France 2026 in 2 Motorhomes Day 1 of 8

France by 2 Motorhome 2026

Day 1 of 8 – A New Adventure Begins

10 July 2026

One of the greatest joys of travelling is sharing the experience with the next generation. For many years I have enjoyed exploring Europe by motorhome, and after returning from India earlier this year, I decided it was time to fulfil a promise I had made to my grandchildren.

Last year I promised them that I would take them on their very first camping holiday. My aim was not simply to visit another country, but to introduce them to a way of travelling that has given me countless happy memories since my first motorhome experience in 1979. There is something special about the freedom of the open road, waking up surrounded by nature, and discovering new places at your own pace. I hoped they would experience that same excitement.

Three Generations on the Road

Our travelling party consisted of ten family members spanning three generations:

• Mahesh (72) – that’s me
• Hansa (72), my wife
• Nitin (48), our son
• Bharti (47), our daughter-in-law
• Vienna (14), granddaughter
• Druv (12), grandson
• Shital (45), our daughter
• Shivem (45), our son-in-law
• Shay (10), grandson
• Ashaani (8), granddaughter

For the children, this would be their first experience of travelling and living in a motorhome. I was almost as excited as they were.

Choosing Our Motorhomes

As there were ten of us, we hired two six-berth motorhomes.

The first was a Fiat automatic, slightly shorter in length but taller in height. It featured a permanent double bed above the driver’s cab, making it quick and convenient at bedtime.

The second was a Peugeot manual, longer but lower in height. Instead of an over-cab bed, it was fitted with an electrically operated double bed that lowered from the ceiling each night. We also hired a bike rack and two folding bicycles with this vehicle.

To complete our journey, we booked two return crossings with P&O Ferries between Dover and Calais.

With food, clothing, camping equipment and enough supplies for a week carefully packed into both motorhomes, we were finally ready for our family adventure.

The Journey Begins

On the evening of Friday, 10 July 2026, we left our home on Stanley Road, Leicester, at around 7.00 pm and drove the short six-mile journey to Shital and Shivem’s home in Kirby Muxloe.

There was still plenty to load. Along with the last of the luggage came two children’s bicycles belonging to Shay and Ashaani. Shay had made one request long before the holiday began:

“Nana, make sure the motorhome has a bike rack!”

Fortunately, we had done exactly that.

With everything finally packed, both motorhomes departed at 8.15 pm, heading south towards Dover for our early morning ferry to France.

Or so we thought.

Barely a couple of miles into the journey, Shivem suddenly realised that their family’s passports were still sitting safely… at home!

There was nothing for it but to turn around immediately. Meanwhile, Nitin, driving the second motorhome, continued towards Dover as planned and agreed to wait for us at Watford Gap Services on the M1.

Fortunately, retrieving the forgotten passports only delayed us by a short time, and before long we had reunited with the rest of the family and were once again heading south together.

Traffic was surprisingly light for a Friday evening, and there was no need to rush. Our ferry wasn’t due to leave until 6.15 am, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the drive.

Shortly after 12.30 am, having covered approximately 190 miles, we arrived at the final motorway services on the M20 before Dover. With only a few hours before check-in, this seemed the perfect place to stop, stretch our legs, make a late-night cup of tea, and grab a few hours’ sleep before our French adventure truly began.

Tomorrow, we would wake up on the south coast of England and cross the English Channel to begin eight unforgettable days exploring France by motorhome with three generations of our family.