Geo: 43.7676, 4.10119When we left Camping La Serre last Thursday, we encountered a peaceful protest on passing through Mirepoix, being part of the nationwide strike action. We simply took the flyer offered and drove on our way.We joined the motorway network just before Carcassonne which would take us within a few miles of our next destination in Languedoc. It was busy with commercial traffic - far more than we had encountered for a few weeks, and soon we were on the A9 motorway forming the Italy/Spain route through France just as the Romans would have done centuries ago. The Languedocienne is currently undergoing a major upgrade, but traffic flowed well.Our destination, Camping Domaine de Massereau, just outside Sommieres, is ten years old this month after being started by two brothers - one with background in winemaking, ... read more

Geo: 43.8695, 0.258925On Tuesday we had a ride out to the village of La Romieu. After a lazy day or two we made a conscious effort to get out relatively early but we need not have rushed since the attractions did not open until 10.30, but we passed the time over a coffee in the sunshine and wrote Mum's latest postcard. On first arriving, the wide verges planted with trees, and mellow stone cottages put me in mind of Chipping Camden in the Cotswolds. The roses are particularly pretty at this time of year and next weekend is the annual rose festival event.Founded in the 14th century by the Cardinal Arnaud d'Aux, the Collegiate Church of St. Peter is a magnificent example of southern European gothic architecture. A stopping point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago ... read more

Geo: 43.8694, 0.258766Our campsite hosts Walter and Sonia are intent on their clients having a memorable experience, going that extra mile with facilities and service, such as water controls in the shower ensuring a continuous flow of hot water - far better than those frustrating push buttons - a pet hate of mine. Also, their very useful and informative handouts with details of what's going on in the local area. This led us to have an enjoyable trip out yesterday morning to Fourcès some 30 minutes away.Fourcès - meaning 'planted with trees', is a charming little bastide town, with an unusual circular, rather than square central 'place' shaded by plane trees, plus an ancient castle, bridge, clocktower and many timbered houses. The invaluable event listing advised of an antique or 'brocante' fair taking place there throughout ... read more

Geo: 46.3153, -0.609801Well, Dear Reader, whether you are new to these pages or returning to our long distance caravanning saga, we are currently on Day 13 since leaving home on Friday, 22nd April, in Western France at Coulon which is 40 minutes or so due east from La Rochelle.We began the trip with three nights at Rookesbury Park Caravan Club site so as to spend some time with expectant daughter and husband. A pub lunch on the Saturday was followed by a relaxing afternoon chatting and snoozing, while the following day was very energetic for Olley as he ran the Southampton half-marathon accompanied by Dean, his cousin Angie's partner. After completing in a respectable time they returned to Angie's where she had prepared a delicious curry meal for us all.On the Monday morning, having moved to ... read more

Geo: 43.1544, -4.64383We do like mountains, especially in fine weather - nature's theme park for thrills and spectacle. Over the years we have enjoyed the Highlands of Scotland, the Italian Dolomites, Austrian, Swiss and French Alps, Pyrenees, to name a few, but I only became aware of Spain's Picos de Europa a couple of years ago during our 'Grand Tour'. On that occasion our route meant that we would be visiting in late September and we didn't think the weather would be ideal, so we would leave it for another year. Given the climate of northern Spain and our departure date, we decided on a clockwise circumnavigation, thus leaving Cantabria until the end. Indeed, now that we have sorted our journey home by ferry from Santander departing on Monday, this is our last stop in Europe ... read more