Euro road trip report with my lad
Discussion
I thought as I had a little time I would put pen to paper, so to speak on my most recent road trip with my lad.
When researching where to go this year, I extensively perused other peoples trips and you tube channels. I get a lot of pleasure from the planning aspect, so to not then document in some way what we did, didn't seem right. So here goes....
My lad is 14. Like most he is massively into sport and also online gaming with his mates. When he isn't playing football, golf, or going to the gym, he's locked away shouting at his Play Station, with his headphones on. However, much to my joy he also likes cars. I'm incredibly fortunate to have retired from work early and as such have the time to run one of his football teams and also play golf with him. But I probably get the biggest buzz, when we go away on road trips. Whether it be a night or two in Wales, the NC500, or going further afield, spending quality one on one time with him, is perfect. It won't last for ever, so i'm absolutely making the most of it now, while he's still keen and eager.
Last year we did the Alps, then down to Monaco, back through the Alps and home again. I think we had 8 days away. A long trek for sure, but great fun. This year we decided to be a little more adventurous and to go a little further, but to also add a couple of days on. I think we had 11 days away in all.
What is a our chosen mile munching, cross Europe beast I hear you cry? The humble Mini. I've owned it since 2021 and have carried out a few small mods, to make it a little more customised to me and give it a little extra go. Perfect for playing in the mountains, without doing silly speeds, but also frugal enough to deliver 40 odd MPG on the way there. If you can put up with the noise and the less than ideal seats for 6 or more hours days on the road that is.
The previous year we went in April, over the Easter school holiday, this year it was May half term. We hoped a few more passes might be open, but knew there was a chance we would have to change route on the fly. We had paper maps, Waze on the phone and Garmin sat nav. I plumbed the route into the sat nav and we were ready for the off. Until the Garmin gave up the ghost on day one that is. All part of the adventure. It meant my lad had to have a more active role in making sure we were always on the correct road, or there abouts....
Time to start another post I think, but here's a starter for 10 image of the car, so I can practice posting images on here.
When researching where to go this year, I extensively perused other peoples trips and you tube channels. I get a lot of pleasure from the planning aspect, so to not then document in some way what we did, didn't seem right. So here goes....
My lad is 14. Like most he is massively into sport and also online gaming with his mates. When he isn't playing football, golf, or going to the gym, he's locked away shouting at his Play Station, with his headphones on. However, much to my joy he also likes cars. I'm incredibly fortunate to have retired from work early and as such have the time to run one of his football teams and also play golf with him. But I probably get the biggest buzz, when we go away on road trips. Whether it be a night or two in Wales, the NC500, or going further afield, spending quality one on one time with him, is perfect. It won't last for ever, so i'm absolutely making the most of it now, while he's still keen and eager.
Last year we did the Alps, then down to Monaco, back through the Alps and home again. I think we had 8 days away. A long trek for sure, but great fun. This year we decided to be a little more adventurous and to go a little further, but to also add a couple of days on. I think we had 11 days away in all.
What is a our chosen mile munching, cross Europe beast I hear you cry? The humble Mini. I've owned it since 2021 and have carried out a few small mods, to make it a little more customised to me and give it a little extra go. Perfect for playing in the mountains, without doing silly speeds, but also frugal enough to deliver 40 odd MPG on the way there. If you can put up with the noise and the less than ideal seats for 6 or more hours days on the road that is.
The previous year we went in April, over the Easter school holiday, this year it was May half term. We hoped a few more passes might be open, but knew there was a chance we would have to change route on the fly. We had paper maps, Waze on the phone and Garmin sat nav. I plumbed the route into the sat nav and we were ready for the off. Until the Garmin gave up the ghost on day one that is. All part of the adventure. It meant my lad had to have a more active role in making sure we were always on the correct road, or there abouts....
Time to start another post I think, but here's a starter for 10 image of the car, so I can practice posting images on here.
I may be a little out with my timings and the route, it was back in May we did this and the grey matter in my melon is slowing down slightly these days.
