France by Motorhome 2026
Day 5 of 8 – A Day to Slow Down and Enjoy the Jura Mountains
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 – Bastille Day
After the previous day’s long and eventful drive from Paris, there was no alarm clock this morning. Everyone enjoyed a well-earned lie-in, and for the first time since leaving England, we had nowhere to be and no miles to cover.
Today was simply about relaxing.
Coincidentally, it was Bastille Day, France’s national day, celebrated every year on 14 July to commemorate the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789—an event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Across France, towns and cities were preparing for parades, concerts and spectacular evening fireworks. Although we were tucked away in the peaceful Jura countryside, there was still a noticeable festive atmosphere.
After another refreshing visit to the campsite facilities, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast outside beneath the awning.
Shital decided to use the toaster supplied with the motorhome to prepare some toast. However, the moment she switched it on, the electricity tripped and we suddenly found ourselves without power. It took us a few minutes to work out what had happened before eventually locating the circuit breakers and resetting the system. It was another small lesson in motorhome living—and thankfully one that was quickly resolved.
With the power restored, breakfast continued as planned. Fresh French baguettes and buttery croissants were served alongside Indian pickles, while steaming mugs of masala tea had by now become our family’s much-loved morning tradition.
It was the perfect start to a day with no timetable, no long drive ahead and nothing to do except relax and enjoy each other’s company.
A Better Pitch
During the morning, we were able to move from our temporary overnight pitch to a permanent one much closer to the shower and toilet block.
That might not sound particularly exciting, but when you’re walking back and forth several times a day—especially with children, bikes and camping gear—it makes a remarkable difference.
Once everything had been repositioned, the awning was extended once again, tables and chairs unfolded, and within half an hour our little outdoor living room was back in business.
Cooling Off
With temperatures once again climbing into the high twenties, there was only one place everyone wanted to be.
The swimming pool.
The cool water was wonderfully refreshing after several warm days on the road, while the children quickly discovered the water slides and spent hours racing each other, splashing about and inventing games.
Watching them enjoy such simple pleasures reminded me how little children actually need to be happy—some water, a bicycle, open space and plenty of freedom.
Of course, family holidays are rarely without a few minor mishaps.
Earlier in the day, Shay accidentally caught his leg on the corner of the motorhome fridge door, leaving him with a painful bump and a slight limp. Like most adventurous ten-year-olds, however, he refused to let it spoil his fun.
Then, just when he thought his luck couldn’t get any worse, a wasp decided to make his acquaintance while we were relaxing beneath the awning.
Fortunately, we had packed an After Bite treatment pen, which quickly eased the pain, and before long he was back on his bicycle as though nothing had happened.
Camping has a wonderful way of teaching children important lessons.
Not every day is perfect.
There are scraped knees, insect bites, unexpected rain showers and little inconveniences along the way. Yet these are often the moments that quietly build resilience, independence and confidence—qualities that no classroom can fully teach.
The Joy of Simple Adventures
The rest of the afternoon passed at a wonderfully gentle pace.
The grandchildren cycled around the campsite making new friends, challenged one another to games of table tennis and explored every corner of the grounds as only children can.
Meanwhile, Hansa and I decided to enjoy a quieter moment together.
We took a leisurely stroll down to the nearby lake, whose crystal-clear waters reflected the surrounding hills like a mirror. Surrounded by forests and the peaceful sounds of nature, it was difficult to believe that only two days earlier we had been standing among thousands of tourists beneath the Eiffel Tower.
That contrast is one of the reasons I enjoy travelling by motorhome so much.
One day you can be in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, and the next you are sitting beside a tranquil mountain lake listening only to birdsong and the gentle rustle of trees.
There is a freedom in motorhome travel that is difficult to describe but impossible to forget.
As evening approached, everyone gradually gathered back beneath the awning. Stories of the day’s adventures were exchanged over another relaxed family meal while the children continued laughing and playing until the fading daylight finally persuaded them to call it a day.
There had been no famous landmarks, no long drives and no packed sightseeing itinerary.
Yet somehow it had become one of the most enjoyable days of the holiday.
Sometimes the best memories are created not by rushing from one attraction to another, but by simply slowing down and appreciating the people around you.
Tomorrow we bid farewell to the beautiful Jura Mountains and continue our journey to the picturesque town of Ornans, often described as one of France’s hidden gems. Nestled in a lush valley and famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, winding river and association with the celebrated painter Gustave Courbet, it promises to offer a completely different side of rural France—and another chapter in our family motorhome adventure.
https://youtube.com/shorts/brmKQc6W–w
