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On our way back to Calais, we planned a stop to visit some World War I sites in Northern France. We found a campsite in the town of Albert, which served as a convenient base for trips to the Thiepval Museum and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. The museum is filled with fascinating information and relics, and the walk around the vast memorial of names of soldiers lost at the Somme is haunting. At the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, we were welcomed by a guide on an exchange from Canada, who gave us an insightful tour of the trenches we found really...

We arrived at Camping Espace Vital in La Grande-Verrière late afternoon, just as the light was starting to soften. We were greated by Paul, the friendly owner, who guided us through the gates and over the grass to find our pitch. He showed us the options and even lent us a longer electric hook-up cable so we could set up with the best view. There was only one other tent in the field, tucked up at the top, so it felt wonderfully peaceful. Paul helped us get the van level using the on-site chocks, then left us to get sorted....

We spent two nights at Espace Vital Camping, in the Morvan National Park, near the village of Saint Leger sous Beuvray. Not far from the historic town of Autun, Burgandy. A wonderfully peaceful campsite, in fact there was only one other tent there at the top of the field. The stars at night were unbelievable with no light pollution around at all. Our campervan pitch with electric was 30 Euros a night. Paul and Leanne were incredibly friendly and helpful hosts. They even provided us with a longer electric lead so that we could have the best view of the...

After leaving La Grave, we drove toward Chamonix to spend a few days there. The weather was beautiful, and the summer crowds had mostly gone home. Day one We enjoyed a few picnic walks, and one of our favourites was the route from Les Bois up to Montenvers, with a picnic stop along the way. The path is steep, but the stunning views make it worth the effort. There’s a buvette on the way, and, of course, several lovely spots for a picnic with a view of the Dru. We made our way up through the wooded path and eventually reached...

We have always wanted to stay at La Grave. So passing through late in the afternoon on the way back from Provence, the light was low with wonderful warm shadows over the town and surrounding villages, it was just too tempting. There are two campsites either end of the town. Both had good reviews. We drove down to the first one. The little reception office was bursting with colourful geranium hanging baskets and hanging baskets and the view up to the mountains above was breathtaking. We checked in. We had a huge choice of pitches. The site is green and grassy...