A Month in France (June 2025): Our Road Trip Adventure Begins
June is the perfect time to travel to France, especially if you’re road tripping without children, like we were. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, the roads are quiet, and accommodation tends to be more affordable compared to peak summer months.
For this trip, we booked most of our accommodation through Airbnb, with a hotel stop en route. If you’re looking for a budget friendly alternative, Eurocamp has some excellent options in June as well. Just be sure to shop around and always read the reviews before booking!
Getting There: Ferry from Portsmouth to Caen
We travelled to France by car, heading to Portsmouth to catch the Brittany Ferries service to Caen. We’ve taken both day and overnight crossings on this route before and always opt for a cabin. It gives you a private space to relax, work, or catch up on sleep, whatever suits your needs. Each device gets 1 hour of free Wi-Fi, with the option to pay for more if required.
Cabins are equipped with a toilet, sink, and shower, making them a comfortable choice. In low season, you can often get one on board, but during busier times, it’s best to book your cabin when reserving your ferry to avoid disappointment. For reference, we paid £425 for a car with two passengers and a 4 berth outside cabin.
We usually browse the duty-free shop on board and grab food or drinks if needed. However, having our own cabin makes it easy to bring sandwiches and drinks to enjoy during the trip.
The day crossing takes around 6 hours, and we were lucky to have a smooth sailing. That said, I still take travel sickness tablets just in case!
First Stop: Tours
Once we arrived in Caen, we set off on our three hour drive to Tours. French toll roads are well maintained, and in June, they’re relatively traffic free which is a huge bonus for long distance driving.
We made a stop for the night at the Kyriad Chambray Les Tours Hotel. These hotels are basic but clean, comfortable, and good value for money. We had a standard double room with a bathroom for the night. There’s on-site parking, and if you’d like breakfast, it’s available for an additional €8.95 per person. We opted instead to pop down the road to the supermarket and picked up pastries and juice for a simple morning breakfast.
That evening, we walked to a nearby Italian restaurant called Bellacitta, which seemed to be a favourite with the locals. We enjoyed a large beer and a large pizza each, and the bill came to £42. The food was great, the service was fast, and the staff were friendly, just what you need after a long travel day!
From Tours to Bourg, with a Stop in Niort
We hit the road again, heading to our next destination: Bourg. As it was a bit of a longer drive, we decided to break up the journey with a stop in Niort. This is a charming town that turned out to be a great place to stretch our legs and grab some lunch.
We wandered around the town centre, which was lively thanks to the local market that happened to be on. As always in France, the market was packed with fresh produce, cheese, meats, and baked goods, a real treat for the senses. Niort also has a good mix of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a perfect pit stop on a road trip like this.
We had lunch at Jean Bart Café, a laid back spot in a small square. We each had a croque monsieur and a drink, and the total came to £18. One of the little things I really love about dining in France is that restaurants automatically bring a bottle of water for the table, without you needing to ask and it’s completely free.
Arriving in Bourg: Our Home for the Week
After our lunch stop in Niort, we continued the drive to Bourg, where we’d be staying for the next seven nights. We booked a very spacious and quirky Airbnb apartment, located above an antique shop in the heart of the village. The building had high ceilings and lots of character, making it a really unique and memorable place to stay.
The apartment was in a great location, just steps from the church and the main market square. It was the perfect base to work remotely and explore the local area at a relaxed pace. One of the big perks was the free parking nearby, right by the church, which overlooks the Dordogne River. The church bells would chime at 08:00 / 19:00 each week day, so we always had a wake up call each day at 8am, plus the church holds services at 11:00 and 19:00 on a Sunday, so again expect bells!
A Lazy Sunday in Bourg: Markets, Vineyards & a Scenic Stroll
Sunday in Bourg started off slow and peaceful just how we like it. There was a bit of rain and thunder, but the temperature stayed at a warm 23°C, so it still felt like summer.
The village square had everything we needed: a bakery for fresh bread, a bar, a couple of restaurants, and some small shops (though it’s worth checking opening days and times, as they can vary). The Sunday market was buzzing with locals and filled with beautiful fresh produce. We picked up some white asparagus for dinner, and the same friendly stallholder even gave us our onion for free!
Just a five minute walk up the road was a large Carrefour supermarket, which covered all our other shopping needs. It even has a petrol station, which was handy for our road trip plans.
Right near the apartment, we also discovered a few local landmarks: the Musée des Calèches, the Château de la Citadelle, and the Parc de l’Esconge. It’s a stunning spot and a beautiful setting for wedding photos.
Bourg has a municipal campsite with 26 pitches for motorhomes and tents (€15 / €10 per night). There is also a small free parking area for motorhomes behind Esconge park (no water or electricity). Bourg also has an outdoor heated swimming pool, should you wish to use this which is open from May to September.
