Switzerland and France - August 2011

[rjp130]

Just got back last night from a great trip!

Midnight ferry from Dover to Dunkirk 10th August Drove through the night round Brussels on through Luxembourg back into France and made it into Switzerland for around 6pm, found a campsite south of Bern with fantastic views of the Alps,a pool and restaurant. Didn't mean to drive for far and long! But the van was lapping up the miles in the sun on great roads with amazing views! One big TV screen in front and to the sides.

Stopped in Switzerland for 2 nights and get some rest before driving down to Kandersteg to collect my 11 year old daughter from the International Scout Camp. Then onto the Ardeche in France for some Canoeing on the River Ardeche.

No real journey was planned from Kandersteg to the Ardeche other than the destination campsite "le Riviera" near Sampzon.
Picked my daughter up on Sat 13th and asked if she wanted to go on a bit of scenic route?

She said "yes" so we went right up over the Alps through Chamonix, the van performed superbly even in 30C heat and 25mph up through the mountains.

Finally down into France and onto the Route du Soleil,(would recommend the "telepeage" tag via http://www.sanef.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for ease of use and no queuing through the peage.)

Made the Ardeche by 7pm found campsite easily, arrived, awning up, cold beer in 30 mins in 35C heat!
Hot day but well worth it for the views and shouts from my daughter about the scenery and other T25 going the other way- she is never going to grow out of shouting"camper van Dad!"

6 days in the Ardeche including 1 day paddling 25kms paddle down the River from Pont D'Arc to St.Michel d'Ardeche, great but my daughter gave up paddling after a few hundred metres!

We left the Ardeche on Friday am heading for Chaumont (about half way to Dunkirk) used the municipal camping in Chaumont, very big grassy plot with hook up for 14 Euro's.

Missed the 2pm Dunkirk ferry yesterday bit too ambitious at 60mph but never mind we got on the 4pm.

Then back home in Bath a 9pm last night.

Great trip, great roads apart from the UK M4,M25 etc ,great weather,fabulous company for 7 days.

The van seemed to revel in being able to stretch it's legs everything performed as it should, can wait for the next adventure.

[oorwullie]

that's a helluva lot of driving in a short time but you sound like you enjoyed it.

you mean st. martin i think and not st michel.

[rjp130]

Was a bit of driving and enjoyed it too!

You are right it was St Martin.