FINALLY! - Exploring France in a Rented Camper Van
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 гру 2023
- Castles, Cathedrals, Countryside and delicious food. Were are jumping right in to France after a big move from South America. We rented a motorhome while we wait for our van to arrive on a cargo ship. This gives us a great chance to compare our self built tiny home on wheels with a commercial camper van. It doesn't take us long to discover the real authentic side of France. Spoiler alert, we are already loving it!
Cheers
Snow and Curt
-----------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
/ snowandcurt
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK:
/ snowandcurt
------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT OF OUR CONTENT IS MUCH APPRECIATED!
JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP PAGE
To help keep the wheels turning and get a guaranteed comment response, head over to our UA-cam Membership Page, and JOIN.
/ @snowandcurt
ONE TIME DONATION
www.paypal.com/paypalme/chill...
-------------------------------------------------------------
SEE SOMETHING YOU LIKE IN OUR VAN?
Chances are you can find it in our Amazon Store. FYI... If you shop through our links, we will make a small commission, which is much appreciated!
www.amazon.com/shop/snowandcu...
--------------------------------------------------------------
LIKE OUR MUSIC?
We get it at Epidemic Sound. Here is a link to our Fav Van Life Traveler Tunes:
www.epidemicsound.com/playlis...
We also use MusicBox for our video music, you can visit their website here: www.musicbed.com You can also get a free month when you sign up with this link: www.musicbed.com/invite/E4d4w
If you decide to join Epidemic Sound, Here is a Referral Link to save us a bit of cash towards one month of our subscription (THANKS):
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
----------------------------------------------------------------
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.TheChillDaze.com
You are remarkably flexible, open-minded and curious about the world. I wish more people were like you.
Most ppl would love to travel and see the world but just can’t afford to..
New continent, new country, new language, new time zone, new temporary home, new climate. Lots of new things. So you are 6 hours different than east coast time and about 3 weeks different than us in video time. 😉 The foliage reminded me of the northeastern part of the US. Beautiful cathedral. Excited to see what you show us next. 🤗❤️ Thanks again for taking us along.
You guys have the best UA-cam in all of UA-cam it's the only way I get to see world is through your eyes and it is always a good day through good times and trouble you prevail
I always love to see other cultures introduce the next generation to the joys and challenges of outdoor life.
Curt, you're going to have a lot of "just didn't expect this" moments here in Europe. My husband and I lived in Belgium for three years, then here in Portugal for the last four ( when we're not vanlifing it through the rest of Europe) But you are going to be mesmerized so often by so many things. So much history to be explored. Find a patisserie and have an eclair before you leave France and Belgium. Don't know what your schedule looks like, but try to see Amboise, you will not forgive yourself if you pass through without visiting. The history is extraordinary and DaVinci is buried there as well. It's one of my favorite places in Frace and the campsite there is very nice. Also, Sundays are tricky travel days in France due to so many businesses being closed. Safe travels!
So wise to take a little break. I’ve been concerned about you all because you’ve had such a stressful few weeks. Everybody looks to be decompressing a bit …. Hugs to kitties…. Thank you for giving us such a nice escape on a Saturday morning.
I'm so glad you are slowly getting settled. Big transition for you all. I'm sure moving back into the van will help you feel even more comfortable. I can't help but feel that this has been particularly hard for you, Snow. This has been a huge transition with a lot of stress and uncertainty. Hope you rest and take it easy. I studied French in school (mandatory here in Canada). I understand that if you are decent with Spanish, French is not that difficult to learn. I'm looking forward to seeing you embark on new, exciting adventures!❤
Hats off to you! Most Europeans speak 2 or 3 languages, and many speak 5/6 depending where they live. As Americans it is tough to grapple with French especially if you have no knowledge of Greek or Latin. You are giving it a go. Many locals will appreciate that. Regarding food, worth remembering food and drink are super important to many/most European countries. They spend way more than Americans on good quality produce and treat it with respect and care. Be adventurous, take your time, and enjoy super food and wine. Welcome to Europe.
I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed exploring with you today thank you
Good morning Snow & Curt. I just got up and I'm on my second cup of coffee. When Snow was at the table and you guys were explaining the time difference, felt like I was drinking my cup of coffee with her. I always enjoy the information you share with us. As always, thank you for taking us a long with you.