After lunch, we laced up our trainers and headed out to explore the village and the surrounding vineyards. There are many vineyards in the area, and although they were all closed on Sunday, we planned to return for a bit of wine tasting later in the week. Our 9km walk was a great way to get some exercise and take in the endless rows of vines. It was peaceful, scenic, and the perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. (We did have some wine when we got back to the apartment!)
Blaye, Libourne & the Beautiful St. Emilion
We headed out to explore more of the local area, starting with the nearby village of Blaye, just a 17 minute drive from our base in Bourg. We found free parking and made our way to the Citadelle de Blaye. A large historic fortress overlooking the Gironde Estuary, and best of all, it’s free to visit! You can prebook a tour if you wish to learn more about its history.
The citadel is an impressive site, with picturesque views and lots of open space to explore. Within the fortress walls, you’ll find a few restaurants, cafés, and even a hotel. If you’re travelling by motorhome, there’s a campsite inside the citadel grounds too. Open from April to September and priced at €20.00 for 2 people and a motor home including electricity, or €12 for 2 people with a tent and a car. There is also a municipal campsite for motor homes located 9 minutes walk from the citadel, for €8.00 a night. A great budget option in a truly unique location.
From Blaye, we continued our journey to Libourne. We parked up and went for a stroll around the town, but found it a bit quiet and not especially memorable, though that could be down to the fact it was a Monday, when many shops and restaurants in France are closed. The church was lovely and there did seem to be plenty of places to eat and drink, so it may be worth another visit at some point in the future.
Next up was a scenic drive through to Pomerol, a prestigious wine region known for producing some of the best red wines in the world. We didn’t stop, as the area is mostly vines and vineyards, but we couldn’t resist pulling over to snap a photo of the sign, just for my memory bank!
Our final destination for the day was the gorgeous village of St. Emilion, famous for its wines, including the red we served on our wedding day. Even in June, it was busy with tourists, so I can only imagine how crowded it gets during peak summer. That said, it’s absolutely worth the visit.
We managed to find free parking just outside the village, as most central areas are pay and display. Saint Emilion is full of charm, with winding cobbled streets, wine shops, boutiques, and restaurants galore. You can take a guided tour if you want to dive deeper into the town’s rich history, or simply wander and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’re thinking of staying overnight, bear in mind that accommodation can be expensive here. A day trip is ideal, or if you’re travelling with a motorhome, consider one of the more affordable campsites nearby. Also, note that many streets are steep and cobbled, so comfortable shoes are a must and something to consider if walking is a challenge.
After a busy 10km day of walking and sightseeing, we returned to our apartment in Bourg for a well deserved glass of wine and a relaxed dinner. A perfect end to a packed and memorable day.
The next few days were work days. (Yes, I am working too – producing more content for our travel website.) However, we still manage to get out and about for early morning walks or an evening stroll.
As always, the food is good (Mark is cooking!) Lots of fresh veg, salad, smoked duck, venison, chicken and of course baguettes and cheese! Plus the odd glass of vino!
The surrounding area is great for walker’s, especially if you head out during the cooler morning or evening hours. One highlight was our 30 minute stroll from the apartment to Château de la Grave. We went for the obligatory wine tasting, which, naturally, went down a treat and walked away (mentally, at least) with a six bottle haul of two whites, two reds, and two rosés for a very reasonable £67.
Since we were on foot, the staff were incredibly accommodating, offering to hold our box until we could drive by with the car the following day. A quick word of advice: bring your best French phrases! The gentleman we met was lovely, but he didn’t speak English. However, we managed to get by with the French we knew.
For a slow afternoon, we enjoyed a cold beer in the village square before heading to Cuisine & Dépendances for dinner. Tucked just across the square and down the hill, the restaurant was busy with locals, always the best endorsement for any restaurant. We had a wonderfully relaxed meal paired with excellent wine; the service was attentive without being rushed. If you’re looking for a genuine local haunt in the area, this is definitely the spot.
Biscarrosse
Leaving Bourg, we made the 90 minute drive to Biscarrosse, where we checked into Camping Mayotte. It was a bit of a nostalgia trip for us; we hadn’t stayed at a Eurocamp since our children were small, but it turned out to be the perfect base for a couple of nights. Since we were traveling out of season, we scored an absolute bargain: a spacious three bedroom caravan on a large plot, complete with air conditioning, decking, and a BBQ, all for just £84 for two nights! After settling in, we hit the local supermarket to grab supplies for alfresco breakfasts and a few evening BBQs on the deck.
We did plenty of walking around the local area. We didn’t use the pool or entertainment on this occasion, but it was busy with families, mostly French, as it was a public holiday.
Andernos-les-Bains
After just over an hour’s drive from Biscarrosse we arrived in Andernos-les-bains. We booked a 2 bedroom Apartment, which was a 7 minute walk to the beach and walking distance to the town. So a perfect location. The apartment was well equipped, with air conditioning, dishwasher and washing machine. A small decked area outside, plus 2 sun loungers and a BBQ.
