One of the best things about having a campervan is the freedom to go where you please. As soon as we crossed into France, we decided to throw the rulebook out of the window. No campsites, no strict plans, just the open road and a vague idea to sample as much French cuisine as possible. It didn’t take long for France to show us its charm—winding roads, endless vineyards, and villages that looked like they were plucked from postcards.
Our first stop was a small auberge near Lille. The host, a cheerful woman named Sylvie, welcomed us like old friends and served us a dinner that made us rethink every meal we’d ever cooked. Coq au vin (which i’ve cooked a million times but not like that), wine, and a crackling fire to keep us company—it felt like a scene from a dream. We were happy, and merry campers!
Further along, we stumbled upon a bustling market in Reims. It was everything you’d hope a French market would be: stalls piled high with fresh cheeses, golden honey, and herbs that smelled like heaven. I found a basket of herbs I couldn’t resist, and I grabbed a chunk of Comté, determined to try making something French in our little camper kitchen.
That evening, parked by a quiet field, we took on the challenge of cooking cassoulet. Let me tell you, cassoulet is no joke. Between the slow-cooked beans, sausages, and duck confit, it was a proper workout, but it was worth every second. Sitting under the stars with our home-cooked feast made the effort feel like a small price to pay. I remember sleeping very well that night. Although a slight warning, cassoulet makes you a little windy!
France kept surprising us at every turn. We spent a night at an auberge in Burgundy, where the owner insisted on teaching me how to pair wine with boeuf bourguignon. Kevin watched, rolling his eyes, as Jacques (the owner or host as i’d describe him) turned me into a self-proclaimed wine expert—even though my “expertise” mostly involves picking the bottle that’s on special offer. These auberges weren’t just places to eat; they were a window into French hospitality which was a lovely surprise. Even though we couldn’t always understand every word, a good meal and a shared laugh seemed to say it all. It’s amazing how you can bridge the language barrier over some good food and wine.
The real beauty of this part of the trip was how relaxed it felt. So different to the post office life we’d left behind. When we got tired of driving, we’d simply pull over. Sometimes it was a spot overlooking the mountains, other times a quiet wood surrounded by wildflowers. It gave us the freedom to stop whenever and wherever we liked, and we embraced it wholeheartedly. One evening, we parked near a vineyard in the Loire Valley. Sitting in their kitchen, learning about winemaking while sampling incredible vintages, some from their great grandparents’ cellar was one of those moments you know you’ll never forget.
As we made our way closer to Spain, we couldn’t help think about much we’d learned in such a short time. Letting go of strict plans and just going with the flow had given us some of the best experiences. We just hadn’t done that since before we were married. The people we met, the meals we shared, and even the challenges of cooking in a tiny campervan all made the journey feel like an adventure. We’d both admit, we felt a bit guilty for, well enjoying ourselves too much! We’re working class people, we can’t be doing this sort of fancy stuff surely?!
Now we’re ready for the trip to Spain. But for now, we’re holding onto the memories of France: the food, the people, and the freedom of the open road. This trip has shown us that the best adventures happen when you let go of expectations, stop planning so much and simply enjoy the ride. And as long as our trusty (so far) little van keeps rolling, we’ll keep chasing those moments. Vive La France! we would definitely say. Never thought we would!