☕🙂
How fabulous, you’re in France in the first leg of your new continent, it’s so exciting. Love the different chateaux and village layout. Can’t wait for the next ep❤❤
When I was stationed overseas I would love going to see all the magnificent cathedrals. Architectural miracles. Always curious as to how they were built by hand and not fancy machinery
😅 Diet be damned! Yes. You're in France now. Find that paradox. 😂
Loving the architecture. Found an 800+ year old manicured cathedral randomly on a walk in a place you don't know where you are. That's some very cool traveling right there.
American architecture is so young compared to any European country. Its so fascinating, I left the UK in 1964 and miss that about it. Looking forward to seeing all of your discoveries. 👋
Isn't that the truth! I remember when I got back from Paris thinking that California buildings by comparison looked like brand new outposts!
So many old Chateaus that look like castles or churches. Walk in a few of them and you will understand why people started using sticks and bricks (and HVAC’S) to live in. Those humongous stone boxes are cold and heating them is darn near impossible, not to mention the cost of maintaining the old structures. Makes one appreciate the tenacity of the owners to keep them going. History comes alive…worth it! Take it easy Snow, get a rhythm that is healthy for your heart. Those hills are everywhere! Good luck with French, they speak with the backs of their throats. Like hawking spit.😂 blessings and joyful felicitations! Lady Rusted
I’m very happy to see everything has gone well for you both. Snow you look tired and I know myself it takes me 7 days to recuperate. I do nothing when I get back I don’t even want to talk on the phone. I have a place in Dubrovnik so I’m back and forth a few times a year and have been a lifetime mega traveler.
If you want to feel sorry for someone that has issues with time change travel. It’s pilots that fly international I felt so sorry for my brother who did that for ten years he 5:44 5:47 struggled. He though was able retired at 52. FLY DELTA! See you on Wednesday. 😊
Châteaux ;-)
I'm loving this! From the simplicity of the camping area you're staying in and it's peacefulness, to the absolutely amazing beauty of those old world cathedrals, this is very special! And all that you both do to facilitate the needs of your fur kids is so sweet❤. Lunch did look good!! By now you've most likely gotten back into your van which will bring a great deal of comfort to all four of you!!!! And now to parlez-vous francais😅❤
Bonjour! The sheer depth of history in these areas in Europe is a real mindblower for us Americans! Most of these places were built long before our country was founded and when you come face to face with the amazing buildings it is awe-inspiring! Many of the towns we went to had some really cool places like this! Can't wait to see more! When people rave about French cuisine -- you are so lucky to be eating it for the foreseeable future-- it is sooooooooo good! I thought I would gain so much weight. But with all the walking I actually lost weight! One of the best things about Latin-based languages is that if you learn Spanish, it will help you to a degree with French. Which is so nice. And in my experience, the more you try to attempt the language the people there will be very forgiving of the effort and least try to help. So excited to see your journey here!
Yes, especially in fall and winter when it's not high season, we ran into so many people who wanted to practice their English with us.
Bonjour Snow and Curt ☀️ What a change of scenery and climate! Snow, you looked like you were chilled to the bone on your walk with Curt to the village, I'm sure Curt's soup hit the spot.
I just love all the old buildings and the old cobblestone walkways. I can't wait to explore Northern France with you guys and the kitties. Maybe my French will improve with yours 🤪
Bon voyage mes amis, 🤗🇨🇦
It is very nice seeing you learning French
I am proud of you guys:)
And Curt you deduction French / Spanish will help you a lot because a lot of words are the same or similar
Just a different accent:)
( vendu mean : sold ) (A vendre mean : for sell )
Wish you well
Bonne journée
Pam here…living vicariously through you guys! My hubby because of neuropathy and a rhuematoid condition cannot do all this walking and driving. I am legally blind and cannot drive…otherwise he could rest in van while I drove!! I can walk and walk like there is no tomorrow …but wish he could with me. Sigh. Love watching your travels!
If anyones able to adjust from one continent to another, the answer is:
🎉 SNOW, CURT & KITTIES 💜
Enjoy your Europe travels.
