photographs taken by John James of jj99 for the website "www.jj99.co.uk" photographs are in albums grouped under "French Touring Holidays""European Touring Holidays""Self drive tour of California""Short breaks with Tonbridge and Malling Ramblers Association""HRH Prince Charles""Chelsea Flower Shows""Alternative Fashion Show,London""KATS walking group trwinning with Actif Hainalt Marche, Valenciennes"

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French Caravan Tour 2012

Palais de Justice, Nevers

Palais de Justice, Nevers

A six week tour towing our caravan starting on Wednesday 15th August and ending on Friday 28th September avoiding toll roads and using ACSI card or Camping Cheques where possible. ( both offer off peak site discounts)

Total Mileage 1884 -- (plus 535 miles touring from campsites= 2419miles grand total)

This year we started by driving direct from Calais to a municipal campsite at Guignicourt where we had stayed some years ago - the roads were quite as it was a public holiday ( Assumption Day ) but we decided to stick to the motorways to save time. Our planned route was Annecy (Alps)- Corps ( on the Route Napoleon )Nyons - St Enemie ( Gorge du Tarn) - Palau del Vidre and returning on the A75 Meridienne motorway across the Milau Viaduct .This is one of our favourite routes and much of the motorway runs at an altitude in excess of 800 m (2600 ft) with 50 km in excess of 1000 m (3250 ft).

None of the sites were pre booked and most sites had plenty of spare capacity

we changed our planned itinerary by missing out Troyes & St Claude and staying at Challons en Champagne

To see my Picasa Photo Album on this tour click on the direct link:- https://picasaweb.google.com/117434740516160383548/FrenchCaravanTour2012?locked=true

A summary chart giving details of mileages travelled and campsites follows the photographs

Please e mail your comments and suggestions about this site to :- info@jj99.co.uk

 
Home to Guignicourt 210 miles Guignicourt to Chalons en Champagne 50 miles

ignicourt

St Piere Church Guignicourt

A typical long straight, traffic free 'N' road in northern France

A typical long straight, traffic free 'N' road in northern France

 

Porte Sainte-Croix Chalons en Champagne

Porte Sainte-Croix Chalons en Champagne
Chalons en Champagne was close to the Champagne Capital of Epernay

Roudnabout in Epernay Capital of the Champagne region

Epernay Capital of the Champagne region

On site at Chalons en Champagne

 

A typical Champagne House at Epernay

A typical Champagne House at Epernay
 

Chalons en Champagne

Chalons en Champagne

Tourist Information Office Chalons en Champagne
Chalons en Champagne to Dijon 144 miles
Popular legend has it that one of its stone relief sculptures, an owl (la chouette) is a aood luck charm: visitors to the church touch the owl with their left hands to make a wish. (The current carving was restored after it was damaged by vandalism in the night of 5 and 6 January 2001)

The owl trail (Le Parcours de la Chouette) is a well marked trail of the main tourist attractions in the town.

Popular legend has it that one of its stone relief sculptures, an owl (la chouette) is a good luck charm: visitors to the church touch the owl with their left hands to make a wish. (The current carving was restored after it was damaged by vandalism in the night of 5 and 6 January 2001). LEFT NOT RIGHT!! The owl trail (Le Parcours de la Chouette) is a well marked trail of the main tourist attractions in the town.

Fountains in the square in front of the palais des ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne ( The palace and the Estates of Burgundy)

Fountains in the square in front of the palais des ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne ( The palace and the Estates of Burgundy)

 

Jardin darcy, near Dijon railway station

Dijon

Pink orchid

orchid in tourist information office Dijon

The statue that stands in the fountain in Dijon's Place François-Rude, Dijon

Dijon

The statue that stands in the fountain  in Dijon's  Place François-Rude -has a figure of a Bareuzai wine-grower treading the grapes.
Dijon to Annecy 144 miles

Lunch stop at Miribel ( Commune d'Echallon )

