DON'T make this mistake.. (Vanlife in France Roadtrip)

We kick off our big European road trip with a journey south through France, exploring the quaint town of Rouen and learning a VERY expensive lesson.. DON'T do this if you are coming to France! #vanlifefrance #vanlifeeurope #europeroadtrip
NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEEK!
Subscribe for more vanlife videos - bit.ly/38ptVuo
Like this video? JOIN OUR PATREON for behind-the-scenes access - bit.ly/32oqndg
Support us and help Gemma get over her fear of coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/highland...
Get YOUR copy of Destination NC500 here - highlands2hammocks.co.uk/prod...
WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS VIDEO
- DON'T do this in France.. 00:00
- Who are Gemma and Campbell? 00:07
- Our big Europe road trip 00:12
- France road trip in our motorhome 00:20
- Vanlife in France 00:25
- Time to hit the road 00:39
- Problems already (we knew this would happen) 01:36
- Our scariest park up yet.. 03:15
- Morning routine in the van 03:40
- Our water-saving gadget (is it any good?) 05:10
- Exploring the town of Rouen 05:58
- THIS is why we came to France 06:32
- This town is so CUTE 06:48
- Tasting the best of France 08:52
- A VERY expensive lesson in France.. 10:44
- What are parkups in France like? 11:53
- Road trip with us and vanlife chores 13:10
- Goodbye France, Hello Spain! 14:36
- France-Spain border crossing (what is it like?) 15:27
- Goodbye and what is next? 16:34
Get all caught up -
🔹We are Gemma and Campbell 👫
🔸Living in our Elddis motorhome, Ellie 🚐
🔹Travelling across Scotland in search of hidden gems
🔸Documenting our lives on KZbin and Instagram 📸
🔹Writing informative travel guides so YOU can do the same 💻
👀Catch up with us daily in Instagram Stories -
@highlands2hammocks - bit.ly/3l2fGnt
ALSO WATCH -
What happened when we QUIT our jobs - bit.ly/3rFFozv
Buying our Motorhome, Ellie - bit.ly/3rCJGaO
Vanlife Essentials - bit.ly/3xaOoOm
Best Roadtrips in Scotland - bit.ly/3f7KhfA
If you enjoyed this video guys, please hit that like button and leave us a comment on what you think of our Ellie the Elldis. Subscribe for more van life action and stay tuned for the next video dropping this week.
* NEW VIDEOS WEEKLY *
All music in this video is from Epidemic Sound. Get a FREE MONTH of unlimited access to copyright free music using this link - bit.ly/38pZQL4/
OUR CAMERA GEAR
- Main Vlogging Camera - amzn.to/3PUCfGv
- Backup Vlog Camera - amzn.to/2C0HhB7
- Action Camera - amzn.to/31N6F8e
- Drone - amzn.to/3aSn5k6
Shop all of our Travel Tech here:
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/highlan...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~GET TO KNOW US~~
A free-spirited couple from Scotland with hearts full of adventure, and a passion for what is yet to be discovered. The best things in life really are free and you do not have to be rich to travel; Our goal is to show the world that anyone can and should make the most of this beautiful planet.
Since our first trip together to the golden sands of Fiji, we have spent every day working on our journey back to paradise. This is our story of how we get from the highlands of Scotland to the hammocks of Fiji.
The raw side of travel.
Uncut.
Unclean.
Imperfect.
Epic.
Join us and realise that anyone can travel, you just have to take that first step.
Gemma and Campbell
highlands2hammocks
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to see some of our daily activities, catch up with us on our other social medias
Twitter : / highlands2hamm
Facebook : / highlands2hammocks
Instagram: / highlands2hammocks
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/highlands...

[@highlands2hammocks]

Talk about an expensive lesson! Have you been stung by tolls before? Or have you visited Europe in a van yet? Aside from the expensive roads, we are having an incredible time! Cannot wait to share more fo our trip with you next week as we wake up in one of the most beautiful park ups yet 😍😝

[@daviddavies3810]

The rule in France is if there is no N road the motorway is free, if there is a N road the motorway is tolled, just put in your Satnav avoid tolls the N roads are just as good and more scenic

[@highlands2hammocks]

Will need to remember this for next time to avoid them!

[@bruceboulden9762]

You guys are the most fun, by far, of any of the "van life" vloggers out there. There are more laugh out loud moments in your last three videos than some of the best stand-up comedy acts. The amazing part is you manage to impart information that is actually helpful at the same time . Congratulations on your book sales and your engagement ! You guys deserve all the best !

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aw thank you so much Bruce, it means so much to us that you enjoy our videos and rambles ☺ take care of yourself!