We arrived early, so we parked the car and walked into town to find somewhere for lunch. We ended up at la caovenne in the main square. We opted for the oysters, fish and chips, and a fish pie, with a glass of wine for €45 (£38).
There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in town. Plus there is a very nice bakery a few minutes walk from the apartment, should you want fresh bread or pastries.
For a light lunch, we opted for Saveurs Bassin by Jérémy. This spot is all about the “apéritif culture”, don’t expect a traditional sit down setup, as seating is limited to bar stools and high top outdoor tables. It’s a fantastic place to grab a cold beer and some yummy tapas. We went for some finger food style tapas, and a glass of wine each for €34 (£29), it was a perfectly relaxed way to spend an hour people watching and snacking.
Just a short walk from the apartment is the beach. Evening walks are a must to enjoy the beautiful sunsets.
There is a local bar by the beach called fish head. We stopped in here a few times for a cold beer or a cocktail. Very friendly staff and great taste in music! This place is very popular with the locals and hosts DJ nights, which can gather up to 2000 people!
Visiting the Dune du Pilat
We took the opportunity to make the scenic 45 minute drive to the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. To truly appreciate its scale without the midday heat or the crowds, an early start is essential, aim to arrive by 9:00 AM. At this hour, the visitor car park is easy to navigate, with fees ranging from €1 to €6 depending on the length of your stay (the first 30 minutes are usually free, but you’ll definitely want longer). Arriving early ensures you’ll have the 2.7 km long ridge almost entirely to yourself, with the sand still rippled and untouched from the night before.
The Climb and the View
Standing 106 meters high and 500 meters wide, the dune is a workout for the calves, up a staircase that’s partially covered in sand, which made the climb slightly easier. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning 360 degree panorama:
- To the West: The shimmering Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of Arcachon Bay.
- To the East: The endless, deep green canopy of the Landes forest.
It is a massive natural wonder that feels more like the Sahara than the French coast, and getting there before the rush makes the experience amazing.
We also went to Arcachon for a wander – tried a new cake for us called Canneles (popular cake for this region) at the market. Just cooked and still warm, delicious!
As it was Father’s Day while we were away, we had a wonderful lunch at the fisherman’s oyster restaurant – Perlostrea – A chilled bottle of wine, prawns, oysters, clams and bread. A simple but extremely fresh and tasty lunch – Total cost €47 (£40).
Cap Ferret – 30 minute drive from our apartment.They have sectioned off part of the dunes due to erosion, so you cannot access the part of the beach that we wanted to.
The tide goes out a long way – walk the beach in the evenings, watch the beautiful sunsets or just sit on the beach with a picnic.
On our last night we walked into town and went to L’oncle Phil’s for a burger and chips and a bottle of rose.
Ingrandes-Sur Loire
Next stop is a 4 ½ hour drive from Biscarosse to Ingrandes-Sur Loire. We stopped at an aire on the way for lunch. They have these all over the place in France. Some have services available, others are just somewhere that you can park up and have a rest or eat some food. This one had toilets (very clean), with piped music and benches dotted about the place, in the shade.
We have a lovely old 2 bedroom fishermans house, backing onto the Loire river. Don’t think we would get tired of the view every day. There is a local pizza restaurant, Creperie, Bars/restaurant (2 white coffees €3) and supermarket, all within walking distance.
There are plenty of Chateaus to visit in the area. The closest one to the house is Chateau de Serrant – built in the 16th Century. €10 each to gain access to the chateau, or you can walk around the grounds for free. Free parking too!
If you have a bike there are plenty of rides to do locally or if you have a boat, canoe or SUP you can easily access the Loire river at various points. We walked a lot and explored the local streets of very old buildings. We went for a dip in the Loire one sunny evening after dinner.
We also visited Chateau de Chambord a beautiful castle in magnificent grounds, surrounded by a 32 KM wall, with so much history and amazing architecture. The castle also houses the famous double helix staircase – 2 people can walk up and down the staircase without ever crossing paths!
Tickets cost €31 per person, with an additional €8 for all day parking. While the grounds and château offer plenty to explore, the on site eateries can be quite pricey. Luckily, picnic benches are scattered throughout the gardens, so packing your own lunch is a great way to enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors. We recommend arriving early to beat the crowds, as the château gets busy with tourists and school groups later in the day.
After a fabulous month filled with great weather, wonderful food, wine, charming accommodation, and unforgettable sightseeing, it was time to head home. Our evening ferry from Cherbourg to Poole, arriving at 21:00, marked the end of an era. As we now know, this would be our final trip on this route, Brittany Ferries has decommissioned the Barfleur, meaning our future adventures to France will depart from Portsmouth instead!
What to check out more …why not head over to our Stockholm post.