Had the best pizza of my life in France; four cheeses with anchovy ❤. and in Belgium , don’t miss out on their national dish “Moules Frites”🙋♀️
Thank you for taking me somewhere I would never go!
I'm so excited your in France. Since Covid I am addicted to alot of the Chateau vlogs . It's so much fun to see them bring the Chateau's back to life. Looking forward to your prospective on France.
Become a content creator you can then go there for free viewers will pay for it. Happy trails
Those rainy days looked perfect for just recharging 😊 Miss Vanna & G settled in the van nicely. Not hard to do when the family is together. Take care over there, Cheers
I hope you're enjoying your time in France so far. The biggest tip I can give (that was given to us, too) is to greet peoplr, especially store owners, with "Bonjour" (or "Bonsoir" at night) before asking anything else. Just the culture there but it goes a long way. And asking if they speak English in thr local language.
Something you will notice, especially in larger cities, is that while people are very polite, no one really will go out of their way to help you, as in they might see you looking at a map but will not stop, whereas in the US, someone might. Mostly because tourists are just part of everyday life, so you aren't anything special. HOWEVER! Any person that we asked for help was extremely kind and polite and helped us with what we needed.
I absolutely love small European towns amd villages. Like any other country, you really get to experience the culture.
And yes, castles are called a "chateau"! "I'm sorry" is a great thing to learn (yes, I used it a lot). Je suis désolé: jeh swee deh-zole-ay.
You'll do fine. Honestly, a quick app like Duolingo can be helpful.
Hi guys - I think renting the van was a great idea. I’m sure it’s a lot less stressful than trying to get everything on a train. Is it very expensive? Loves seeing the architecture of the buildings. Take care & enjoy your new adventure 😊💕
The van cost us $1200 for 10 days. So, not cheap, but about the same as a basic airbnb!
All of Europe has had crazy weather this year.
Nice to see you and the kitties finally unwinding after your big travels. The French campgrounds and park ups are supposed to be very good 🚐🌳🇫🇷😊
I'm really looking forward to Europe from your slow travel perspective. You always show a lot of flora and fauna and have an appreciation for architecture too, all things that I really love and don't get enough of on other travel channels. Thanks so much for taking us with you! ❤
France is beautiful though very different from the USA and South America. I really enjoyed the tours. Your kitties looked so happy with their catnip scratchpad.
I spent a semester in college in Europe and it became a running joke between a friend of mine and I that when we rolled into a new town - “oh look a cathedral, oh look a castle, oh look a Roman wall…” So much history and spectacular architecture awaits you everywhere. Enjoy that and the food. Love Europe! Good luck with French. I took it all through high school and a couple of years in college, and struggled in France. I found that contrary to their reputation, most French folks took pity on my poor speaking skills and were helpful and kind. Especially as respectful as you all are in a new culture, I’m sure you will meet all kinds of new friends.
A couple of things that annoy the French about Americans. We're too loud! No matter how softly you think you're speaking, you're probably speaking too loudly. We walk into their shops and pick things up to look at them without asking permission first. We walk into their shops and fail to greet them with "Bonjour Madame". Or "Bonjour Monsieur". Or "Bonjour Mademoiselle". To them that shows a lack of respect. From a very young age this is instilled in the French. Even when you approach someone on the street to ask a question, always greet them first.
Hello Snow and Curt. The home grown vegetables are a must in France, and worth exploring. The farmers sell their produce in the farmers markets. There ares some ancient varieties of vegetables that we do not see in other places. Explore what is in season. French are very ecologically mindful: no plastic bags and depending on the market no shopping bags either, so always take your totes with you.
Delighted to see your fur babies happy and well, you had such a stressful time leaving South America, just pleased you have come out the other side, guessing you, just need your house on wheels back, bet you can hardly wait. We are so lucky to see the adventures you share with us. A huge thanks to you both for the effort you put into, sharing your journey, as you document your travels, we have missed you, but very excited to see the new continent as you explore. We don’t care about pronunciations if it is correct, so don’t stress we all love you just the way you are. Thankyou Snow and Curt.
