A Chance Encounter in France: Campervan Travel with a Twist
Preparing for the Channel Crossing
After her adventures in Shetland and the Yorkshire Dales, Jo decided to take Vino, her Mercedes Viano campervan, further afield.
This time, the journey would take her all the way to Spain, a chance to stretch both the campervan’s and her own horizons.
The trip wound its way through rural France, across the rugged Atlantic coast and over the picturesque Pyrenees, before finally reaching the golden beaches of the Spanish Mediterranean. For Jo, it was especially meaningful. She had owned a house in Spain for 20 years but had never been able to take Finn there due to time and logistics.
With Vino, that changed. At last, she could bring Finn along to enjoy the warm Mediterranean sands and reconnect with friends, making the trip something more than just a holiday. It was the beginning of a new chapter in how she travelled and lived.
Travelling abroad in a campervan brings a new layer of planning, especially with a dog on board. For Jo, making sure Finn, her lively Jack Russell–Cavapoo cross, met the requirements for re-entry into the UK was part of the journey. This meant scheduling a vet appointment for worming treatment within the correct timeframe and obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) in order to travel from the UK in the first place.
“It’s the sort of thing you worry about before you go,” Jo admitted. “But once you know the rules, it’s straightforward. It just becomes another part of the adventure.”
The Open Roads of Rural France
Driving through France in Vino was a joy. Wide roads, easy-to-access service stops, and the flexibility to pull over for a coffee or a picnic meant every day felt relaxed. Compared to crowded UK motorways, the rural routes offered peace and space to enjoy the journey.
“The campervan just glided along,” Jo said. “It felt effortless, and because everything we needed was on board, we never felt rushed to get anywhere.”
The Vet Visit That Led to a Surprise
One of the most memorable moments came during Finn’s worming appointment. Jo had booked a slot in a small French village, expecting a simple in-and-out visit. Instead, while walking Finn afterwards, she heard someone call her name.
To her astonishment, it was old friends from her sailing club, who just happened to be passing through the same village at the same time. The chances of meeting there, hundreds of miles from home, were almost zero.
“We all just stood there laughing,” Jo recalled. “Of all the places in France, we bump into each other after a vet appointment. It felt like fate had arranged it.”
Life’s Unexpected Connections
That chance encounter became a highlight of the trip. They shared stories over coffee, swapped travel tips, and marvelled at the coincidence. For Jo, it showed how travel in a campervan creates opportunities for connections you’d never expect.
“If we’d been flying or staying in hotels, it never would have happened. But because the campervan gave us flexibility, we had the freedom to be in that exact place, at that exact time.”
Campervan Convenience in Europe
Beyond the surprise meeting, Jo found that campervan life worked beautifully across France. Campsites and motorhome stopovers, known as aires, are well developed, offering affordable and convenient places to park overnight.
Jo also noticed how welcoming the French were to travellers with dogs. From village cafes to campsite neighbours, Finn was always fussed over, and having him along made conversations easier.
“Everywhere we went, people wanted to know about him,” Jo laughed. “He’s a real ice-breaker.”
Keeping It Simple, Keeping It Fun
Unlike package holidays or hotel stays, the joy of taking Vino abroad was in the simplicity. Jo and her partner didn’t need to book ahead for every stop. Instead, they let the road guide them, stopping when they found somewhere that caught their eye.
“There’s a freedom in not being tied down,” Jo said. “We didn’t have to chase check-in times or stress about luggage. Everything was with us, so we could just follow our instincts.”
Why France Is Perfect for First-Timers
France is often the first overseas destination for UK campervan owners, and Jo’s story shows why:
- Easy ferry or tunnel options make getting across straightforward.
- Dog-friendly travel infrastructure makes travelling with pets stress-free.
- Affordable overnight stops mean you don’t need to plan every detail.
- Beautiful landscapes, from coastlines to villages, are perfect for slow travel.
For Jo, it was the perfect way to test international campervan life without feeling overwhelmed.
Looking Back
What began as a practical vet visit turned into one of Jo’s favourite stories from her travels. The coincidence of bumping into old friends added magic to an already enjoyable trip.
“It reminded me that the best moments often aren’t the ones you plan,” she said. “The campervan makes those moments possible, because you’re out in the world in a way that feels open to surprises.”
Why Choose Free Spirit Campervans for your Campervan Travel with a Twist?
From Shetland to the Yorkshire Dales, and now across France, Jo’s adventures show the true value of campervan ownership. It’s not just about reaching a destination, it’s about the freedom, the connections, and the stories you collect along the way.
At Free Spirit Campervans, we create campervans like Vino that are ready for anything, whether it’s a European road trip or a weekend in the New Forest.
👉 Explore our latest stock: Free Spirit Campervans Showroom
📞 Call us on (01243) 649087 to talk through your options.
Campervan Travel with a Twist FAQs
- Can I take a campervan abroad easily from the UK?
Yes. With ferries and the Eurotunnel, taking a campervan into Europe is straightforward. Just make sure your documents and insurance cover international travel. - Do I need special documents to travel in Europe with a campervan?
You’ll need valid insurance, MOT, V5C logbook, and in some countries, additional safety equipment like warning triangles and reflective jackets. - Are campervans welcome in European campsites and aires?
Absolutely. Europe has thousands of aires and campsites designed for campervans, offering affordable and convenient overnight options. - How do I prepare my dog for travelling in a campervan abroad?
Pets need microchips, vaccinations, and worming treatments within specific timeframes before re-entering the UK. Always check official guidance before travel. - Is a campervan big enough for longer trips in Europe?
Yes. A well-converted campervan balances compact size for driving with comfort for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing on extended journeys. - Do I need extra insurance to drive a campervan in France or Europe?
Most campervan policies include European cover, but always confirm the number of days allowed and any restrictions with your provider. - What makes Free Spirit Campervans different from buying a campervan privately?
Free Spirit Campervans are fully converted, road-tested, and ready to go, with aftercare and expertise you won’t find in a private sale. - How can I make sure my campervan is safe for long trips?
Choose a professionally converted model, keep up with regular servicing, and check that key systems, heating, electrics, and gas, are in good working order. - Are campervans fuel-efficient for European road trips?
Yes. Modern conversions are designed with efficiency in mind, making them economical for long journeys compared to larger motorhomes. - Is buying a campervan worth it compared to renting one?
If you plan to travel regularly, owning a campervan offers better long-term value, more freedom, and the ability to customise it to your lifestyle.
