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<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-471" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
We are just back from a six week trip in Van-Rouge, the start was a bit stressful though as the morning of the outgoing ferry trip the alternator went in the van, Luckily for us Stanley Autos opened up for us and installed a new one on the morning of the ferry deprature, ouf....
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-472" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Derek hard at it....
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-548" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="1024" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-473" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Once aboard the Brittany ferries boat we had an easy time of it and got to see the port of Cork.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-474" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Last Vans boarding<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-475" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-476" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Cobh<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-477" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/7-1024x230.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="230" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-478" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
A bit of reading before sleep<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-479" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The worst thing about the crossing is simply that it arrives too early in the morning. Luckily we were amongst the first people off. And after inspecting the Covid passport and Passport we were on the road and only had five vehicles ahead of us.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-480" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/10-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
550KM later we arrived at Caroline's house at Yvoy le Marron and spent a relaxing afternoon chatting with them.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-481" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/11-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-482" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/12-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Caroline and Nadette
[caption id="attachment_483" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-483" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/13-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Caroline's House[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_484" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-484" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/14-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Yvoy Le Marron[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-485" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/15-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The next day we drove down the autoroute heading for Provence. After a few hours though we got to Langeac, had a meal in a restaurant and the chef told us of this place to park for the night, very nice.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-486" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/16-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Morning Swim<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-487" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/17-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Van Rouge<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-488" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/18-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The next day we drove towards Nyons cross country using some lovely roads.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-489" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/19-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
We spent the night in the Van at Vercoiran in Provence
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-491" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/21.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Fabienne's house, we could have stayed here, but as she was not there herself preferred to stay in the Van.
[caption id="attachment_492" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-492" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/22-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Vercoiran[/caption]
https://youtu.be/qmz_FxnPYaA
<blockquote>Watch a short video showing Vercoiran above</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-493" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/23.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Of course I had to go for a cycle<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-494" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/24-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Nice spot at the Col de Madeleine
<img class="size-medium wp-image-495" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/25-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
[caption id="attachment_496" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-496" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/26-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Here we had our next mishap as the Van-Rouge would not start...[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-497" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/27.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Once we got it jump started we drove to Sault and I did my ride up Mount Ventoux<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-498" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/28-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The on to Dauphin to meet Ed and Anne<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-499" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/29-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Nadette and Ed<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-500" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/30-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Van-Rouge<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-501" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/31-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-502" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/32-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
After an evening of food and drink we went for a 10K walk with Ed in the hills near Dauphin<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-503" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/33-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Nature takes over<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-504" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/34-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The village of Dauphin from the hills<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-505" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/35-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
We left Ed and drove back towards Ventoux as we had another meet to get to with Lionel and Catherine<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-506" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/36-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-507" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/37-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-508" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/38.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Another Spin<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-509" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/39-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Parked up for the night at Col de Ey
[caption id="attachment_510" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-510" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/40-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Col D'Éy[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-511" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/41-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-512" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/42-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
We caught up with Catherine and Lionel in Dieulefit<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-513" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/43-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-514" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/44-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-515" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/45-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-516" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/46-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-517" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/47-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-518" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/48-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-519" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/49-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-520" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/50-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-521" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/51-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
After visiting some lovely villages we ended up at our first campsite, Catherine could not find anywhere for them to stay so they brought a tent.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-522" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/52.jpg" alt="" width="765" height="800" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-523" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/53.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
The campsite was at Vesc and it was perfect. The village was great too.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-524" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/54-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-525" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/55-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
With a small fun Sunday morning market
[caption id="attachment_526" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-526" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/56-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Picnic spot on our way to La Motte Chalancon, where we split up with Catherine and Lionel and headed to Cassis[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-527" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/57.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Where we met up with Clemence, after about 15 years<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-528" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/58-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-529" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/59-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-530" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/60-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
Clemence is a diving instructor but also a captain in the Calanques, so we got a private guided tour just the three of us through some of the Calanques<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-531" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/61-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
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<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-533" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/63-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Pirate ship....<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-534" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/64-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-535" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/65-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-536" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/66-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
The water was clear and warm
[caption id="attachment_537" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-537" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/67-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Picnic spot on our own[/caption]
https://youtu.be/dOftKrep7o0
<blockquote>Some aerial shots of the Calanques</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-538" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/68.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-539" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/69.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Next day we had the starter problem of the van sorted, it was not the battery but rather the starter motor.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-540" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/70.jpg" alt="" width="801" height="800" />
Good bye meal in Cassis, I think the restaurant was called Léscalier
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-541" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/71.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
We drove over to the black mountains on your way towards Spain, stopped in Mazamet to see Nadette's Brother Jean, I had a nice cycle on an old railway line.
https://youtu.be/lHVXwrMp9BI
<blockquote>A short video in French of Jeans place near Mazamet</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-542" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/72.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-543" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/73.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
We drank some Cuvee Charklet....
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-544" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/74.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
And I did my last cycle in France, up the Pique du Nord, Spain awaited....
