From: Black Horse Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Kent
To: Camping Les Tamaris, France
Distance: 21 mi / 33.7km
I’m writing this from my van as the sun sets over my first French campsite, and I still can’t quite believe I’ve actually done it. Hamish, my Scottish terrier companion, is curled up on his favorite cushion after a day of new smells and adventures. This morning feels like a lifetime ago, but here we are – officially solo van-lifers in mainland Europe!
The alarm went off at 6am at Black Horse Farm, and honestly, I barely slept. Not from nerves exactly, but from pure excitement. There’s something about being so close to the Eurotunnel that makes it all feel real. This was it – no more planning, no more “one day I’ll do this.” Today was the day.
The crossing itself was surprisingly smooth. I’d built it up in my head as this massive hurdle, but driving onto the train was oddly anticlimactic in the best way. Well, almost anticlimactic – I had a minor panic when they did the gas check at the terminal. I knew I’d turned everything off properly, but when the official asked me to confirm my gas was off, I suddenly started second-guessing myself. What if I forgot something? My mind went completely blank for a moment before I confidently said yes. Hamish was a star through it all, he settled right into his travel harness and barely batted an eye at the whole process. Just follow the signs, park up, and 35 minutes later you’re rolling off in a completely different country. The moment I drove off that train in Calais and saw my first French road sign, I actually got goosebumps. Hamish seemed more interested in the new scents wafting through the window.
Driving on the right took about 10 minutes to feel normal, roundabouts still make me pause and think, but otherwise it’s been fine. The French countryside rolling past my windows felt like freedom itself.
I deliberately kept today’s drive short. After months of planning, I wanted to ease into this new rhythm rather than push myself too hard on day one. Camping Les Tamaris is perfect – quiet, friendly, and exactly what I needed to decompress and process that I’m actually here. Hamish has already found his favorite spot by the van door where he can keep watch over everything. He’s adapting to van life even better than I am!
Tomorrow I wake up with the entire continent ahead of me and absolutely no plan. It’s terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.
Here’s to day one being in the books and whatever comes next!
Until tomorrow,
Minnie x
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