[@Martin37vg]

Yep avoid those toll roads but ironically I always just do the toll bit through Rouen as saves loads of time. Especially now the bridge is fixed. I got a water saving shower head but still put a 5p with a 1mm hole in it in-between the hose and the head. We then manage eight showers and the washing up on one tank ( normally 4 days ) Enjoy the trip

[@highlands2hammocks]

They sure are! That is a great idea though regarding the 5 pence piece! Can see why that would help thanks

[@jasonmulcahy9750]

Love watching your channel keep them coming

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you so much Jason 😁

[@timjohnson67]

Thank you guys, another delicious vid! Travel safe.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks for watching Tim!

[@Claire.O-photo]

Never use the tolls unless you have to, every toll road has another route running parallel. They are a bit slower, but you get to see much more of the country.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yup we learnt the hard way haha 😂

[@pumpkintree6438]

Absolutely love France, the roads are lovely to drive on. Looking forward to seeing the Spanish leg of your tour! Xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yeah the toll ones were a dream! Just very pricey haha cant wait to share it tonight!

[@avicohen3035]

Lovely. Love your English style and accent. Your choice of words, tells me you are well educated. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@highlands2hammocks]

So nice of you! Safe travels ☺

[@fliesbychris]

We travel back home to Scotland from Stuttgart and we travel through France on the toll roads, it costs about €80 one way to Calais but its definitely worth the stress free travel(no traffic jams) on our way to the tunnel with dougalthecampervan, worth every cent in my honest opinion. Keep up the good work you two!!! ATB Chris.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aw wow! That tunnel must be pretty cool 😍 talk about pricey though haha

[@fliesbychris]

@Gemma and Campbell | highlands2hammocks We usually get the flexi ticket, now that's a wee bit pricey, we're trying the Amsterdam-Newcastle ferry this year(moving back home!!!), should cut the driving time down a bit.

[@helenmoat6456]

We spent six weeks in France last year. Didn't spend a penny on tolls. Slow travel is better anyway😃

[@highlands2hammocks]

Absolutely!

[@JPJMando]

Fab video. You pack so much in.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you 😁 glad you enjoyed it!

[@roseroelofse2651]

Hi. Make sure they charge you as class 2 and not class 3 ! Enjoy the ☀️.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thank you! 😁 no idea what we got charged for haha

[@neilcampbell4786]

Hi, just take your time and drive the N Roads, no Tolls and much prettieralso get the Camping Carpark App and card, takes the hassle out of booking in France, safe travels, we never pay tolls. Stick to the National Roads.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yup we will be doing this from now on after this haha

[@lynn3051]

You don’t need toll roads, take your time and avoid them, they are do much nicer and no fees.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Will absolutely be doing this from now on haha!

[@bertkelly7650]

Gemma and Campbell in France, Yay! The tolls, Nay!

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks for watching Bert!

[@andrewpayne123]

We travel France extensively. We use the motorways and stay in the Aires. It actually works well for us, no costs for sites but paying tolls. Outside of the main summer season the services are good to park, free, and havd the advantage of the shops and restaurants. Enjoy guys.

[@highlands2hammocks]

That sounds so lovely! Guess it is a good balance of how quickly you wish to get around ☺

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Weather is weather no matter whether in car or van you just can't ban it from playing and tempers fraying! Here's to better and warmer times in Espana!!! YAM xx

[@highlands2hammocks]

Lovely rhyme Yam thank you!

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome epik video

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks 😁

[@lostlangley]

Always check the toll journey time/km vs the non toll option. Nine times out of ten we take the non toll route as it's usually only a fraction more in time but we get to see all the little villages, stop off at baguette vending machines and boulangeries along the way. The tolls are okay for when you are rushing but honestly I'd never chose them when we are just meandering from A to B.

[@lostlangley]

Also, do you have a Crit Air sticker? Anyone coming into France should have one then you can drive into cities (providing you are low enough on the emissions scale). We are 2 in a Sprinter van so we can go through most cities.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yeah we didn't even consider it costing us this much haha! We very much avoided tolls after this

[@highlands2hammocks]

that was the problem we had as we didn't know if we were allowed to drive through Rouen so had to take the much longer route around

[@ChrisCoulson-pt7pz]

Be careful, we nearly wrote off our Motorhome in Rouen on our first day in France, twice, watch out for underpasses 👀😂😂

[@highlands2hammocks]

What a nightmare!! I'm so sorry to hear that. We will need to take extra care then

[@ninareeves2995]

Low emission zones mean that getting bikes is even more attractive as a way to get into towns😉

[@highlands2hammocks]

Very true! Sadly there isnt any easy parking to facilitate this either in Rouen

[@toobydude41]

Well despite the costs it doesn't look like this trip took that much of a.."toll"...on you 😉@9:20 just too cute

[@highlands2hammocks]

hahaha very nice Scott!

