As a family who builds campervans for a living, we finally had the chance to take our own advice: pack up, slow down, and hit the road for a month-long adventure through France and Spain.
We’re not just sharing pretty pictures or polished itineraries — this blog is a window into real life on the road with three young children, one campervan, and no fixed plan. It’s about the moments in between the maps: spontaneous stops, campsite discoveries, bike rides, meltdowns, sea glass, sunsets, and every crumb of croissant in between.
This week-by-week series follows our journey as a family of five, living out the very lifestyle we create for others through our campervan conversions — freedom, connection, and the kind of memories that only come when you step out of routine and into the unknown.
We hope it gives you a feel for what campervan life can really look like — especially with kids in tow — and maybe even inspires your own adventure.
Days 1–7: Setting Sail & Finding Our Rhythm
Day 1 – The Long Stint in the Van!
After a hectic morning of packing and getting the house ready, we were finally en route to Plymouth for our 22:00 ferry to Roscoff. Wanting a breather before boarding, we stopped at a nearby park — not far from where I lived during my uni days. It was a lovely break for the kids, and an Italian dinner (not very French, we know!) fuelled us before queuing for our first family ferry adventure.
We were so glad we’d booked two cabins — the kids were shattered, but everyone managed a decent sleep before arriving in Roscoff at 7am.
Our first campsite had been pre-booked: Flower Camping La Guichardière. I’d searched for a coastal site with a pool within four hours of the ferry, but with Dorothea deciding she no longer liked being in the van for long stretches, we had to break up the 321km drive with a stop in Lorient. A quick walk from the harbour and a pain au chocolat/coffee fix made it a worthwhile pause.
Camping La Guichardière was a gem — a brilliant pool and splash park for the kids, clean facilities, a shaded, level pitch, and a beach just five minutes away. The on-site park sealed the deal. Highly recommended!
Day 2 – Sunny Bike Rides
We started the day with pre-ordered croissants and a baguette after a play at the campsite’s park — a simple but delicious breakfast. Then we hired bikes and explored part of the Vélodyssée trail. The flat route was perfect for little legs, and a paddle/snack break at Place du Port aux Ânes was a highlight.
After lunch back at the van, we returned to the pool and later discovered a games area — cue competitive table football before pasta and card games for dinner.
Two nights here was the perfect amount of time to rest between drives. The only downside? The lack of fresh produce on-site, so it’s worth stocking up at a supermarket before arriving.
Day 3 – Sun Chasing
We woke to rain, which made leaving easier! The plan was to stop in La Rochelle, but with the weather set in, we aimed straight for our next Eurocamp near Bordeaux, making stops en route to break up the long, wet journey.
We arrived at Côte d’Argent around 17:55, and first impressions were excellent — friendly staff, a welcome gift, and a gorgeous pine forest setting just a short walk from the beach.
A quick setup later, we were tucking into pizzas and burgers at the on-site restaurant before catching the sunset on the beach. We slept soundly, excited for what this site had to offer.
Day 4 – Swimming Fun!
A chilled start: Lewis took the girls to the park while Dougie and I relaxed in the van. After breakfast, we hit the pool — and wow, what a pool! Sparkling clean, heaps of slides, splash zones, and pools for all ages. It was a cooler day, so the indoor pool was a blessing. Everyone had a blast.
Day 5 – We’re Lost!
Encouraged by previous cycling fun, we hired bikes again and set off to find a lake — about an hour away. The scenery was stunning, but I took a wrong turn (oops!), adding 30 minutes to our ride. We eventually arrived at a beautiful lake, where the kids cooled off with ice creams and a swim.
Our big mistake? Taking a "shorter" route back. It led us up a steep, rocky path and across dunes unsuitable for bikes. We ended up walking for two hours and got totally lost. Six hours and 20km later, we made it back — knackered but proud. The kids were absolute troopers and earned their pizza and pasta that evening.
Day 6 – Making the Most of Côte d’Argent
With sunshine due by midday, we spent the morning at Hourtin Plage — just a short cycle from the site. Warm sand, playful waves, and happy kids made it a great start to the day.
The afternoon was all about the pool — slides, lazy river, and splash zones galore. We treated ourselves to fries and drinks at the bar beside the pool and soaked up the sun. This pool is definitely one of the best we’ve experienced on our travels.
Day 7 – A Change of Plan
We said a fond goodbye to Côte d’Argent, fully stocked with pastries and baguettes. I'd wanted to take the slow coastal route to Hossegor, but with the kids struggling on longer drives, we compromised with a stop east of Arcachon Bay. We watched the locals swimming in the Bassin de Baignade, spotted swallows, and played at the harbour-side park.
