Drive from Paris to the French Alps
Distance 350 miles - total distance - 665 miles
On our forth day the journey really got going, we left the Paris campsite and headed off east towards the French Alps for a stay in a mountain campsite near Strasbourg, in Saint Marie des Mines for a taste of a totally different side of France.
KEY FACTS:
Accomodation:
Camping Les Reflets Du Val D'Argent. Saint Marie Aux Mines
Website: http://www.les-reflets.com/val-dargent/GB/index.php
Approximate cost - EUR 50 / night
Family rating 3/5
As we climbed into the Alps, the temperature dropped and mountain weather set in. As ever driving in France was a doddle - if you don't mind paying the toll fees. The toll roads are well maintained, quiet, and have stops or 'Aires' every 10 miles of so - these are a great thing when you have children with you, as they have a habit of announcing 'I need a wee' with no notice, and just before they wet themselves…
Les Reflets campsite was pretty good. Outdoor pool (speedos only - so french), little shop, and and lovely rural site at about 2000m elevation. The tent was pitched in double quick time, as we were practiced now. Again a two night stay meant we could explore the area. A swim and a BBQ and we all fell into our sleeping bags tired and we slept well...
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| A quick photo stop in the foothills of the Alps |
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| Climbing higher still, an Alpine pass at about 1500m |
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| A quick stop at retail park near Colmar... |
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| …for a typical on-the-road Cafe |
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| Morag and the kids in a french roadside eatery |
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| Beautiful sky on the way to the Alps |
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| Setting up camp for five children with Morag |
