Journey: Folkestone, UK to Lac d’Orient near Troyes, France
Distance: 427 km
Campsite for the night: Camping Le Lac d’Orient
YouTube link: Day 2

Today was a really long travel day, we set off about 9am (UK time) and didn’t get to our campsite until just after 6pm (French time). Although the channel tunnel crossing only takes 30 mins, you have to get there at least an hour before. So we arrived on French soil about half 12 local time and then drove for 5 hours to a big supermarket, stopping only briefly at a couple of services to eat, drink, wee and swap drivers.

Unfortunately we couldn’t find any decent sized Carrefours near the motorway (the queen of French supermarkets) so had to settle for an E.Leclerc (which always sounds like it should be said by a northerner). It was also hideously busy and lacking vegan goodies or much veg variety. But we got provisions for a few nights and bits for lunches, a bottle of pink champagne (we were in the Champagne region after all!) and got the hell out of there.

The final 20 mins to the campsite was on quiet roads through beautiful villages and we passed Lac d’Orient just before arriving at the campsite. We were incredibly lucky getting a pitch because the reception closed at half 6 so we managed to secure a pitch just before they shut up for the night.

After a brief setup, we wandered down to the lake, which was stunning in the evening sun. Emma braved a paddle, but I didn’t because I’m not a fan of lake water although will swim under duress (ie we’re miles / days from the sea and it’s really hot).

Emma then did the first burgers on the bbq of the trip — they were an unknown vegan burger from the supermarket — but were really good, and then we sat out and enjoyed pink bubbles as the sun went down!