Want to see a little of alot in Europe over 6 weeks...

Heading to Cherbourg on the 11th of July with Celtic Link Ferries (thanks for discount MHC!) and returning 21st August.

I have got some great info from this site, particularly about France. I've registered for France Passion as it sounds ideal for what we're looking for.
It's the maiden voyage for the missus and myself to Europe. We're hoping to do it on a tight budget. We've no kids and aren't interested in staying in campsites, maybe aires sometimes. I think we'll do ok without electricity hook up as anything we need can be charged while driving or by solar(I think!). We will have 2 bicycles with us and travelling in a SWB Transit which is no longer than a car so parking or small roads shouldn't be an issue. I hope to do the journey by avoiding tolls wherever possible.

As a basic plan we have 2 definite stopovers, it's as follows

12/07/13 Cherbourg, France... Then down the west coast and through the Pyrenees to-

24/07/13 Blanes, Spain... Planning to follow the coast around to Italy then up through Switzerland to-

09/08/13 Tuttlinglen, Germany... From here we are considering heading to Holland and Belgium then-

21/08/13 Cherbourg, France... Then home


We're looking for scenic areas, walks, cycling, beaches, historical sites, festivals, mingling with locals etc.... and of course, plenty of craic!

So far the only additional places we're planning to visit are Milau, Lourdes and Oradour. I don't mind lots of driving and we're only planning to stay in the same place for a night of 2.

Any suggestions advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the long winded post!

Thanks in advance

Matthew

Matthew that is a fantastic trip and I hope you will really enjoy it.

Get yourself a book with all the Aires in it. I've found it I valuable and pays for itself in one night.

Orador well worth a stop also try Puy De fue ( google it ) we are doing France,Belgium ,Holland and maybe Germany in Sept so would love to hear how you get on there

Jack unless you can time travel I think you meant last year

Yes Jack it's Ordour Sur Glan, looks very interesting!

We've added Mont St. Michel and Puy De Foy to the list also.

We're total newbies at the moment Eirebus but I'm sure I'll be a mine of information when we get back. There's a great festival in Blanes, Spain around the 24th. The longest and best fireworks show I've ever seen. If anybodies knocking around the Costa Brava at that time it's well worth a look.

sound like an amazing trip, good luck with it. Looking forward to hearing your feedback on your return

Mont st michel seems to have gone mega rip- off on prices :bandit:

also you dont have to stay there just visit for the day it is worth a look especially if your there when the tide comes in ,its fast

Thanks lads, good info. We'll hopefully be around the Bordeaux area at that stage, no doubt enjoying the festivities!

was in Millau last august -pretty spectacular well worth a visit

camping St Lambert is very reasonable about 10min cycle from Millau town right on river with little beach
lovely owners nice little bar

there is an Aire in the town looked ok

Just got a great book for off the beaten track lakes and rivers in Southern France>>> http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/wild-swimming-france/

Hope to take a dip in a few of them!

If anybody would like me check an area they're going to I'll gladly pass on the details of whats in the area and coordinates