1. Travelling through France and the French farmer protests 🚜🚜🚜

Hoping for some better weather than what we’d been having in the UK we were somewhat surprised to arrive in France to a blanket of snow! Temperatures were freezing, not really getting above zero, but thankfully the roads were clear. For those in the know, thank goodness we had the “bloody sleeping bags” with us 🤣 We had planned for a leisurely meander south, but given how cold it was we decided not to hang about and to find warmer climes asap 🤣 

So heading south we spent a night by a raging river, and just managed to catch the last of the sun before it set - still very cold though 🤨 Pottered along the river (still a bit of snow on the ground ) and over the magnificent bridge into the small town - nothing there, so early to bed 😂


A stroll by the river

The last of the sun 🌞 


All was going well the following day as we continued to head south, temperatures were starting to increase, and the journey uneventful, until we arrived just north of Perpignan where signs indicated that the A9 motorway we were travelling on was closed ahead, with all traffic being diverted off. 

/It was chaos at the Peage where we all jostled to get through, but this turned out to be nothing compared to what was in store ahead - turns out we were caught up in the French farmers protests that have been taking place all over France in the past few days - against the banning of agricultural pesticides. A cavalcade of tractors were slowly moving along the road ahead, forming a blockade, and preventing cars from getting through - culminating in them setting fire to hundreds of tyres in the centre of the road producing loads of horrible toxic black smoke 😢 The Gendarmes arrived, it all seemed very peaceful, and basically was more of a safety management exercise rather than breaking up the protest. Overall we were stuck with this demo one way or another for almost 2 hours, which was a bit of a pain when we only really had another 1.5 hours to go to our destination - but were struck by just how accepting people seemed to be of the disruption - France seeming to live up to its reputation of being a nation which fights and protests against perceived injustices 😃   


Tyres burning in the distance 

Tractor full of tyres in front of us - ready for burning 🔥 


Fortunately we made it to our destination while still light - the beautiful bay of Port Lligate next to the quaint old fishing village of Cadaques in Spain. Apart from this being a very picturesque little bay, it is also famous for being the place where Dali spent most of his life. His beautiful whitewashed stone house stands right by the shore, but unfortunately not open to visitors at this time of the year. 


Port Lligate

Leg stretcher after a long day 

Port Lligate

Dali’s house

Really pleased to have made it to Spain, and looking forward to exploring this area - a welcomed rest from travelling in the van 😊 Already the temperature was rising, around 19 degrees, so things really looking up 👍

Hasta Luego 😃







Comments

  1. Anonymous26 January 2024 at 10:57

    Trust those French, we need to take a leaf out of their book. Although maybe not the burning tires! Glad you’ve arrived safely in Spain and I’m guessing Dali hasn’t left any anteaters behind! Take care D and J. Looking forward to the next installment and hopefully it warms up for you . Love a&a x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous28 January 2024 at 10:57

      Yeah, we could take lessons from the French when it comes to resistance 😂

      Delete
  2. Mandy and Ian26 January 2024 at 11:53

    Interesting start to your trip! Weather looks good now, here's to a calmer next phase 👍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane28 January 2024 at 10:58

      Yeah, great to feel the sun and the warmth’s x

      Delete
  3. Sarah26 January 2024 at 18:16

    So the adventure begins 😀. That protest made UK headlines so perhaps you were on TV 😂. Looks fab - the first of many amazing sunsets I'm sure. Looking forward to following your travels. Have fun! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane28 January 2024 at 10:59

      Yeah thanks - already feeling like a new adventure 👍

      Delete

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