[EP5] 2CV to Croatia: Belgium!

This video begins in The Netherlands, and ends in France, with a two-day drive across Belgium in between. Contains the beautiful town of Dinant, some cows, some ignition tinkering and actual hills!
Support HubNut and this trip - visit hubnut.org for options and our shop! Orders are still being processed while I'm away.
#2CVtoCroatia #Adventure #Belgium

[@ferrumignis]

Hubnut feels the same way I do about monstrous shopping centres; soulless pits of hell and despair.

[@graemew7001]

I live 40 minutes away from the Metro Centre at Gateshead and it sends shivers down my spine driving past it, can't remember the last time I went in.......ahhhh the single life has its benefits 😂

[@patrickjohn9279]

Ahh, shopping centres, I'd rather roll off Niagara Falls in a barrel. Lol

[@niallsommerville9941]

@@patrickjohn9279 There's a shop selling man sized barrels in the Metro Centre.

[@patrickjohn9279]

@@niallsommerville9941 excellent, would you all like to join me, or go shopping lol.🤔

[@graemew7001]

@@patrickjohn9279 Put my name down for a barrel 😂

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

The thing with saxophones they have in Dinant is that Adolphe Saxe, inventor of the Saxophone, was born there. If you had had time to explore, you could have sat down on a bench beside a life-sized bronze statue of him.

[@k1ckyscotland988]

Should'nt it have been made from "brass",would have been more appropriate.

[@thepofmeister]

Thomas Albrecht Adolphe Saxe’s death did come as terrible blow to the sax playing community.

[@vincentdubois3291]

Yes , you are right, Adolphe Sax was born there and the city of Dinant was renowed for the production of embossed copper or brass goods . The citizens of Dinant are nicknamed "Coperes" .

[@AMarchant]

Interesting - was that said statue on the left at 25:35?

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

@@AMarchant Well spotted! You might be right there. I haven't been there in decades, but might check with Google Street view.

[@stuarthall6530]

Hat's off to Ian and Elly, in the eighties I drove to Spain in a fluorescent orange, six cylinder Austin princess. Why is it with advancing age a repeat of that journey just fills me with fear ! I carried every conceivable spare part but still managed to break down in the middle of nowhere, no credit cards, phones or sat nav in those days. Spent more on fuel than the car cost ! ( 20 - 25 mpg ) Would be scared to undertake such a trip in a so called modern reliable car, so I take my hat off to you sir, thanks for the wonderful entertainment. 🙌

[@HowardLeVert]

Twenty years ago this winter I drove from Munich to East Anglia in one day in rental cars. I wouldn't even countenance the idea now!

[@stuarthall6530]

@@HowardLeVert Strange as you get older your bottle vanishes, I drove non stop from Spain to Calais, fell asleep and only woke up as I left the road and drove across a ploughed field ! NEVER AGAIN Five star all the way for me these days

[@Sparks127]

@@HowardLeVert That was in a relatively Modern Car. A 2CV is a Northern European Giant of it's time. It doesn't have the throat required in Southern Europe.

[@Sparks127]

I meant capable.....

[@xxrs2009]

What can go wrong if you've got road assistance? Apart from things that can go wrong in your own country . Once I've bought an 20 year old Astra estate for 300 euro's to have a roadtrip through France on my own and finally did some work there for a few weeks.. Nothing went wrong. If it did I would get replacement transport, which would be a lot better then that battered Astra.. Maybe it was a bit harder back in the days but people did it anyway.. Austin princess goodlooking car btw!

[@vincentdubois3291]

Hello Mr HubNut ! I am Belgian and i live in a neighbouring village of the campsite where you spent the night . I agree with you , camping "le pommier sauvage" in Durnal is not the best one in the country ! I work in Dinant , just half mile away of the hardware shop and the gas station . Take good care of Ellie and have a nice trip to Croatia ! Drive safely .

[@vincentdubois3291]

Thanks . The name of that campsite in Durnal is "le pommier rustique " (the wild appletree) and your housing seemed very rustic, indeed . When viewing the video , i was surprised to see roads and places that i know . I subscribed to your channel a few weeks ago and i am very interested by the road tests and your comments about cars of yesterday , cars that i have seen during my youth . It brings back memories ! Dont drink too much Champaign and drive safely in France ! If Ellie breaks down it wont be too difficult to find spare parts there !

[@millomweb]

One does wonder if subscribers here could have planned a better trip for hub nut ! You know, visiting all the car spares stores along the way. A wondrous trip from and to Wales in Elly. On getting back home, the only part of Elly that remains the same as when starting this tour is the driver and number plates.

[@jusb1066]

@@millomweb he'd need a fiat if he wanted to replace so many items he'd have a new car each month.lol

[@vincentdubois3291]

@@nn-ro1lv You seem to know very well that area . Limestone quarries , electric power plants and old closed down industries all along the Meuse river valley .