Lunch stop at Miribel ( Commune d'Echallon )

coffee stop

 

Lunch stop at Miribel ( Commune d'Echallon )

Lunch stop at Miribel ( Commune d'Echallon )
at Annecy

le thiou river at Annecy

le thiou river at Annecy

bridge and colourful flowered walkways- le thiou river at Annecy

Lakeside orientation point, Annecy

Lakeside orientation point

Tea for 2

Our pitch at Camping Belverdere, Annecy

view through an arch

Boulangerie Artisanale, Annecy which sells very tasty Pain au Raisen

our favourite Boulangerie

and their tasty Pain au Raisin
Annecy to Corps160 miles

coffee stop - nice views and next to Casino Supermarket

 

Route Napoleon (N85) through Corps

 

convenient spot for coffee & shopping

 
Corps to Sahune Near Nyons 69 miles

View from road after leaving campsite at Corps the lake ( lac du sautet ) was within walking distance of the campsite . I was expecting to continue down the Route Napoleon but our Tom Tom directed us cross country - it was a good choice for us.

 

Coffee stop at Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy

Coffee stop at Saint-Étienne-en-Dévoluy

window in Eglise de l'Assomption de la Vierge Devoluy

Eglise de l'Assomption de la Vierge Devoluy

 

Agnières-en-Dévoluy is a commune of theHautes-Alpes department in southeasternFrance. Mountainous, to the west is Rocher Rond.
An amazing cross country journey with stunning views from Corps to Sahune

stop for photo shot

Roadside shrine near Devoluy

Lunch stop

Panoramic view from near Devoluy

Lunch stop
at Sahune - camping les ramiers near Nyons

Sahune

River Eygues by campsite -les ramiers at Sahune near Nyons

River Eygues by campsite

our pitch on the campsite

old Michelin sign

old Michelin sign
bistro de pays Sahune
Nyons

Medievil bridge Nyons

 

Tabernacle de la chapelle N.D. de Bon Secours, Nyons

Tabernacle de la chapelle N.D. de Bon Secours

 

Crosses by remains of Foedal Chateau,Nyons

Crosses by remains of Foedal Chateau
The  Distillery Bleu Provence, where the tradition of the distillation of lavender and aromatic plants has continued since 1939.

 

The Distillery Bleu Provence, where the tradition of the distillation of lavender and aromatic plants has continued since 1939.

The Distillery Bleu Provence, where the tradition of the distillation of lavender and aromatic plants has continued since 1939.

Loading the last of this year's crop into the still
The Distillery Bleu Provence, where the tradition of the distillation of lavender and aromatic plants has continued since 1939.

 

The remains of the old town of Sahune high up on the hill overlooking the 'new' town

 

cottage in village perche ( ?Chalancon ) near Sahune

church in village perche ( ?Chalancon ) near Sahune

Tracy's dogs - Rieff & Meg

We even managed to visit Steven,Sophie and Sean who were staying with Tracy & Chuck at Malaucene, near Mont Ventoux and Vaison le Romaine, just 30 miles away from Sahune

Vaison le Romaine
Sahune to St Enemie in the Gorge du Tarn a scenic drive of 136 miles

tea stop by the river at St Enimie

 

 

Arriving at the campsite at St Enimie

www.campingcouderc.fr

window in the church of N.D. du Gourg,St Enimie

Nestling at the heart of the remarkable Tarn Gorges, the wonderful village of Sainte-Enimie, listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France

St Enimie

pretty ceramic Street names St Enimie
The Capital town of Mende is situated about 15 miles from St Enimie across the Cevenne Mountains

Mende Cathedral

Window in Mende Cathedral

Mende is the capital of the least populated department in all of France, the Lozère.