We are just back from a six week trip in Van-Rouge, the start was a bit stressful though as the morning of the outgoing ferry trip the alternator went in the van, Luckily for us Stanley Autos opened up for us and installed a new one on the morning of the ferry deprature, ouf....
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-472" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Derek hard at it....
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-548" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="1024" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-473" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Once aboard the Brittany ferries boat we had an easy time of it and got to see the port of Cork.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-474" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Last Vans boarding<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-475" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-476" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Cobh<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-477" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/7-1024x230.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="230" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-478" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
A bit of reading before sleep<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-479" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The worst thing about the crossing is simply that it arrives too early in the morning. Luckily we were amongst the first people off. And after inspecting the Covid passport and Passport we were on the road and only had five vehicles ahead of us.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-480" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/10-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
550KM later we arrived at Caroline's house at Yvoy le Marron and spent a relaxing afternoon chatting with them.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-481" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/11-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-482" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/12-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Caroline and Nadette
[caption id="attachment_483" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-483" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/13-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Caroline's House[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_484" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-484" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/14-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Yvoy Le Marron[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-485" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/15-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The next day we drove down the autoroute heading for Provence. After a few hours though we got to Langeac, had a meal in a restaurant and the chef told us of this place to park for the night, very nice.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-486" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/16-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Morning Swim<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-487" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/17-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Van Rouge<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-488" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/18-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The next day we drove towards Nyons cross country using some lovely roads.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-489" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/19-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
We spent the night in the Van at Vercoiran in Provence
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-491" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/21.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Fabienne's house, we could have stayed here, but as she was not there herself preferred to stay in the Van.
[caption id="attachment_492" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-492" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/22-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Vercoiran[/caption]
https://youtu.be/qmz_FxnPYaA
<blockquote>Watch a short video showing Vercoiran above</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-493" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/23.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Of course I had to go for a cycle<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-494" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/24-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Nice spot at the Col de Madeleine
<img class="size-medium wp-image-495" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/25-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
[caption id="attachment_496" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-496" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/26-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Here we had our next mishap as the Van-Rouge would not start...[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-497" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/27.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Once we got it jump started we drove to Sault and I did my ride up Mount Ventoux<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-498" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/28-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The on to Dauphin to meet Ed and Anne<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-499" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/29-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Nadette and Ed<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-500" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/30-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Van-Rouge<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-501" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/31-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-502" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/32-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
After an evening of food and drink we went for a 10K walk with Ed in the hills near Dauphin<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-503" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/33-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Nature takes over<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-504" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/34-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
The village of Dauphin from the hills<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-505" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/35-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
We left Ed and drove back towards Ventoux as we had another meet to get to with Lionel and Catherine<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-506" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/36-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-507" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/37-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-508" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/38.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Another Spin<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-509" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/39-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Parked up for the night at Col de Ey
[caption id="attachment_510" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-510" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/40-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Col D'Éy[/caption]
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We caught up with Catherine and Lionel in Dieulefit<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-513" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/43-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-514" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/44-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-515" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/45-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-516" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/46-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-517" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/47-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-518" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/48-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-519" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/49-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-520" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/50-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-521" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/51-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
After visiting some lovely villages we ended up at our first campsite, Catherine could not find anywhere for them to stay so they brought a tent.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-522" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/52.jpg" alt="" width="765" height="800" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-523" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/53.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
The campsite was at Vesc and it was perfect. The village was great too.<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-524" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/54-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-525" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/55-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
With a small fun Sunday morning market
[caption id="attachment_526" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-526" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/56-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Picnic spot on our way to La Motte Chalancon, where we split up with Catherine and Lionel and headed to Cassis[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-527" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/57.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Where we met up with Clemence, after about 15 years<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-528" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/58-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-529" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/59-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-530" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/60-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
Clemence is a diving instructor but also a captain in the Calanques, so we got a private guided tour just the three of us through some of the Calanques<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-531" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/61-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
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Pirate ship....<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-534" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/64-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-535" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/65-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-536" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/66-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" />
The water was clear and warm
[caption id="attachment_537" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-537" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/67-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" /> Picnic spot on our own[/caption]
https://youtu.be/dOftKrep7o0
<blockquote>Some aerial shots of the Calanques</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-538" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/68.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-539" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/69.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
Next day we had the starter problem of the van sorted, it was not the battery but rather the starter motor.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-540" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/70.jpg" alt="" width="801" height="800" />
Good bye meal in Cassis, I think the restaurant was called Léscalier
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-541" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/71.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
We drove over to the black mountains on your way towards Spain, stopped in Mazamet to see Nadette's Brother Jean, I had a nice cycle on an old railway line.
https://youtu.be/lHVXwrMp9BI
<blockquote>A short video in French of Jeans place near Mazamet</blockquote>
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<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-543" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/73.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
We drank some Cuvee Charklet....
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-544" src="https://www.van-rouge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/74.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" />
And I did my last cycle in France, up the Pique du Nord, Spain awaited....