23 June 22: After a leisurely drive down to the south coast, stopping for supper by the river in Wareham, we spent the night in the campervan in Poole Ferry Terminal. We boarded The SS Barfleur at 7:00am, knowing that things could only get better.

We drove down the Cherbourg (Cotentin) Peninsular (actually in Normandy) to an Intermarche in Valonges, where we stocked up with all the provisions which we had decided not to bring from home. This is the first time we have been to France since the UK finally, definitely, absolutely, left the EU in 2021, and we weren’t certain what we could bring. Sadly, we haven’t had to worry about bringing Lucy, which would have been far more complicated, and expensive, since leaving the EU. Also we have to have UK sticker on the back on the campervan, instead of our discreet “blue stars” European logo. Otherwise, things look pretty much the same. But they’re not…

Then to Saint Sauveur Le Vicomte (still in Normandy), the main feature of which is a very impressive castle. A great camp site on the flood plain of the river Douve. Typically very relaxed campsite reception, or accueil.

We returned here on our way home, when I took more photos.

24 June 22: We always sleep amazingly well in the campervan, and this holiday was no exception. On down the coast, through Grandville, to Jullouville, a nice seaside town with a street market where we bought a babygrow for Esme, and had some lunch.

Then to a rather crowded site at Dragey-Ronthon. For the last few miles we have had Mont-Saint-Michel in the distance. The famous tidal island is a tourist attraction which has become increasingly commercialised over the last fifty years or so. We walked from the camp site down to the beach to take in the view, but were glad not to have to do battle with the crowds that were inevitably there.

25 June 22: We continued along the north Brittany coast to Dinan, then turned south to Vannes and on to the Quiberon peninsular where we spent ages choosing a site, eventually settling on the fantastic, but un-excitingly named, Camping Municipal de Kerhostin, immediately above a sandy and rocky bay, which we had mostly to ourselves.

26 June 22: We walked down the peninsular to St Pierre Keroude and Port d’Orange, via a mostly good coastal path. Some good shops and restaurants. Later, reading on the local beach.

27 June 22: More walking, this time to Portivy, on the western, windier, side of the peninsular, crossing the railway line.

In the afternoon we swam (briefly in my case) off the local beach.

In the early evening we walked to the Fort de Penthièvre, an impressive structure which, although built originally in the mid 18th century, is now mainly seen as a memorial to heroes of the resistance of World War Two. More details https://second.wiki/wiki/fort_de_penthic3a8vre.

28 June 22: After some laundry duties, we went down to Saint Pierre for lunch. We explored the small town, Sal was tempted into some clothes shops and we wandered around a surprisingly interesting cemetery.

29 June 22: We decided to stay for another day, but drove to a medieval town, Le Port de Saint-Goustan. Then we walked up to a slightly more modern town, Auray. Both very pretty and popular.

Then we drove, stopping at a small “henge”, to the Ile de Sait Cado. A little stormy later.

30 June 22: More rain to start with but sunny by 10:00am. With the intention of meandering back around the Brittany coast we drove inland to Rohan. Nice little town but probably not big enough to spend more than a night.

After looking at weather forecasts, we decided to change our plans and head back south to the Gulf of Morbihan, and Arzon, on a strip of land to the south of the basin….

1 July 22: Another lovely site, Actually, only about ten miles, as the gull flies, from Quiberon. Close to the sea and, although generally quite marshy, some sandy beaches. After setting up camp, we walked around a nearby headland to inspect the oyster beds, only to get involved with hundreds of runners, also going our way. In fact, the path was so narrow in places our only option was to jog along with them. No medals for us, though.

2 July 22: We walked, via Le Bourg, to a brocante market around the harbour. Quite hot!

3 July 22: Walked, again via Le Bourg and a footpath, to Port Navallo. Very nice town with street food market. Bought seafood, prawns and moules mostly, and fruit and roast potatoes, which seems to be a “thing” around here. As everywhere in Brittany, lots of hydrangeas.

4 July22: Went to find some megaliths, similar to Wales and Cornwall, as is the style of architecture and agriculture. All very Celtic.

Later we walked to Le Moulin de Pen Castel, an interesting water mill. Then around the coast, stopping for a coffee at a kayak centre.

5 July 22:

Huge, mainly food, market in Le Bourg. Stocked up on campervan larder/fridge.

6 July 22: Packing up and starting the journey home. We had a last coffee at the Novara Port, then drove around the Gulf of Morbihan and back north. We stopped for lunch at Saint Aubin du Cormier, a very pretty town with a chateau, a lake, medieval gardens and a campsite (noted for future reference).

Then to St Sauveur Le Vicomte, where we spent our first night a couple of weeks ago.

I had a wander around the town later. Lots of World War Two memorabilia.

7 July 22: Usual end-of-trip procedure, i.e. filling up the camper with French food, wine, beer. Since leaving the EU the limits are stricter, and we take more care, making sure that the wine, in particular, is within the published limits. Then we drove to Banfleur on the NE of the Cherbourg Peninsular, where we parked on the quay and wandered around the town.

Then meandered along coast to Cherbourg and long wait for ferry.