France Road Trip — Côte d'Azur, Provence & Bordeaux
- Free parking spaces were also available in France. easy to find
- Saint-Tropez: Waterfront parking space, 10-minute walk to the town center
- Stone chip in the windshield — the ADAC covered hotel and transport costs.
- Bullfighting in Nîmes: €2 bonus for each touch of the forehead
Contents of this post12 chapters
What could be tastier than good Brie cheese with crunchy baguette? Perhaps a fresh crêpe filled with white chocolate!
I loved France not only for its food but also for its impressive cities, beaches, and mountains.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, we found a campsite on a mountain. Except for a few donkeys in the background, there seemed to be no one else around. Haha. That would have been nice! After just a few minutes, a Frenchman approached us. He wore a loose, half-buttoned shirt and shorts. His hair was grayish, short, and a bit tousled. With a loud "Boooonjoooouuur," he greeted us loudly, trying his best to stand upright and suppress his swaying. A blind person could have guessed from his first sound that this man was definitely drunk. To our misfortune! The Frenchman talked and talked. Things that were not particularly interesting and, BY THE WAY, not understandable to us (due to his language). After hundreds of remarks, he started speaking English. That didn't make it any better. Now he told us about the donkeys he owned, his non-existent wife, and his life. Somehow, one could feel sorry for this man... When he finally got closer to our camper, we decided to look for another campsite.
And OFF we went.
Welcome to Saint-Tropez
Our campsite was only a 10-minute walk from the center. What more could you ask for?
Off to Hyères
In Hyères, it wasn't easy to find a campsite. We first drove up the castle hill: That was not a good idea!
Then it was back down again backwards, winding. What fun!
Finally, we parked on a meadow with a view of the castle. Not bad either!
Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer
After the beautiful sunset, we made some fresh pizzas with our Omnia oven!
Via Ferrata
The scariest Via Ferrata
Like in a horror movie! For some, a hanging bridge is probably already a scary experience, but the fog here tops everything!
Even though I didn't really see much: I knew it went verrrrry deep down!
No Risk – No Fun.
Nîmes
Bullfighting in the amphitheater
For the first time in our lives, we visited an amphitheater where a bullfight took place.
With mixed feelings, we finally sat down in one of the many rows. After being supplied with beer, it started. At first, we only saw the fighters in their white clothes standing in the middle of the amphitheater.
What now? No red cloth? No.
Suddenly there was a short warning signal, after which the big bull, somewhat cautiously, marched into the fight with his powerful horns. The goal was now for the white men (fighters) to touch the bull's forehead and to do so without getting injured.
It got exciting!
After a while, someone finally managed to touch the animal's forehead. Oh my goodness... Now quickly. He ran for his life and "SLAP" - he collided with the barrier. Our breath stopped. In seconds, he was pulled over the railing by several staff members. Lucky again, I'd say! The bull also collided with the barrier shortly afterwards. That could have gone wrong! The game was so exciting that I couldn't look away for a second. "Deux Euro". "Deux Euro" echoed through the speakers. Every time the bull's forehead was touched, the player received 2 euros. Risky 2 euros. Life-threatening 2 euros. The game continued. Occasionally, the bull slammed into the barrier with full force. It also happened that the bull protruded half over the railing because he had such speed that he struck over. Horrible to watch. Only the next day, traditionally, the head of the animal was cut off alive with the help of a knife. The horns were then pulled out and proudly handed over.
Shocking tradition. We agree on that.
We don't need to be part of such a "game" again.
Montpellier
On the way to Montpellier, a large truck drove in front of us, from which a big stone hit our windshield.
Great!
The windshield cracked bit by bit. So it was off to the workshop as quickly as possible. Fortunately, we were ADAC members, so we received reimbursement for a hotel night worth over 100 euros + transportation.
Crazy. One phone call and everything was arranged! It's definitely worth being an ADAC member!
The next day, with our repaired windshield, we found a new campsite in the middle of nowhere. After a quiet night, I prepared breakfast. Suddenly we heard a strange noise from outside. We opened the camper door and behold:
As if out of nowhere, the white horses appeared. It was like a dream. A magical world. Indescribable!
Cassis
Right by the Mediterranean Sea is the beautiful fishing harbor with the pebble beaches and clear water.
Brief conclusion
France was a great experience. Every city here just has its own charm, and it was once again totally easy to find good & free campsites! Perfect.
Marignane
In Marignane, we scored a great (and as always, free) campsite right by the sea.
Plus, there was also a great sunset with pink clouds.
How beautiful!
But now:
"Good night!"
Next stop: Monaco
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to find parking spaces in France?
Very easy. Every town has its own charm, and once again it was incredibly easy to find good and free parking spaces — in Saint-Tropez even a ten-minute walk from the center, in Marignane right by the sea.
Is ADAC membership worthwhile for a road trip?
Yes, that's how it was for us. A stone hit the windshield, and the crack kept spreading. One phone call, and our hotel stay worth over €100 plus transport costs were reimbursed.
What happens during a bullfight in Nîmes?
Without a red cape. The fighters in white try to tap the bull's forehead—each touch earns them 2 euros. The next day, the animal is traditionally beheaded while still alive. A shocking tradition we don't need to see again.
What should I absolutely eat in France?
Good Brie with a crusty baguette — and a fresh crêpe with white chocolate. For me, the best crêpe was in Saint-Tropez.
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