty and history of France. From the beaches of Normandy to the medieval streets of Carcassonne, we’ve experienced a whirlwind of adventure, laughter, and a few bumps in the road. Here’s a look back at the highlights of our time in France so far.
Saint-Valero-en-Crux and Normandy: The Calm Before the Storm
Our journey began in the tranquil village of Saint-Valero-en-Crux, nestled in the heart of Normandy, where we spent our first night. The peaceful surroundings provided a welcome respite after weeks of preparation for our trip. It was here, amid the rural charm of the French countryside, that we truly began to embrace the freedom of life on the road.
Le Mont Saint-Michel: A Thousand Years of History
From our park-up in Normandy, we ventured to one of the most iconic landmarks in France: Le Mont Saint-Michel. This breathtaking medieval abbey, perched on a rocky island off the coast of Normandy, has been a symbol of French heritage for over a thousand years. As we crossed the causeway to the island, we were struck by the stunning views of the surrounding bay, which is known for its dramatic tides.
The island has a rich history, once serving as a place of pilgrimage, a military stronghold, and later a prison. Today, it remains a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors from around the world. We wandered through its narrow streets, soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient place, imagining the monks who once walked these paths in their quiet devotion. It was hard not to feel the weight of history in every step, and the sense of awe was palpable.
La Rochelle: Coastal Charm and New Connections
Next, we headed to La Rochelle, a beautiful coastal city on the Atlantic coast. Known for its well-preserved medieval port and vibrant maritime culture, La Rochelle immediately won us over with its charm. We spent the afternoon strolling through the historic Old Port, surrounded by the city’s iconic 14th-century towers, which once protected the city from pirate attacks. The mix of history and the salty sea breeze made it feel like we had stepped into another era.
It was here that we met Jules and Josh, a young couple from Nottingham, who were also on their own adventure across Europe. Jules and Josh had just started their journey, having spent months building out their VW campervan with the help of Josh’s dad. They were new to van life, just like us, and it was refreshing to connect with fellow travelers who shared the same excitement, uncertainties, and dreams.
Over a bottle of wine, we swapped stories of our respective journeys so far. It felt wonderful to share our experiences with like-minded people, especially since travel can often be a lonely experience. We laughed, exchanged tips, and talked about our plans for the road ahead. Those connections, however brief, are one of the most rewarding parts of this journey, and it was comforting to know we weren’t alone on this adventure.
Arcachon and the Beaches of Southwest France
Arcachon from the air
After saying goodbye to Jules and Josh, we continued our travels along the stunning French coastline, making our way to Arcachon. This picturesque seaside town offered the perfect opportunity for a long beach walk, where we marveled at the expansive sand dunes and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. The town is famous for its oyster farming, and we indulged in some of the freshest oysters we’ve ever tasted. It’s these simple pleasures that make the journey feel all the more special.
Villars de Bogade: The Best Advice We Ever Received
During our journey, we also crossed paths with Michael and Marlene in the charming town of Villars de Bogade. They shared a piece of advice that truly resonated with us: “Don’t put your journey on a map; it only shows where you haven’t been.” It was a moment of clarity. We had been so focused on ticking off places on our map, but their words reminded us that the true value of our journey lies in the experiences, people, and memories we create, not the destinations. This profound piece of wisdom has stuck with us ever since, and we now approach each day on the road with a deeper sense of freedom, rather than feeling like we have to check off every place we visit.
Carcassonne: A Medieval Fairytale
The City walls of Carcassonne
From the coastal charm of Arcachon, we journeyed inland to Carcassonne, a medieval fortress city in the south of France. Carcassonne’s fortified walls, towers, and drawbridges are straight out of a fairytale, and walking through the cobbled streets felt like stepping back in time. The city dates back to Roman times, but it’s most famous for its stunning medieval citadel, which has been meticulously restored.
We parked up at Val-de-Dagne and spent the evening enjoying the local food and wines, surrounded by the city’s historic walls. There’s something magical about dining in a place so rich in history, where the past and present come together seamlessly. We reflected on how much we had seen and done in such a short time, grateful for the experiences that had already shaped our journey.
Reflecting on Our First Weeks: The Freedom of the Open Road
As we continue our journey through France, we’re constantly reminded of the beauty of slow travel. There’s no rush to cover every landmark or city; instead, we’re focusing on savoring the moments, immersing ourselves in the local culture, and meeting people who make the road less traveled so rewarding. Whether it’s sharing stories with Jules and Josh over wine, receiving life-changing advice from Michael and Marlene, or exploring the ancient streets of Le Mont Saint-Michel, these early weeks have been filled with moments that we’ll treasure forever.
The road ahead is long, and we can’t wait to see where it leads us next. But for now, we’re content to take our time, enjoy the journey, and continue exploring the wonders of Europe. Stay tuned as we continue to share our adventures, encounters, and the stories that make this trip unforgettable.
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This version now includes Michael and Marlene's advice, maintaining the flow and integrating it naturally into the post. Let me know if you need any further tweaks!