And just to prove a point i've checked my phone and it was actually Easter we did this. Great start Gary.
My lad (AK) had school on the Wednesday, so when I picked him up, we had time to go home, get changed and in the car again 15 mins later for an easy run the 150 miles to a hotel about a mile from the Euro tunnel. The idea was to split for the first long slog as much as was practical, while also trying to make good progress and get to the places we really wanted to see. Hotels had been booked for the whole trip and we would need to be in the car for about 5 or 6 hours a day. A lot, but doable.
So after an uneventful evening, we were on the Euro tunnel early the next morning, for the short hope across to France.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
The first place of interest was Le Mans. Somewhere neither of us have been to before, but a race we both want to attend at some point. A future trip for sure. Just a quick look around and time to drive on the road sections of the curcuit and we were on our way again. We didn't even get out of the car. The first night was spent in La Rochelle. A lovely French sea side town, sort of half way down the West coast. The weather was lovely and warm and we were able to sit in the sunshine overlooking the harbour eating a delightful pizza. At least it would have been if we had ordered the pepperoni ones we thought we had, rather than the Salmon variant we both ended up with. To our taste it was horrendous. We went hungry. A gorgeous town though and lovely vibe about it. However, if you asked us the one thing we remember about it, it will be the pizzas....
No breakfast included, we were up early doors and on the road. A local bakery was found and as always in France the most amazing products purchased and devoured.
Most trips in this direction, down the West coast seem to take in San Sebastian in Spain before heading across the Pyrennes. We however cut inland just after Bordeax as there were some roads I like the look of on the way to our next stop in the town of Pamplona. We were right to do this as once off the main route we were treated to some early hilly / mountain roads and the most amazing smooth, fast flowing tarmac. One such escapade saw us following a local driving the life out of his Dacia, while we hung on behind. Brillant fun. This was our view at the end of this run.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
And just to prove a point i've checked my phone and it was actually Easter we did this. Great start Gary.
My lad (AK) had school on the Wednesday, so when I picked him up, we had time to go home, get changed and in the car again 15 mins later for an easy run the 150 miles to a hotel about a mile from the Euro tunnel. The idea was to split for the first long slog as much as was practical, while also trying to make good progress and get to the places we really wanted to see. Hotels had been booked for the whole trip and we would need to be in the car for about 5 or 6 hours a day. A lot, but doable.
So after an uneventful evening, we were on the Euro tunnel early the next morning, for the short hope across to France.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrThe first place of interest was Le Mans. Somewhere neither of us have been to before, but a race we both want to attend at some point. A future trip for sure. Just a quick look around and time to drive on the road sections of the curcuit and we were on our way again. We didn't even get out of the car. The first night was spent in La Rochelle. A lovely French sea side town, sort of half way down the West coast. The weather was lovely and warm and we were able to sit in the sunshine overlooking the harbour eating a delightful pizza. At least it would have been if we had ordered the pepperoni ones we thought we had, rather than the Salmon variant we both ended up with. To our taste it was horrendous. We went hungry. A gorgeous town though and lovely vibe about it. However, if you asked us the one thing we remember about it, it will be the pizzas....
No breakfast included, we were up early doors and on the road. A local bakery was found and as always in France the most amazing products purchased and devoured.
Most trips in this direction, down the West coast seem to take in San Sebastian in Spain before heading across the Pyrennes. We however cut inland just after Bordeax as there were some roads I like the look of on the way to our next stop in the town of Pamplona. We were right to do this as once off the main route we were treated to some early hilly / mountain roads and the most amazing smooth, fast flowing tarmac. One such escapade saw us following a local driving the life out of his Dacia, while we hung on behind. Brillant fun. This was our view at the end of this run.
Euro road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrPamplona is the city where the running of the bulls takes place. Reportedly 1 million people attend. The streets are so narrow, the guys doing the running must be off their trolleys. Not for me. The city itself is gorgeous and definitely a highlight of the trip. We managed to find a hotel in the very centre with an underground car park, which was perfect.