 

Mende Cathedral in background

Dried seed head

Stop to admire the distant views of St Enimie

Swallow Tail Butterfly
A short walk along the Tarn from the campsite at St Enimie is the picturesque village of St Chely

canoing down the Tarn is very popular pursuit

The church at St Chely

looking down on St Chely from D907 road

Blue Damsel Fly pictured whilst wading in the river Tarn by the campsite

shady riverside picnic spot

Window, St Chely Church

water chute at St Chely
     
St Enimie to Palau del Vidre 188 miles through the Gorge du Tarn and and then on the A75 Meridienne Motorway

coffee stop

Farm viewed from coffee stop

The A75 Meridienne Motorway crosses the Millau Viaduct ( Designed by an Englishman - Norman Foster!! ) We didn't join the A75 until after the Viaduct and had views of it in the distance. The road through Milau are now much better than in the pre Viaduct days
Small detour from A75 for lunchstop at Relais Routier Le Commerce, Paulhan

Not on the main road but a recommended detour for lunch

 

Menu du Jour

Very tasy meal and well worth the short detour

And with wine included !!
and finally we arrived at our favourite spot - Palau Del Vidre near Collioure

Secluded riversite spot a short walk from Palau del Vidre

The old school at Palau del Vidre now a restaurant

Johannes, a Dutchman, one of our friendly neighbours at Camping Le Haras, Palau del Vidre

Pictured at the secluded river site location near the campsite at Palau del Vidre

Pictured on site at Palau del Vidre

Pictured on site at Palau del Vidre
The nearest seaside resort to Palau del Vidre is Argeles - we prefer the short drive to Collioure

Port Argeles

Photographic Exhibition based on Jungle life along the promenade at Argeles

One of the exhibits
Collioure

reflections of Catalan Boats 1

A rare picture of us together - taken in Collioure

reflections of Catalan Boats 2

Journees du Patrimoine - The Citadel Fort had free entry on the 15th & 16th September - it was an interesting visit and provided excellent views of the bay

Le Clocher

Catalan boat returning from an outing

panoramic view of Collioure
Palau del Vidre to Issoire 268 miles

Coffee stop at Aire de Paulan

Aire de Paulan on the A75

Viaduc de Garabit is a railway arch bridge designe by Gustave Eifel spanning the River Truyère near Ruynes-en-Margeride. There is a good Aire / viewing point on the A75 - an ideal place for a short break and a cuppa

Our pitch at Camping du Mas, Issoire

Camping du Mas, Issoire

Entrance to Camping du Mas, Issoire
Issoire to Nevers 121 mile

A view from our pitch at Nevers on the banks of the Loire overlooking the town on the opposite side of the river - access was across the old bridge

Palais ducal de Nevers - the duke's palace

Palais de Justice de Nevers

Faience Bleue,Nevers

Shop selling "blue gold" Nevers

Faince Pottery

For photos of Faince Museum near Desvres see Picasa album :-https://picasaweb.google.com/117434740516160383548/LunchAtMemereHarleNovember212012
windows in church of St. Gildard, Nevers

windows in church of St. Gildard, Nevers

windows in church of St. Gildard, Nevers

windows in church of St. Gildard, Nevers
Nevers to Chartres 162 miles

Colourful street names seen en route from campsite to the centre of Chartes

Colourful street names seen en route from campsite to the centre of Chartes

Collegiale St Andre with Medieval Gardens, Chartres

Chartes Cathedral

Tourist Information Office, Chartres

Tourist Information Office, Chartres

Our favourite snack bar in Chartres
Chartres to Calais and home 269 miles

Summary of French Touring Holiday 2012
Out Wed 15th Aug 08.25 arrives 10.55   Return Frid 28th Sept 18.50 arrives 19.20
Start Mileage 29876  Finish 32295  Total Mileage 2419 miles

 Date

2012

Miles

Place

 

15th

Wednesday

210

Guignicourt

Camping de Guignicourt ,Rue des Godins 02190
In future if we went this way we would drive direct to Chalons

16th - 18th

Thursday- Saturday

50

Chalons en Champagne

Camping Municipal de Chalons en Champagne
ACIS 3for2 !!
Rue Plaisance
http://www.campings-camping.com/campings/châlons-en-champagne
They even have champagne on sale in the site office. Although the campsite is only about a mile from the centre of the city there is no scenic route to walk there. Drive along the Ave des Allies which leads in Ave du General Charles de Gaule - there is plenty of roadside parking before you get to the Porte Saintee-Croix.