Aaaww so glad you 2 are safe so long we still pray for the van to be safe as well all the best can't wait to see France with you never been there thanx to go with you yipppeeee🎉🎉🎉
Hi Snow and Curt, have been following you since the beginning. Just for some info where I’m from: Quebec, Canada and I’m bilingual…English - French. Don’t complicate yourselves. Don’t ask for translations like "I am sorry but I don’t speak French" (Je suis désolé mais je ne parle pas français) but ask for exactly what you would say, "Sorry, I don’t speak French" (Désolé je ne parle pas français) less words is better because my first language is English and started learning French at age 4…and it’s not an easy one to learn. Here is one essential trick: you know in Spanish you roll your "r’s" at the front of your tongue…say, "Pedro" and you will notice that your tongue vibrates at the front. Now in French you also roll your “r’s” but at the back - throat region. Listen to the "prendre" which is "take" in French and listen to your translator, you will notice the pronunciation of the R in French. Practice this and this will help immensely - not easy but will help you out because lots of rolled "Rs" in French.
Fab blog yet again! It’s going to be wonderful to watch you navigate your way round Europe and to see it through your eyes, seeing things freshly that us Europeans take for granted so much of the time. And the languages. You think French is tough, wait till you get to Germany! 😅 Becuase they’re our neighbour, most British school kids learn French age 11-14, or sometimes Spanish, and then can opt in for other languages like German & Italian.
The French absolutely love their camping (hence the children going camping mid November 😳) and have some of the best campsites in Europe, watch out for Aires or Aires de Repos (rest areas) which are often free to use. Not sure they have power but you can dump your waste and get fresh water there.
We are excited about the aired for sure!!! And... those kids were freaking cute with their giant backpacks!
I can tell you’re new to Europe. What you’re seeing is typical to Europe. Every town has a church. We love France.
Sooo beautiful in France 🇫🇷 , I would love to visit EUROPE ! 😊 hello kitties ! Have great weekend !
I absolutely love how the boys are learning so much by example. It would be a different world if all children had these experiences. And every aspect of a day is good, fixable, joyful and filled with praise. How blessed you all are!
They say it’s one day for every hour of time zone change to adjust, so if this is days 2 and 3, you have another 3 before you’ll feel normal again.
Really hope you enjoyed your time in France. We're English and when we had our motorhome France was always our favourite destination. All of European history has left its mark in the beautiful country of France, and we visited just about every area! Our favourite place was the south west the Dordogne. The wine there is wonderful!
I am a French Canadian from Quebec . Little tip for you guys . We don’t pronounce the « s » at the end of a word . Good for verbs , plural nouns, and other words .... Tu ne parles pas français .... 3 examples in a sentence ... 😊. Vendu = sold 😊
So looking forward to your new adventures and praying all is well when you get your home back!
So glad the kitties made it okay. I hope you find the van made the journey okay. Love watching your adventures.
This new chapter in your journey will be really exciting to watch. All that rich history to see
Snow you are looking so good after all you went through. I was a little worried for you but now it seems you are on the right track to a healthy life style. Like your rented camper but I bet you miss your van, there is nothing like your own home even if it is on wheels. Kurt you are an amazing person and together you and snow make a powerful couple. I like the beautiful videos you show us and also the history behind all these places you visit. Thank you for sharing your travels with all of us.
I know you guys travelled a lot before you started van life. I vaguely remember you saying you have been to Asia in some past video from your first year in the van. Have you ever been to Europe or is this all new to you? I am glad you and the cats are overcoming your travel fatigue and the stress that brings. Travel safe and walk in peace guys!
Good decision to stay another day. Snow, you look tired, and I realize this journey from one continent to another has been hard on you. Please take care of yourself first and foremost.
Love this new adventure. Good on you to attempt to learn some French it will help with getting hospitality. Belgium is my favourite country to visit. Many folks speak English, French and Flemish. Amazing to me. Enjoy the food!!
I just love watching you guys travel. Ya’ll are so real, no fakery. I had a big old grin on my face watching you eat the pizza. Could almost taste the flaky chewy goodness.
Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure
You can't go to France without eating your way through it - there are excellent moderately priced cafes and bistros! Food Heaven!
I love Europe, and every where you go and every building is historic! You will also find that most food is fresh without chemicals, even cosmetic chemicals are banned…oh and also…most everything closes mid day for 2-3 hours….the the Europeans know how to slow down !
I think we will fit in nicely over here!