Pamplona Spain, with UK Morgan by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Pamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Pamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Up and out early doors the next day the plan was to get ourselves half way across the Pyrennes, but once again to take all the side / wandering roads, rather than the main routes. Particularly at the beginning where it appeared the main road was a little too big and boring for our liking. We found loads of great places to have a look at and numerous wine growing regions my wife would have loved.
Euro road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
F56 Mini in Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Another long day in the saddle but very satisfying with breath taking gorges and smooth tarmac, we arrived at the town of Sort. This time we managed to order the correct type of pizza and were very happy.
Pamplona Spain, with UK Morgan by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrPamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrPamplona - Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrUp and out early doors the next day the plan was to get ourselves half way across the Pyrennes, but once again to take all the side / wandering roads, rather than the main routes. Particularly at the beginning where it appeared the main road was a little too big and boring for our liking. We found loads of great places to have a look at and numerous wine growing regions my wife would have loved.
Euro road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrSpain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrSpain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrSpain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrF56 Mini in Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrAnother long day in the saddle but very satisfying with breath taking gorges and smooth tarmac, we arrived at the town of Sort. This time we managed to order the correct type of pizza and were very happy.
Edited by Northloop on Saturday 4th October 16:13
Edited by Northloop on Saturday 4th October 16:14
Up early again (can you see the pattern emerging) and we were on our way. Another long one because we wanted to detour up to Andorra, prior to coming back down to the N260 across to the coast. Again loads of great places to stop, have 5 mins, then get going again.
Pyreness by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
More images from Pyrennes road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Andorra was decent. Not amazing, but worth a look. Cheap fuel every 400 yards. Never seen so many fuel stations. Including at the top of a snow covered mountain pass. I wouldn't rush back there again, but am glad I went.
We were the only ones in shorts, while people skied around us. Mad Englishmen I know.
Andorra by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Out of Andorra it was back to the N260 and a run across to the coast where we had a night booked in Tossa de Mar.
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Funny going from a freezing foot deep snowy mountain to laying by a swimming pool several hours later. The water was bloody freezing though.
Pyreness by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrMore images from Pyrennes road trip by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrAndorra was decent. Not amazing, but worth a look. Cheap fuel every 400 yards. Never seen so many fuel stations. Including at the top of a snow covered mountain pass. I wouldn't rush back there again, but am glad I went.
We were the only ones in shorts, while people skied around us. Mad Englishmen I know.
Andorra by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrOut of Andorra it was back to the N260 and a run across to the coast where we had a night booked in Tossa de Mar.
Spain by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrFunny going from a freezing foot deep snowy mountain to laying by a swimming pool several hours later. The water was bloody freezing though.
Leaving Tossa De Mar the plan was to follow the coast road all the way through Spain, into France and finally cut inland to our destination of Nimes. We kept to this for a couple of hours, but progress was pretty slow and eventually we went for a bigger / quicker road earlier than expected. Had the day before not been as long as it was I think we would have stuck to the plan. The roads were brilliant with constant switch backs and and amazing views of the Med. It's definitely a road we will add to another trip in the future.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
The end point for the day was Nimes. It's amazing how much you learn about places when planning these adventures. I had no idea this was such a Roman influenced city and indeed had the most complete amphitheatre in the empire. More so than even the one in Rome. As we don't spend much time in each location I try to stay as centrally as possible and with parking. Our apartment was with about 200 metres of the Amp, but no parking was possible, so I had booked an underground space in a local car park. This proved to be a good move. Tickets to the Amphitheatre were about £10 per person so we went and had a look around. It was damned impressive. The French perspective on health and safety was pretty relaxed. When right at the top, there was no barrier stopping you falling the couple of stories to your death, just a small sign, saying don't go here. One to consider if visiting with small children.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
We probably could have had another day there exploring, but had to be on the road again. So once again, early the next morning, we were out and gone.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrThe end point for the day was Nimes. It's amazing how much you learn about places when planning these adventures. I had no idea this was such a Roman influenced city and indeed had the most complete amphitheatre in the empire. More so than even the one in Rome. As we don't spend much time in each location I try to stay as centrally as possible and with parking. Our apartment was with about 200 metres of the Amp, but no parking was possible, so I had booked an underground space in a local car park. This proved to be a good move. Tickets to the Amphitheatre were about £10 per person so we went and had a look around. It was damned impressive. The French perspective on health and safety was pretty relaxed. When right at the top, there was no barrier stopping you falling the couple of stories to your death, just a small sign, saying don't go here. One to consider if visiting with small children.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrWe probably could have had another day there exploring, but had to be on the road again. So once again, early the next morning, we were out and gone.