[@robertrauter8459]

if you ever decide to turn arround and go north......I live in Amsterdam,give me a word....would love to buy you a pint and chat......have a great one.....loved it

[@highlands2hammocks]

Aw thank you so much Robert! We plan on heading north later this year after the summer has passed 😁

[@philkfoto]

It is pronounced roo-on. Because my city Norwich is twinned here. That shower head is thoroughly tested as rubbish as I was going to buy one. The only extra so called pressure is defined by the reduced number of holes allowing the water out. Then of course less water used. Not rocket science.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Ooh lovely! Thanks for letting us know ☺

[@suzannewilson3365]

Rouen reminds me of York, it’s very pretty 😊

[@isking1715]

I was just thinking the same!!

[@highlands2hammocks]

It does actually! Must be the crosshatched houses ☺

[@themasterofdisguise]

excellent video, new sub here! 👍

[@highlands2hammocks]

Welcome! It is lovely to meet you 😁

[@raymonddickson8937]

Tolls from Dieppe to San Sebastion cost us 85 Euro but did Benidorm ro Dieppe on way back zero tolls took longer but scenery was out of this world

[@raymonddickson8937]

@Colin Adams Yep just set sat nav to no tolls and motorway, takes a bit longer but saves money

[@highlands2hammocks]

Wow that is pricey! We now set ours to no tolls and just enjoy the view

[@tonywood260]

Hopefully you've fitted Headlamp Beam Converters?

[@highlands2hammocks]

Sure have 😁

[@raystewart6524]

I never used the peage..always used the N routes and D routes..

[@highlands2hammocks]

Yup we will be doing that from now on

[@jacqueline23788]

caen is a very important french city for uk history capital from normandy .remember William the Conqueror .

[@highlands2hammocks]

Beautiful city 😁

[@isking1715]

Just wanted you to know Campbell, I got your McDonalds joke even if Gemma missed it 😂😂😂😂😂 or maybe it wasnt intentional? Be safe guys.

[@highlands2hammocks]

Thanks? haha I cant even remember what it was but ill take it 😂

[@adcuz]

6:50 Isn't that the German national anthem in the background? lol

[@highlands2hammocks]

Could be 😂 no idea haha

[@Dutchmore]

Seems we need flying motorhomes!!

[@highlands2hammocks]

That would make it a lot easier!

[@kelvinpell4571]

Looks fab guys......why did you put Deutschland Uber Alles over the visit to the Pattiserie in Rouen?😂😂! Enjoy and have a great time!

[@highlands2hammocks]

What is that? haha Thank you!

[@missleecampbell1806]

I was just thinking that too lol

[@adrianmichell2751]

Long handled soft and cheap brush. Suds of your choice. Wait for rain. Wash vehicle for free!

[@highlands2hammocks]

That’s a good way to do it!

[@abgmac67]

Regarding the toll you paid - could it be that you were being charged as a class 3 rather than a class 2 (for camping cars). If that happens you just press the 'help' button and say 'camping car classe deux s'il vous plait' and you will pay considerably less!

[@highlands2hammocks]

That could be the case! I didnt even think of paying as it was so late at night and dark. We were just stressed to get out of everyone elses way haha

[@androsblessing]

You had a bugga hanging out your nose. lol

[@highlands2hammocks]

New chic style babes

[@robertrauter8459]

you are driveing on the right side.....well you said yourself on the right side and not the wrong side as you did all your life......right side RULES!!!!!!LOL

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha all a matter of opinion i guess!

[@stowgood]

12:05 you didn't play the disc golf?

[@highlands2hammocks]

Haha I think it was actually shut unfortunately!

[@stowgood]

@@highlands2hammocks pickup some discs they are free when closed normally.

[@jacqueline23788]

haunted woods ?

[@highlands2hammocks]

They were a bit creepy 😆

[@findingouradventure_]

Ahh the French tolls! Avoid them at all cost!

[@highlands2hammocks]

tell me about it! What a lesson to learn haha!

[@findingouradventure_]

@@highlands2hammocks Hannah lived in France when she was younger for a few years! I guess her and Gemma will be able to speak French together! 😜. We are currently coming towards the end of our second European van life adventure. However we have done many road trips in Europe and France over the last 10 years and if we have more time then we always avoid the tolls! In fact to get down to the alps we actually drive through Belgium and Luxembourg instead of France 😂 some places you cannot avoid it though like the Mont Blanc tunnel that costs almost 70 euros! It’s seems like you are doing a similar route to what we did last summer down the west coast!