Our France & Spain Trip - Week 4 Recap

Days 24–31: Biarritz, Beaches & the Final Stretch

Day 24 – Biarritz by Bike

Wanting to make the very most of our bike hire, we set off for Biarritz, just under 2 miles away. The French roads continued to live up to their reputation with lanes wide enough for comfortable cycling, clearly marked, and wonderfully safe for families.

Our first stop was a bustling local market, where the kids immediately gravitated toward the pastry stalls, while we opted for focaccia piled high with delicious roasted vegetables.

We wandered through the elegant, polished streets of Biarritz, where everything felt refined and effortlessly stylish, the kind of place that’s perfect for a relaxed half-day visit.

The cycle back to the campsite was quick and easy, and the afternoon took on a slower pace. We headed to the swimming pool, where the slides kept everyone entertained.

Later, we made our way back to Bidart beach for another round of surfing and splashing in the waves. We rounded off the day with dinner at the on-site restaurant for burgers and pizzas that perfectly hit the spot after a busy day.

Day 25 – Hondarribia (Horrarribia)

With a long drive ahead to our final campsite, Camping Playa Joyel, we planned a stop in Hondarribia, which is a town I’d had firmly on my radar for quite a while. As we set off, we were all feeling the effects of nearly a month on the road, and for a moment we considered skipping the detour. Thankfully, though, we didn’t!

Hondarribia turned out to be completely worth the stop, with its colourful, traditional Basque houses and a rich history. We took our time exploring, soaking up the beauty and imagining what it might be like to return someday for a few nights. The food scene there is meant to be exceptional — another reason to come back.

After stretching our legs, we continued on to our final campsite. We’d chosen it for its beachside location and pool. It was noticeably busier than previous sites, but the pitches were level, spacious, and well organised, making setup hassle-free. Setup complete — just one final stretch to go!

Day 26 – Animals Everywhere

The beach was directly across from the campsite, so naturally, we spent the morning surfing, bodyboarding, and swimming. Afterwards, we picked up cakes and ice creams from the beach café while the kids ran around on the big grassy area nearby.

Later in the afternoon, the on-site “animal park” opened. We weren’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be pure chaos in the best way! Goats, deer, emus, chickens and a surprising assortment of other creatures roamed freely. Guests could help themselves to bread to offer the animals, which only added to the lively atmosphere.

There were also rabbits, cows, peacocks, and even dogs in enclosures, which seemed remarkably calm around children. It was quirky, unmanned, and completely chaotic… but the kids loved every minute of it.

Day 27 – Pool vs. Beach

We decided to try out the campsite’s swimming pool, but it didn’t live up to what we’d enjoyed earlier in the trip. With three small pools, no floats allowed, and strict swimming cap rules, our enthusiasm faded quickly.

Still, it didn’t matter, as the beach was where we were happiest anyway. We spent the rest of the day back by the sea, letting the rhythm of the waves set the tone for a slower, more relaxed pace. Later on, we wandered into the village to explore what was nearby, taking in the local atmosphere and enjoying a more simplistic day.

Day 28 – Santander Preview

With our ferry day nearing, we decided on a day trip to Santander so we could explore without feeling rushed or preoccupied with travel logistics. We discovered it’s a fantastic spot for families, enjoying a visit to a wonderful park beside the Centro Botín, a leisurely stroll along the seafront, and vegan poke bowls for lunch.

Afterwards, we made our way back to the campsite and began packing up what we could in preparation for our final day.

Day 29 – One Last Beach Day

Rain was expected on our final day, so we enjoyed every moment of the remaining sunshine. Determined to make the most of it, we spent the entire day on the beach rock pooling, swimming, collecting crabs and soaking up our surroundings. It was slow, simple, and exactly what we needed to wrap up the trip.

Day 30 – Bilbao Bound

As clouds rolled in, we made our way inland to Bilbao. I had been looking forward to visiting the Guggenheim Museum for ages, and it didn’t disappoint. Finding a car park that accommodated the van’s extra height was its own small challenge, but once we did, we enjoyed a scenic walk along the river toward the museum.

Inside, the exhibits kept the kids engaged, and the building itself was incredible. Afterwards, we refuelled with vegan burgers and made our way back to the campsite feeling tired, happy, and ready for a quieter evening.

Day 31 – Homeward Bound

The sun greeted us on our final morning. Packing up was bittersweet, as we felt a blend of excitement to return home and sadness that our month-long adventure was drawing to a close. Before leaving, we squeezed in one final visit to the beach.

At Santander port, boarding the ferry was smooth and straightforward, and we were pleased to find two clean, comfortable cabins waiting for us, giving everyone room to settle in.

Once settled, we explored the ship, finding restaurants, shops, bars, entertainment areas, and even a cinema. It felt like the perfect, relaxed way to end a journey we'll never forget.

Trip Summary

This month-long road trip across France and Spain was nothing short of unforgettable. Over the course of our journey, we encountered everything from dramatic thunderstorms to surprise animal interactions, from pristine beaches to serene mountain lakes, and from rustic campsites to truly world-class ones.

What struck us most was how much variety both countries offered, all accessible by road and all within achievable daily drives. Travelling by campervan gave us the flexibility to chase the sun, pivot plans at the last minute, and embrace each day as it unfolded. It truly felt like the perfect home on wheels.

Each of us walked away with different standout memories from the epic swimming pools, quiet lakeside dips, surf beaches, ancient castles, tapas under the stars and table football in the rain.

But one thing we all agreed on was that this was our best adventure yet. And the best part? We’re already planning the next one!

And as the very final blog from our trip across France and Spain, we want to say a big thank you to our community for following along with our journey.