From Nimes we were heading back away from the warmer weather and towards the Alps. A key to booking these trips is creating the nucleus of the idea around where you want to go, then researching it heavily and picking the roads / passes you would like to explore. It's all fairly easy and can be as quick, or slow as you want it to be. I take my time with this stuff, because I find the planning pleasurable too. One thing I have learnt - the hard way, is to check the opening of the passes. Although you may be roasting in mid 20's at home in April / May, it doesn't for one minute mean the passes will be open in the mountains. Some are closed until well into June. It's easy to check on-line regarding their scheduled opening. But as with everything, it's weather dependant. Try to have a plan B in mind. Sometimes you will need it.
Away from Nimes we had a faily low mileage day inland towards Grenoble and our final end point of Alp De Huez. A large ski resort. Again stunning roads on the way there and as always, they are flat and pretty much deserted. Sometimes we would push on a bit and others we just chill and take the scenery in.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Huez was chosen, because of the road leading to it and also the fact the active ski resort leads to the road being well looked after and most importantly, open. Numerous hairpins, back to back, rising slowly until you peak in Huez, with the mountains and ski slopes above. And low and behold it was the last day of the skiing season, with a big party and instructors from all across France in attendance. We had a good look around and a couple of very expensive drinks while watching the party unfold around us. Oh and a pizza of course, just for good measure.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Away from Nimes we had a faily low mileage day inland towards Grenoble and our final end point of Alp De Huez. A large ski resort. Again stunning roads on the way there and as always, they are flat and pretty much deserted. Sometimes we would push on a bit and others we just chill and take the scenery in.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrHuez was chosen, because of the road leading to it and also the fact the active ski resort leads to the road being well looked after and most importantly, open. Numerous hairpins, back to back, rising slowly until you peak in Huez, with the mountains and ski slopes above. And low and behold it was the last day of the skiing season, with a big party and instructors from all across France in attendance. We had a good look around and a couple of very expensive drinks while watching the party unfold around us. Oh and a pizza of course, just for good measure.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrFantastic trip and amazing memories. I did a 10 day trip with my 14 year old this summer and it was fantastic. We did Calais to Stuttgart for all the German car stuff - down the autobahns (what an experience) to Andermatt for the Swiss Alps - then down to Maranello for exotic Italian stuff - across to Monaco and through to Cannes - then gorges du Verdun (amazing) - and headed home via route Napoleon.
Hoping to do it all again next summer but with the wife this time!!
Awesome memories
Hoping to do it all again next summer but with the wife this time!!
Awesome memories
Up and out early the next morning. See the pattern emerging? We were on our way to my favourite part of the area. Half way down the mountain pass a crazy British lady decided to try to overtake myself and a lorry on the entry to a blind hairpin. Unfortunately for her there was nowhere for her to get in, she had a stop dead and wait for us to clear before slotting back in behind us again. Luckily nothing came the other way, so there was no accident. Why would you try to make this move on a cold pass, early in the morning I have no idea. Madness.
