Dean and Angela's Website

Today’s destination is Autocaravaning Park (https://autocaravaningparkroses.com/en) in The Bay of Roses. It is located in the northeast region of Spain on the Mediterranean Costa Brava.

We decided not to go on the toll roads but opt for a more scenic coastal drive. Even though according to our sat nav the distance was only forty miles it took us two hours. Hilly, winding roads and a few stops for pictures made it worthwhile.

When we arrived, there was a motorhome in front of us checking in. We had heard that it has a computerised (Passport security) check in system that is difficult to work out. Fortunately, there was a member of staff on duty who was more than happy to help. Angela read the instructions which were available in many languages and said they were easy to follow!

After we’d set up and had a brew I got our bikes off and put the panniers on. We went straight out and headed for the harbour along the lovely esplanade.

Once we had got our bearings we stopped off for a quick coffee before cycling to the Carrefour supermarket we passed on our way in. Mainly for cheese and wine for tonight.

We cycled back to site, locked the bikes away, had a nice shower then chilled out in the evening.

Our plans changed overnight as we were heading for Strasbourg when we left Trier, but they now had forecast for blizzards so we’re heading south into France!

Our destination is Argeles-sur-mer in southern France but we’ll need a few stops on the way as it is still quite a distance. We have a Camping-Car Park card http://www.campingcarpark.comthat we purchased last year for 5 euros, which provides you with a network of aires (many used to be the municipal sites run by the local council equivalents) across France.

You can check online where the sites are, how many pitches are available and what facilities they provide so it takes any confusion out. We’ve paid an average of 11 euros per night and this includes electric, albeit it 6 amps but that has been move than adequate if you’re sensible.

We chose a campsite in the village of Seurre, about 40kms of Dijon that was extremely pleasant and next to the River Saône. New hard standings are being made and again everything was in working order. It took us nearly five hours to get here (261miles) so we’ve decided to stay a couple of nights.

Dean went and bought some fresh bread in the morning while I sorted the van out. We did venture out for a walk (when it snowed!) and to top up the essentials but had forgotten the shops closing times differ from the UK….we went back empty handed.

Our journey from Koln took us 237 miles (2.5 hours) with no detours and a very easy journey as we’ve been here many times before. The gas bottles are getting low but we were thwarted a couple of times in our attempt to fill up, so we’ll have to sort that out when we move on.

We made a lovely vegetable soup on our arrival and made use of the showers on site (heaven!) then had a relaxing chilled out evening before our trip into the town tomorrow.

Again, it was nice to see the town without the Christmas markets and it really is worth a visit any time of the year. We visited Porta Negra, the UNESCO Roman city gate still in existence and took loads of pictures, then wandered around the little side streets just enjoying the architecture and everything about Germany!

Trier cathedral was amazing. Although we have been here before, this was the first time we went inside. Apart from a few others we had it all to ourselves.

It will be our last stop in Germany which is bittersweet. We’ve had a wonderful time especially spending time with family, but we are looking forward to enjoying a little bit of France and then heading for the sun of Spain…