Yes, Europe has the best food quality. The flour is different than ours so the pizza is so much better😋
Just as you discovered that cathedral, we came across one as well and never saw another soul there....but inside there were two 'coffins' for lack of a better word. They were raised and ornate and were the burial sites of two saints per the signs. There were little baskets next to each one with note paper and pen. We were invited to leave a prayer to each saint. I wrote the same prayer to each of them and my prayer was heard and answered. I have stumbled upon many of these hidden gems through out france and in Germany and Holland too. The amount of history there puts ours in the states to shame. Are you going to go to Greece? Plan on at least a week in Athens. To stand at Poseidon's Temple at sunset....a life changing moment for me. I do want to ask you how you have been welcomed by the French people. I know we never had a bad experience. In fact we had some come up to us in Normandy when we were heard speaking English and thanked us for our help in WW2. Some have told me the French dislike Americans but I saw none of that in the weeks we were there.
What an amazing experience that must have been!
AND you're getting used to the roads in prep for picking up your van 👏..love and peace from Australia as always 🦘😘😘😘😘
What an adventure!! Thanks for showing a different culture!!
You will be feeling better once the Jet lag passes Snow.....you look a little tired
What fun! France is my favorite and Paris is the most beautiful city in the world! Enjoy learning the language. It is also beautiful! So, I speak is "je parle". It does not end in the long A sound. You speak is "vous parlez" and it ends in the long A sound. Words that end in "er" or "ez" end with the long A sound. I taught my husband the very essential phrases, Excuse me, Thank you, Please, Do you speak English, and where's is the restroom? Everyone was very appreciative that he tried to speak a few words of their language! Thanks for sharing your voyage with us. I'm so excited that you're in France!
Thanks for taking us along on your travels through France. I was stationed in St. Germain-en-laye, just outside Paris, for two years at a joint military base. I learned enough French to get around and not be the ugly American by just yelling louder in english. So glad you guys are using a translation app to learn some French! Just try to speak their language and I know the “locals” will appreciate it!😊
Chateaux is French for castle. You may butcher the pronunciations but the French will appreciate your efforts. This is generally true of most European countries where it is common to speak two or thre languages. 100 liters is only 26 gallons! I married a Brit and moved to the UK to live on a narrow boat, cruising 2000 miles of canals and rivers. I lived there for a decade before returning to the U.S. after my husband died. One doesn't realize that Britain really is a "foreign" country until living there. T
Hi guys!🤗
Just hope you both got a little relaxation for a day or 2.....which I'm sure you took.
Now back to your new adventure till you get your home back! Enjoy...
Hi guys!!!! Soooo glad to see you guys enjoying your new adventures!!! Kitty's look like they are right at home and really cool you can see the van moving in the Ocean getting closer to you that's awsome!!!!! CHEERS GUYS 🥂 ❤🥂
Shipping your van has been much quicker than I expected - great stuff.
Seems like forever to us! LOL!!!! But, you are right, so far so good!
One tip. When in Europe, forget ioverlander and get Park4night.
Good morning guys, have a great day.
Glad you made it across the pond, and are settling in. It’s funny that on your first dinner in France you’re eating pizza and they both look very delicious. Well can’t wait to enjoy your euro adventure travel, safe travels
It’s great to see you guys back on the road it’s better then been cope in an apartment it’s more healthy out and about with nature good to see you again and see different things
Glad to see you taking a few more days to adjust . What a sweet town 💕
Bonjour! I Hope Snow & Curt can meet up with Les Frenchies, a UA-cam couple who feature many French cities and are based in Paris. I think the two couples would get along really well.
Hahahaha! 😂 Kurt, you
pronunce the french words as a Spanish person. The house with the sign on where it was written: Vendu. That meant that the house has been sold!
Bonjour! Oh, France looks wonderful and so green! This is so exciting! thank you for taking us with you! Cheers for now! ☮
Such beautiful towns. Hope the weather change doesn't give you colds. Have good fun!
Such a beautiful path way for walking for both people and of course the cats. It is a complete reset in terms of language, location, customs, store hours, etc. etc. So I’m glad you are taking some time to kind of get reacclimated. And I know once you’re back in your van, it’s going to be even better. Looking forward to seeing more France.
