Mercedes Campervan Adventure Across France (Part 1)

Hello! 😁

Something about hitting the open road in my trusty Mercedes campervan fills me with an unshakeable sense of adventure. I’m (cough) years young, and this little van has been my partner in crime for years now. 

So, when the opportunity arose to take a scenic drive through France, I packed up and hit the road, eager to explore the nooks and crannies of this beautiful country.

Dieppe – The Adventure Begins

The journey started in Dieppe. 🚐

🚢  Arriving by ferry from Newhaven, I could already feel the crisp French air filling my lungs. After a quick pit stop at a local café for my first croissant of the trip, I wandered around Dieppe’s old town. 

The harbour was beautifully lit, as day broke the area started to get busy with the sound of seagulls overhead and the faint smell of fresh seafood from nearby stalls. I even popped into the Château-Musée de Dieppe, perched on a cliff, offering sweeping views of the Channel.

Later that evening, I parked in a secluded spot just outside of town. It was the perfect place to use the van’s little kitchenette. I cooked a simple pasta dish with some ingredients I had packed. 

📖 As the sun set, I settled into my cosy Mercedes campervan bed with a book, reflecting on the peaceful start to my journey.

Gach- Full of Food!

Ah, Gach – what a delightful hidden gem! 😊 I arrived in this tiny French village with my campervan crew, ready for a more laid-back adventure. The village is small, but that’s exactly why it’s so charming. We spent the morning wandering its narrow streets, marvelling at the rustic French architecture, and stopping for a coffee at a little café tucked away in the corner of the square. The croissants? Out of this world! 🥐

There’s something so refreshing about Gach; it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. One of the highlights was visiting the local market, where we picked up some of the freshest produce I’ve ever seen. 🍎 We grabbed some fresh bread, cheeses, and regional wines, perfect for an evening picnic.

In the afternoon, we explored the nearby countryside, with vast fields stretching as far as the eye could see. We even stumbled upon an ancient church with beautiful stained glass windows. After a bit of a hike through the surrounding woodlands, we returned to our campervan, tired but happy. 🚐

That evening, we set up a little camp just outside of town, surrounded by trees and nothing but the sound of nature. As the sun set, we cracked open the wine 🍷, grilled some of our market finds on a portable BBQ, and shared stories under the stars. It was one of those perfect, slow evenings when you appreciate the simple pleasures – good food, great company, and the freedom of life on the road.

Neufchâtel-en-Bray – Cheese and Countryside

🧀 I woke up early and continued my journey south towards Neufchâtel-en-Bray. The village is famous for its Neufchâtel cheese, and I couldn’t resist stopping at a local market to grab a fresh round of the creamy delight. I was also told that this cheese has been around since the 6th century, making it one of the oldest in France! I paired it with a baguette for a late breakfast by the van, watching the world slowly wake up around me.

From here, I set off on the A28 road, a long stretch surrounded by fields of green. Driving through the Pays de Bray countryside felt like a dream – the air was crisp, the roads quiet, and the Mercedes  campervan purred along happily. 

🍷 That evening, I parked in a quiet spot, enjoying the stars from my camping spot, listening to some good tunes in the van as I sipped (hic) some local wine I picked up earlier with my fellow campervan friends.

Rouen – A Step Back in Time

⛪ The next stop was Rouen, a place brimming with history. I wandered through the city’s cobbled streets, marvelling at the half-timbered houses. The highlight of the day was visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s said that Claude Monet was so inspired by this cathedral, that he painted it several times, capturing how its façade changes with the light. I could see why – it was magnificent.

Of course, Rouen is also famous for being the site of Joan of Arc’s trial and execution. I stopped at the Joan of Arc Church and Museum, feeling the weight of history all around. After a day packed with exploration, I found a nearby campsite to set up camp for the night. Dinner was simple, but there’s something magical about cooking on the road, especially in a place as full of history as Rouen.

Alençon – Lace, Lace, and More Lace

🥳 The next leg of my Mercedes campervan journey took me to Alençon, known for its intricate lace-making, a craft that has been passed down through generations. We visited the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace, (not my idea!!!!), which showcased some of the most delicate pieces I’ve ever seen (I have not seen many to be honest). It’s amazing how something so fragile can tell such a rich story of craftsmanship and culture.

After learning about lace history, we all wandered through the town’s old quarter, stopping by a little café for lunch. As the day ended, I found a picturesque camping spot along the banks of the Sarthe River. I spent the evening sitting by the water, beer in hand, with the sound of the gentle current providing a soothing backdrop as I planned the next day’s route with my fellow campervan travelling gang.

Vendôme – A Hidden Gem

🐟 I had heard that Vendôme was a charming, smaller town, so I made my way there next. And what a gem it was! Vendôme’s Abbaye de la Trinité was breathtaking, a 12th-century masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As I wandered around, I found myself lost in the town’s winding streets, admiring its half-timbered houses and pretty river views.

I spent the afternoon relaxing by the Loir River, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. I cooked a quick meal in the van of local fresh fish followed by some local beer and, of course…..cheese! As the sun set, I felt incredibly grateful for the slower pace of life and the freedom my Mercedes campervan offers.

Auch – Heart of Gascony

🍇 Leaving Vendôme behind, we made our way south to Auch, the heart of Gascony. The drive in the Mercedes campervan was long but scenic, with rolling hills and vineyards (yes!) stretching as far as the eye could see. I arrived just in time to visit the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, which has some of the most stunning stained glass I’ve ever seen.

As I explored the town, I couldn’t resist stopping by a local shop to grab a bottle of Armagnac, a famous brandy from this region and as it is Sunday, roast spuds in the air fryer at the top of a mountain. That night, we toasted to the journey so far, enjoying the rich flavour of the brandy and some fantastic spuds as we relaxed in our campervans, parked in a quiet rural spot.

Day 7: Vic-Fezensac and Mirande – Festivals and Music

🤠 Next up was Vic-Fezensac, known for its lively Pentecost Feria. Although I wasn’t visiting during the festival, the town’s energy was still palpable. I strolled through the streets, imagining the vibrant celebrations that take place here. From there, it was a short drive to Mirande, a town famous for its Country Music Festival (yeeee haaaah). I stopped in a local café, chatting with some locals about the festival and life in rural France, whilst enjoying possibly the best-toasted sandwich of my life and a cake!

After a leisurely day of wandering and taking in the local culture, we set up camp just outside of town. I spent the evening chatting with my fellow campervan friends and tried listening to tunes, inspired by the musical heritage of Mirande. To be honest, this did not last long; you are more likely to find me listening to the Prodigy than some heavy country music! It felt like the perfect way to wind down as the first leg of my journey came to a close.

Looking Ahead – Marciac and Beyond

Next up is Marciac, known for its Jazz Festival (nice), and I can’t wait to explore. But that’s a story for part two of this adventure. 

For now, I’ll enjoy one last quiet night in my Mercedes campervan, reflecting on the incredible places I’ve visited and the kind people I’ve met.

This trip has been an absolute joy, and I’m only part-way through. Stay tuned for more tales from the road, and remember – there’s nothing quite like the freedom of travelling in a campervan. 

It’s just you, the open road and endless possibilities.

Thank you for reading!

Adrian

Part 2 is coming soon!