Instead of continuing to our planned Yelloh! campsite, we made a last-minute call to stay at Camping La Civelle in Hossegor, just off the road. It wasn’t our favourite — smaller, more exposed pitches, and lacking in cleanliness (no hand soap, which is a deal-breaker for me!) — but it was a good base for exploring.
We headed straight for Hossegor beach, where the kids played in the sea while we braved the crowds. Food options were limited for vegetarians, but we managed something other than Margherita pizza (finally!). We realised the buzzy, youthful vibe of Hossegor wasn’t quite our thing, so we decided to switch sites in the morning.
Days 8–15: Surf, Slides & Spanish Shores
Day 8 – Let’s Get Moving!
Packing up after less than 24 hours wasn’t fun — so we vowed to avoid one-nighters where possible. Lewis had found a great beach earlier that morning near Forêt Domaniale des Dunes-du-Sud, and we made a detour for a final surf and beach play before leaving Hossegor.
There was an aire right by the beach — perfect for off-grid camping if you don’t need facilities. The kids played in the waves while Dotty and I paddled and hunted for shells.
Our next site was a welcome change. The pitch was huge and private, surrounded by hedges, and the site itself was beautifully landscaped with top-notch facilities — including spotless bathrooms and even separate baby washing areas. A peaceful setup and just what we needed.
Day 9 – Ant Invasion & Waterpark Heaven
We woke up to an army of ants in the van! Turns out our lovely pitch was also a favourite for insects. After a thorough clear-out and removing anything remotely edible, we headed to the pool — and it was spectacular.
There was a volcano-themed pool, a lazy river with giant rubber rings, thrilling slides, and an amazing indoor splash zone for Dotty to explore. The whole family got stuck in — Dotty turned out to be a daredevil, joining us on almost every slide.
We lunched on pizza and chips before diving back in for more fun. That afternoon, a huge thunderstorm rolled in, so we spent the evening storm-watching — the sky lit up for hours! A wild end to an epic day.
Day 10 – Into the Mountains
Originally, we’d planned to head for Biarritz, but the mountains were calling. Inspired by Taking the Long Road by Martin Corey, we set our sights on Lac de Gaube in the Pyrenees.
On the way to Cauterets, we stopped at Lourdes Lake — a calm, picturesque spot perfect for a picnic and swim. It was ideal for Dotty, while the older two snorkelled to their hearts’ content.
We dragged ourselves away for lunch at Les Chalets des Pyrénées — the best meal of the trip! Crepes for the kids, a falafel salad for me, and an omelette for Lewis. Simple and delicious.
That night we camped at Camping Les Glères in Cauterets. No pool, so not a kids’ favourite — but Lewis and I loved it. Quiet, scenic, with all the essentials and a riverside pitch.
Day 11 – Lac de Gaube Adventure
A short drive took us to Pont d’Espagne, where we boarded a cable car and ski lift (totally worth the €54 to avoid hiking with three kids!). The trail to the lake was an easy 20-minute walk — and the view of Lac de Gaube was jaw-dropping. Turquoise water framed by towering peaks — the photos don’t do it justice.
We spent the day paddling (well, trying to — it was freezing!), spotting tadpoles, and chasing butterflies. It was peaceful, scenic, and completely memorable.
Back in Cauterets, we found a family-friendly restaurant with a free pool table, foosball, and retro arcade games. Everyone was happy!
Day 12 – Carcassonne & Crossbows
As big fans of the Carcassonne board game, we couldn’t miss the real thing. We booked an Airbnb for one night (hot weather and the hassle of unpacking the camper meant camping wasn’t ideal).
Parking was a pain, especially with our tow box, and hauling everything we needed for one night reminded us why we love having our home on wheels. But once settled, we loved it.
The old town was magical — cobbled streets, castle towers, hidden cafés, and plenty of history. The kids were in their element, especially when they found souvenir swords and crossbows!
Day 13 – ¡Hola, España!
Spain, here we come! First stop: Yelloh! Camping Sant Miquel, near the coast. A pool with slides and a beach within walking distance? Perfect.
We had a brilliant beach afternoon — calm waters, soft sand, and great snorkelling. The kids were in the sea in minutes, and I was thrilled to find sea glass (my favourite holiday treasure).
Day 14 – Snorkelling in Llanca
Up early, we promised Mabel some pool time, but first made a short trip to a nearby cove in Llanca for more snorkelling. We scrambled down to a quiet rocky beach and found our own slice of paradise.
The snorkelling was amazing — I even spotted a cuttlefish! Dotty, now recharged, was happy playing by the rocks.
Back at the campsite, the pool didn’t have the prettiest surroundings, but it was perfect for our kids’ age range, and Dotty had a lovely time paddling independently.