YES! We are resting up... and "patiently" waiting for our van! LOL
Now your into the ancient lands. So Much History!
The cats look so happy. They are both so beautiful!!
Snow and Curt, We are John and Debbie @theglobalvanevent9191. We shipped our Promaster to Europe last November. If you have any questions, let us know. A heads up, be aware of "public holidays" and strikes. We almost lost a week getting our van out of customs at Antwerp due to both. Have fun in Europe
So much to see and do. It's amazing! Can't wait to see more. It's just as if we arrived experiencing everything along with you for the first time. Thank you for the glimpses. Enjoy and till we see you again.
I am sorry, France is old, cold and mould. Looking forward to see you visiting more colorful, warm and cheerful countries like Spain and Italy, their coastal regions are truly amazing. See you soon guys, take care.
Really enjoying your trip into France. French is a particularly difficult language to pronounce, and is not nearly as intuitive as Spanish. I have spent 60 years trying to perfect it.
Carrefour means crossroads cah-fohr. I don’t speak French zhuh - nuh-pahl-pah-frahn-seh. Vendu actually means sold vahn-doo. For sale is à vendre ah-vahn-druh. How much does that cost? Combien ça coute? Cahm- byen- sah- koot
I grew up in Tallahassee and Gainesville, so don’t know who to root for
You guys are so so awesome ❤❤❤❤
Looking forward to France👍🙂
Glad to see you all safe and sound on the other side of the Atlantic.🥰
I am from the South of Switzerland and live in NYS and every time I go back to visit family, it takes me almost a week to catch up with the time change!
Beautiful 😮
I’m enjoying your wonder at the continent I grew up on but I’m happy on my Costa Rican beach! Pura Vida and keep on keeping on as only you know how.
The old buildings are amazing! I guess we'll get to see all the architecture. Thanks! Be safe!
We ❤️ love watching you all!
You are entering Europe during magical time of Christmas Markets ESPECIALLY in Germany.
We will be there to see in-laws in couple weeks. We would be happy to share them with you if in same area…no matter we hope you all can experience them too.
Big smiles and hugs from The Kraus Haus and Garden, one day we hope to grow our channel too💗.
Thank you for all you do and sharing your journey, it is really special ❤.
Happy holidays!
I am very excited and happy that they have now crossed over to a different style and culture, much of the architecture is medieval, more organic food, different languages, a whole different world. I travel with you all the time you put a video on. I appreciate the effort you make.
Happy for you guys have a wonderful time thanks for taking us along 💓
Hi Guys. Glad to hear you are slowly adjusting to your new adventure. I feel like I am right there with you and look forward to watching each new adventure. Love from Canada
Vanna says, " Miaou, Miaou, Miaou....." That's French for Meoowwww ❤😅 You guys are gonna have a blast in Europe, keep on rolling.....❣🌎🐾🐈⬛
That inserted background music (bass) is cool !!
so glad we are all taking this as a new journey with you two and the felines .. so far the tour has been amazing xo from Canada
You are going to see some of the most beautiful cathedrals throughout Europe. You will have to try a cassoulet. It is a hardy dish that is so wonderful. Since you are heading north to Belgium, I hope you get to stop at Boulonge sur Mer which is a town by the Atlantic Ocean. My grandson is studying for his Master's Degree at the college there.
We will get to the Belgium coast eventually.... but not this visit. We are here for several years and we will zigzag all over!
I feel underdressed now - love your new European uniforms.
“Let’s go this way Punky”. Would Curt be an expert in herding cats?!?!
Yes.... He could herd cats for sure 😁
Follow the pheasant❤️
You did great Kurt! If I only had 15 minutes to run through a foreign country's grocery store I'd be panicked and stressed out. But you surfed it like a pro! I, on the other hand, would've gotten an Uber both ways because my sense of walking direction is terrible. My phone will show me directions but I guess with the free app... it likes to spin you around. Drives me crazy but I don't want to subscribe to "the pro's version" on something I might use once a year. I've looked up and found a building a couple of blocks from me, whereas the app would be directing me away from it 😅. Technology is a flip of a coin in my book. Bon swa.
How fun exploring a new country. You guys have spent so much time in South America it will be tough not to put a Spanish spin on French! 😎 Viva La France.