19th  -20th

Sunday -  Monday

144

Dijon

Camping Dijon Lac Kir  ---- Municipal du Lac
3 Boulevard du Chanoine Kir
21000 Dijon,
Within easy walking distance to the lake and city centre along the Promenade de l'Ouche to the railway station - for further information there is a Tourist Information Office at the station

21st-24th

Tuesday- Friday

160

Annecy

http://en.annecy.eu/507-municipal-campsite.htm
"Le Belvédère" municipal campsite    €24.80 pn
8 route du Semnoz  74000 Annecy
Free Wi Fi from near reception
No camping on upper terrace with views now as log cabins have
been built here
On a hill so keeps you fit walking down to the lake and town there are 2 pedestian routes down to the town from the upper terrace the footpath goes down steps and past the Chateau

25th

Saturday

107

Corps

Camping Municipal, Isere, Rhone Alps
Very small municipal site - very conveniently situated next to the A85 Route Meridianne Autoroute and a short walk or drive (if you need to fill or stock up) from a Supermarket

26th - 1st Sept

Sunday - Saturday

69

Sahune near Nyons @1

http://www.lesramieres.com/content/gb/accueil/1/
cc and Flower site free Wi Fi from near reception
Narrow access to site ( a long track) but well worth the squeeze. Nyons is just over 5 miles away and well worth a visit as are quite a vew hillside villages ( Village perche ) There is a small general convenience shop in Sahune which stocks a wide range of provisions - but check opening hours.

2nd - 6th

Sunday - Thursday

136

St Enimie @1

www.campingcouderc.fr
ACSI   cc€12 from 1/9
Shady and pleasant riverside campsite with free Wi Fi from near reception The pretty town of St Enimie is a short walk away mainly along the River Tarn but the last section on the road. A mile or two in the opposite direction, along the road, is the pretty hamlet of St Chely

7th - 22nd

Friday - Saturday

188

Palau del Vidre  @1

16 nights 14 camping cheques
our favourite location a short drive from Collioure . We have seen a lot of improvement to Palau del Vidre (Palace of glass) in recent years and the old derelect Church has been fully restored. There is a large glass 'foundry' in the town and it is open to visitors. There is a Spar shop in the and a very good retail/wholesale greengrocer offering local produce, eggs and wine 'en vrac' at very reasonable prices.
Free Wi Fi from most pitches

23rd

Sunday

268

Issoire

Camping Municipal du Mas
Very close to A75 but without traffic noise - very convenient for
an overnight stay. Nearby Grange Fort at Les Pradeaux  where we
have stayed before is a nice site with good views but so not so
convenient to get to.
Plenty of space

24th - 25th

Monday - Tuesday

121

Nevers @1

Camping de Nevers, Rue del la Jonction
CC 16€ make sure correct card!!
http://www.campingnevers.com/GB/accueil.html a riverside site and just a short walk across the bridge into town.
A lot of restoration work is going on in the town and will be excellent when finished.
Would be very happy to return here
A busy site with overnighters free internet from reception with wired connection.

26 th - 27th

Wednesday-Thursday  

162

Chartes  @1

Les Bord de l‘Eure  cc €12
Another favourite site of ours - there is a very nice walk from the
campsite along the river into the centre of Chartres
Free Wi Fi from near reception. Frites and Pizza's are available next to the reception. There is a large supermarket near the site for fuel and provisions.

28 th

Friday

269

Home

 

TOTAL SITE TO SITE MILEAGE  1884 miles