Day 15 – Boat Day in Blanes
Hiring a boat was high on my list, and this stretch of coast was ideal. We found a company in Blanes that rented boats without a license. Four hours, a picnic, and one very excited crew… until Dotty had a meltdown and needed a nap.
Once she was asleep, the boys jumped off the boat to swim and snorkel. We anchored in three different spots and saw all sorts of marine life — including jellyfish, much to Dougie’s horror!
That evening we arrived at Camping Cala Pola near Tossa de Mar. We were so impressed, and with Dotty feeling under the weather, we opted for an air-conditioned bungalow (they had one left — fate!). Clean, well-laid out, and ideal for recharging.
We ended the day with dinner in the restaurant and a sunset snorkel — perfection.
Days 16–23: Coastlines, Chaos & a Slower Pace
Day 16 – Classic Beach & Pool Day
We settled into a slower rhythm at Camping Cala Pola. The beach was just a short walk away and perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and soaking up the sun. The pool had no slides, but the kids made their own fun while we all enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
After a homemade dinner in the bungalow, we spent the evening playing ping pong and darts — simple joys that made the day feel complete.
Later that night, we read news of protests in Barcelona, and with the weekend approaching, we decided it wasn’t worth the risk — especially with the kids in tow. As disappointing as it was to skip it, we opted for a family favourite instead: PortAventura World.
Day 17 – Farewell Tossa de Mar
We weren’t ready to leave Cala Pola, but there was no more availability. Thankfully, we’d made the most of our time — including one last beach walk in Tossa de Mar. This stunning town boasts a 12th-century walled old town, Vila Vella, perched dramatically above the sea — the only surviving fortified town on the Catalan coast. Climbing to the top was rewarded with breathtaking views.
From there, we drove toward Salou, planning to stay near PortAventura. I accidentally booked the wrong campsite (I had my eye on one with a fancy African-themed pool!), but La Siesta Salou Resort turned out just fine. The kids were happy with the pools and flumes, and we found out it was a Spanish bank holiday — which explained the short availability!
Day 18 – PortAventura World
Theme park day! We arrived early, armed with snacks, suncream, and fast pass tickets — an absolute lifesaver with three small kids. It allowed one adult to hop on the big rides while the other stayed with the children.
The whole park was fantastic. There was something for everyone — water rides, shows, roller coasters, and food stalls galore. We were exhausted by the end but totally agreed: PortAventura was a huge win.
Day 19 – Decision Time
This was our most indecisive day. We debated heading further down the Spanish coast but felt the vibe had changed — it was getting noisier, busier, and not really “us”.
We considered retracing our steps back toward Tossa de Mar, but eventually decided to head inland toward the north coast of Spain. That meant a long stint in the van with no clear plan — risky, but exciting.
Our halfway point became Zaragoza, chosen mostly because it was on the map and had hotels. The temperature soared to 39°C, so camping was out. Parking the van was a challenge, but we just about squeezed into an underground car park (after removing the surfboards!).
The hotel was central, giving us the chance to explore a little — including a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, which was absolutely stunning. It’s safe to say we only scratched the surface of Zaragoza, but the heat and exhaustion won in the end.
Day 20 – To the Beach!
We were craving coast again. Saint-Jean-de-Luz was calling — and after a stop at Parque Natural del Señorío de Bertiz for a quick leg stretch, we arrived at Camping Bord de Mer, just steps from Plage d’Erromardie.
Our pitch was close to the beach, and after a quick veggie pasta dinner, we strolled down to the sea for an evening swim and shell hunting session (including sea glass — win!).
That night we discovered a fantastic pop-up food spot on the field next to the campsite. Topa (a pizza truck and tapas bar) was absolutely brilliant — welcoming, delicious, and full of friendly vibes. The kids played pétanque and lawn games while we chatted with locals and enjoyed a relaxed evening. We’d recommend it a thousand times over — if only we could find them online to tag!
Day 21 – Busing It Into Town
The bus stop was right next to the site, so we hopped on and spent the morning wandering around Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It’s a charming town with a lovely beach, great independent shops, and plenty of restaurants.
The kids were tired, so we didn’t stay long, but we stocked up on veggie treats from a little supermarket before heading back. The rest of the day was spent on the beach and back at the van, followed by a little campfire before bed.
Day 22 – Beach Day Bliss
We loved it so much here, we extended our stay by another night. It was the most relaxed we’d felt on the whole trip — beach, sun, sea, and a camper just steps away. We popped back and forth as we pleased and enjoyed the day without any set plans.
That night brought another dramatic thunderstorm, but tucked up in the van, we felt totally cosy and safe.
Day 23 – Bidart Bound
We woke to rain, packed up wet gear (the reality of van life!), and headed for a Carrefour to stock up. It was exciting to find some vegetarian alternatives, giving us a break from pasta and baguettes.