A fairly easy drive up and around the Grenoble area until we arrived at Annecy. If you haven't been before, you should. A gorgeous French town with loads of character and great places to eat and stay. Having stayed at the Imperial Palace before and loved it, we treated ourselves to 2 nights. The only one of the trip. A lovely, although higher than our normal budget room, complete with Robes, slippers and all the usual trimmings. For too nice for us really.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Before heading out for a meal, we were back in the car for a run up Semnoz. A mountain / ski area on the edge of the town. sounds daft to say but, if you didn't know it was there you would miss it. A great run of about 10 miles up winding roads through forests, before finally going above the tree line and summiting at the ski area. I love this road. It's brilliant in the Mini. One of my favs for sure. As we emerged out of the trees, the drizzle we'd been experiencing turned to the white stuff. Again, unexpected for sure. We had enough time to finish the run and grab a few snaps before descending before the snow got too bad.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Checked into the hotel, it was time to wander into town for a steak and chips. It made a nice change from pizza.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
We even found time to check the Hotel Spa out. The rain experience was too much for my folically challenged head and almost killed all hope of anything growing on there ever again. Much to my lads amuzement.
A fairly easy drive up and around the Grenoble area until we arrived at Annecy. If you haven't been before, you should. A gorgeous French town with loads of character and great places to eat and stay. Having stayed at the Imperial Palace before and loved it, we treated ourselves to 2 nights. The only one of the trip. A lovely, although higher than our normal budget room, complete with Robes, slippers and all the usual trimmings. For too nice for us really.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrBefore heading out for a meal, we were back in the car for a run up Semnoz. A mountain / ski area on the edge of the town. sounds daft to say but, if you didn't know it was there you would miss it. A great run of about 10 miles up winding roads through forests, before finally going above the tree line and summiting at the ski area. I love this road. It's brilliant in the Mini. One of my favs for sure. As we emerged out of the trees, the drizzle we'd been experiencing turned to the white stuff. Again, unexpected for sure. We had enough time to finish the run and grab a few snaps before descending before the snow got too bad.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrChecked into the hotel, it was time to wander into town for a steak and chips. It made a nice change from pizza.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrWe even found time to check the Hotel Spa out. The rain experience was too much for my folically challenged head and almost killed all hope of anything growing on there ever again. Much to my lads amuzement.
The next day was due to be a chill out day. I'd planned a route of about 50 miles around Lake Annecy and also taking in another high pass a little way out. You really are spoiled for choice in this area and with the roads being as quiet as they are you can always find enough space to get a move on from time to time and also to just chill and take in the views if and when you catch another vehicle. Whether this kind of experience is limited to the time of year we take these trips, I have no idea. I'm not complaining though.
As we arrived at the foot of the pass and another ski resort, the weather started to change again. The higher we climbed, the more snow we saw, with it continuing the fall as we drove. We decided we would try to get through, but we wouldn't take any risks. If the roads became bad, we would turn around and back track. No biggie. You know what these things are like though? Only one more corner to the summit, we will be fine. Oh actually it's another climb, oh and another one. And repeat. Anyway, we made it to the top. There was a good foot of snow up there and it was continuing to fall. I later heard that Alp De Huez we left a day back had 1 metre of snow fall after we left. The highest one day drop of the year. The drive made for some stunning views, the likes of which we just don't see in the South of the UK anymore. Perfect.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
As we arrived at the foot of the pass and another ski resort, the weather started to change again. The higher we climbed, the more snow we saw, with it continuing the fall as we drove. We decided we would try to get through, but we wouldn't take any risks. If the roads became bad, we would turn around and back track. No biggie. You know what these things are like though? Only one more corner to the summit, we will be fine. Oh actually it's another climb, oh and another one. And repeat. Anyway, we made it to the top. There was a good foot of snow up there and it was continuing to fall. I later heard that Alp De Huez we left a day back had 1 metre of snow fall after we left. The highest one day drop of the year. The drive made for some stunning views, the likes of which we just don't see in the South of the UK anymore. Perfect.
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrEurope road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on Flickr
Europe road trip 2025 by Gary Kinghorn, on FlickrBack in to Annecy for our evening meal and a sneaky beer for me. The problem with kids growing up is they are no longer happy with a kids pizza, or such like. My lad saw my steak from the night before, so that was what he was having, no arguements. How can you say no? He said it was the best steak he had ever had ..... and it's still yet to be beaten, even though he keeps trying.
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