01 October 2011 Although October started today it remained hot and sunny. We spent the morning doing chores and food shopping and then drove west along a beautiful road with the thousands of acres of minervois vines and avenues of trees beginning to show their autumn colours. We passed the city of Beziers and stayed the night at a France Passion vineyard outside the village of Portiragnes. ... read more

29 September 2011 Wendy particularly wanted to visit Carcassonne as she had just read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse which describes how in 1209 Simon De Monfort captured La Cité form the Cathars who were only allowed to return on condition that they built the other part of the ancient town, Ville Basse, which is on lower ground by the River Aude. La Cité is in the complete condition that can be seen today because it was the subject of a major 19th century renovation under the auspices of the architect, Violett-le Duc. We started the day by going into Ville Basse to visit the tourist office. Then it was up to La Cité. During our time there we walked the wide track called Les Lices between the massive turreted twin defensive walls, visited the Basilica of ... read more

27 September 2011 Another 250k of driving brought us to the medieval town of Cahors built on a promontory formed by a sharp bend in the River Lot. We had intended to stay at the Aire but it was full, so we went to the local campsite and got some relief from the increasingly warm weather by having a dip in their pool. In the evening we had a stroll around the town which included visits to the Cathedral and the Pont Valentre the best example of a fortified medieval bridge in France. The day was rounded off by an excellent meal in small restaurant in one of the many narrow streets. ... read more

25 September 2011 We finally made it to France today. After an early start from London we caught the 9.50 Eurotunnel train and despite it being delayed we arrived in good time at our planned destination, an excellent Campervan Aire at the pretty village of Brezolles. We had a very pleasant evening socialising with the owners of 4 other British campervans parked next to us. ... read more

23 September 2011 As usual after packing up, we were late leaving so hit the London traffic in the rush hour, but we eventually made it to the Caravan Club site at Crystal Palace and were surprised how close it was to the television mast. ... read more