We then drove just 15 minutes up the coast to Yelloh! Village Ilbarritz near Bidart. There were only a few pitches left, so we splurged on one with a private bathroom — a luxury we absolutely loved.
We hired bikes from Marty Surfshop and cycled to the nearby beach. With the tide in, we carried on to Bidart village, which was absolutely charming. We had a drink, soaked in the atmosphere, and celebrated having a proper base for a couple of nights.
Days 24–31: Biarritz, Beaches & the Final Stretch
Day 24 – Biarritz by Bike
We wanted to make the most of our bike hire, so we cycled into Biarritz, just under 2 miles away. French roads have been wonderfully cycle-friendly, and the route was both scenic and safe.
Our first stop was a local market, where the kids picked out pastries and we enjoyed focaccia with roasted vegetables. We wandered through the elegant streets of Biarritz, which felt polished and upmarket — perfect for a half-day visit.
The cycle back was a breeze, and we spent the afternoon enjoying the swimming pool and slides. Later, we returned to Bidart beach for another surf and splash before dinner at the on-site restaurant — great burgers and pizzas to round off a perfect day.
Day 25 – Hondarribia (Horrarribia)
With a long drive ahead to our final stop at Camping Playa Joyel, we decided to break up the journey with a visit to Hondarribia — a town I’d had on my radar for a while.
We nearly skipped it due to travel fatigue, but I’m so glad we didn’t. It’s a striking town with colourful, traditional Basque houses and a rich history. We wandered, admired, and daydreamed about spending a few nights there in future — the food scene is meant to be incredible.
Then it was on to our final campsite, chosen for its beachside location and pool. It was much busier than previous sites, but the pitches were level, spacious, and well-organised. Setup complete — one last stretch of the journey ahead!
Day 26 – Animals Everywhere
The beach was just across from the site, so we spent the morning surfing, boogie boarding, and swimming. Afterwards, we grabbed cakes and ice creams at the beach café while the kids played on the huge grassy area nearby.
That afternoon, the on-site “animal park” opened. We weren’t sure what to expect — but it was pure chaos in the best way! Goats, deer, emus, chickens, and more roamed freely, and you could help yourself to bread to feed them. There were also rabbits, cows, peacocks and even dogs in enclosures — all surprisingly chilled around kids.
It was quirky, unstaffed, and totally wild… but the kids absolutely loved it.
Day 27 – Pool vs. Beach
We tried the campsite’s swimming pool, but it didn’t match what we’d been used to. Three small pools, no floats allowed, and a strict swimming cap rule meant we didn’t last long.
No complaints though — we much preferred the beach anyway. We spent the rest of the day there, followed by a little wander into the village to see what was on offer.
Day 28 – Santander Preview
With our ferry approaching, we took a day trip into Santander so we could explore the city without the rush. It’s a great place for families — we found a fantastic park next to the Centro Botín, strolled along the seafront, and enjoyed vegan poke bowls for lunch.
Back at the campsite, we packed up as much as we could in preparation for the final day.
Day 29 – One Last Beach Day
Rain was forecast for our final day, so we made the most of the last bit of sunshine. We spent the whole day on the beach — rock pooling, swimming, collecting crabs, and soaking up our surroundings. It was slow, simple, and just what we needed to round off the trip.
Day 30 – Bilbao Bound
As the weather turned, we headed inland to Bilbao. I had been waiting to visit the Guggenheim Museum and it didn’t disappoint. We found a suitable car park (a challenge in a van with added height!), then strolled along the river to the museum.
The exhibits kept the kids engaged and the building itself was incredible. We refuelled with vegan burgers before heading back — tired, happy, and ready for a rest.
Day 31 – Homeward Bound
We woke up to sunshine for our final morning. Packing up felt bittersweet — a mix of excitement to return home and sadness that the adventure was ending.
We squeezed in one last beach visit before heading to Santander port, where we boarded our ferry with ease. Two clean, comfy cabins were waiting for us, and we explored everything the ship had to offer — from restaurants and shops to bars, entertainment and even a cinema.
It was a relaxed, pleasant end to a trip we’ll never forget.
Trip Summary
This month-long road trip across France and Spain was nothing short of unforgettable. We experienced everything — from wild thunderstorms and surprise animal encounters to perfect beaches, mountain lakes, and world-class campsites.
What surprised us most was the sheer variety both countries had to offer — all within reach by road. The campervan gave us the flexibility to follow the sun, switch plans last minute, and take each day as it came. It truly felt like the perfect home on wheels.
Everyone had different highlights — from epic swimming pools to quiet lakeside swims, surf beaches to castles, tapas under the stars to table football in the rain. But we all agreed: it was the best adventure yet.
We’re already planning the next one.