France 2025

For this rally, we have to offer many thanks to Rally Marshalls Jill and Dave, who were ably assisted by Sanda and Clive.

Prior to the trip Dave and Jill set up a WhatsApp group for rally participants that proved invaluable in the sharing of information pertaining to ferries, car documents, insurances, travel stops, caravan equipment and so on. During our stay this was also very useful in sharing experiences and activities.

Travel was not in convoy, so various ports and ferries were used resulting in staggered arrival times, with Jill and Dave always on hand to meet and greet.

The Flower Campings ‘Les Hallerais’ site was very clean and well presented, with bar, swimming pools, tennis and petanque for those inclined. There were ultimately 9 vans attending, and we were allocated a cul-de-sac section of the site which was very convenient. All pitches were fully serviced, though some were a bit sloping and a little tight on size.

Flag was held at Kay and Daves van, as they had  a pitch large enough to accommodate us all’

Our first group activity was a BBQ using the sites own pleasant dedicated area, with all contributing to an excellent food selection on a sunny evening.

Shortly after, following our late rally joiners Sharon/Ian and Maddy/Ceri we just had to repair to the site bar to celebrate a complete turn out.

Our next outing was a river boat trip on the river below Dinan, which was very pleasant and accompanied by an English commentary. To top off the day an excellent group meal was enjoyed at the riverside restaurant.

Its all eating! Next came an all-you-could eat buffet at a nearby Chinese restaurant, which had something for everyone. Another great evening.

Then a session at the Pink Pig right by the site offering an unusual choice of just pork or paella, followed by Flag. Paul offered thanks to the Marshalls, and observed how successful the WhatsApp group had been.

Of course in between these indulgences, members made and shared many visits to Dinan, the coast, and other historic places.

At the conclusion of packing up day, we again went to the Bar, this time for pizza and burgers.

Across the whole trip, we had several instances of recalcitrant motor movers, fridges tripping out, car flat battery and awning issues, and members rallied round to address these for each other.

Although this concluded the formal rally, everyone elected to to continue the adventure by joining Jill and Dave at the second non-rally site at Au Gre des Vents for another 2 weeks for most members.

Chris, July 2025