France 2005

We booked two weeks off work in June 2005 to take the Land Rover on a practice trip to the Pyrenees. We did not have the roof tent in time but had built the storage cupboards in the back and all the electrics were done and we needed a holiday.

  Dorset Coastline       St Jean de Monts

The ferry crossing from Poole to Cherbourg was calm and we arrived at 11am and drove till 6pm to arrive at a small campsite just north of St Jean de Monts on the Atlantic Coast. We went for several walks and swims on the deserted duned beach. 

  St Martin de Re          Steak on the BBQ

Our next stop was the stunning Ile de Re. We found a fantastic campsite with a luxury pool and 2 minutes walk to the beach and set up camp for 2 nights. We did some work on the Landy and spent time exploring the old port of St Martin de Re and eating and drinking the excellent French fare.

  Dune de Pyla        Lake Gaube

We then moved on to Arcachon and the Dune de Pyla. We stayed one night in a hotel on the beach front and ate yummy seafood. The next day we drove up the mountain roads to the village of Cauterets. We camped for three days and took several trips up into the hills.

  Pont d'Espagne       Larressingle

Unfortunately, I fell and hurt my back and so we had to cut short the trip and move on to Condom. Bad name but a beautiful town with lovely architecture and too many excellent restaurants to choose between. The next day I had to get a flight home from Bordeaux and Bill continued the drive home.