[@RoyCousins]

Pat Moss was a serious rally driver in the fifties and sixties, and five times European Ladies Rally Champion. She was married to Erik "on the roof" Carlsson. Pat's usual navigator was Ann Wisdom, who's parents were both racing drivers, Tommy & Elsie "Bill" Wisdom.

[@delukxy]

She might have been slimmer when she was into horses but in her horsepower years, she was far from it. A tight fit in a 3000 but she had the arms to wrestle one around when rallying. Google some pics.

[@HubNut]

I'm fortunate to have met Pat and Erik before they passed away. Lovely people. Pat liked Elly!

[@zola561]

Pat moss drove a Morris Minor most of the time and a really good driver

[@johncollymore1697]

+HubNut - that's particularly interesting - meeting Pat and Erik - what a privilege - they were fantastic drivers - and real personalities - amazing...! Pat won the 1960 Liège-Rome-Liège in an AH 3000 I think. Erik was my hero! Great stuff.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

What a great video. It was like being in the car. I wouldn't worry at all about your editing or microphones etc. It all adds to the realism. What amazing sights and adventure. I find it amazing that you can be in a different country every 5 minutes and they all look different. Cheers.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

‘I’m just checking for pinking, Officer’ Brilliant stuff 👍

[@simonsummers9194]

Simon here.... Thought I’d just say thank you for doing these videos Ian, looking forward till the next one. 😃

[@haroldofcardboard]

just loving this series hubnut. ive been driving across mid-usa vast plains and colorado mountains mostly off motorways (2200 miles so far!). its been gorgeous. and on my night stops enjoying your own progress. what a treat you are ian, thank you :)

[@twocvbloke]

Ah Mr. Bricolage, the chain store I got my souvenirs from back in 1995 on a holiday in France, yes, I got DIY stuff for souvenirs, because I like foreign electrical stuff... :P

[@GIXXERUKX]

'Around the world in 80 breakdowns'.....car, driver and laptop Interesting times 😎 Cracking vids Ian 👍

[@millomweb]

Now there's a thing Ian - a title for your new publication or _auto_biography: "Interesting Times".

[@m3hnl]

wonderful stuff ian keep up the jolly good work , enjoying the vids happy days

[@klwthe3rd]

I have to say Belgium was so much more picturesque than the Netherlands since I love the hills and valleys that wind through the countryside. That Gorge in particular was "gorgeous!" 😅. The only thing that seemed wierd to me is that you're traveling into your campsite and neighboring small town for which everyone seems to be asleep. Nobody outside walking around in the entire town. Maybe they were all too busy eating their Belgium waffles. 🤔🤣

[@flitsertheo]

One disadvantage if you travel "on the cheap" is that you could end up in a backwater like this one. Though it is maybe better that he missed the larger towns and cities as traffic is hell in Belgium.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@flitsertheo I agree. I like taking the path less followed. It's only a bonus that the accommodations are cheap. You don't need a ton of room or fancy furnishings to make your stay pleasant. Sadly you could never do that in the United States as hotel, motel or BNB rates are not cheap.

[@vincentdubois3291]

I am Belgian (from Wallonia , the French speaking part of Belgium That gorge are the cliffs along the Meuse river . I agree with you the southern Belgium is much more interesting and picturesque than the flat countries of Flanders or Netherlands . Beautiful landscapes with hills , valleys and twisty roads where i like to go riding my motorcycle . You are right , the villages are very quiet , especially in the afternoon , may be because poeple stay home watching TV and digesting the fries and the beers !

[@klwthe3rd]

@@vincentdubois3291 Your country is beautiful especially the areas where the towns are built into the hillsides like Dinant. You are very lucky to have such a beautiful homeland. 🤗

[@flitsertheo]

@@klwthe3rd During my military service I spent more time than I liked camping outdoors in that beautiful landscape and it was then that I swore an oath that after the army only 4 or 5 stars hotels would be good enough for me.

[@jacklee8168]

really enjoying your road trip just at work on lunch break watching it look forward to next one good luck with trip

[@jakecolburn8946]

So happy i once mistook an 'Inva car' video for an 'Indycar' video.. realised quickly this was a channel to savour. loving HubNut Croatia adventure

[@millomweb]

If that's the kinda mistake you make, you're on the right channel now !

[@tonypotter9578]

Good to see you and Ellie are enjoying your ‘Lidl’ road trip!

[@hibbs79]

Very much enjoying your adventure. Feels like I'm having one with you. Cheers for the videos. 👍

[@jonricketts2408]

Having watched your videos of your trip in Ellie. I’m tempted to by a 2CV wish me luck

[@ray-wm7yd]

Get a Dyane instead

[@simonsummers9194]

Same here,I had a 2cv Year’s ago to do grass track racing. Great fun they were.... seriously going to research on these as to which one to get though.

[@klwthe3rd]

Ami's are nicer, in my opinion.

[@grayfool]

@@klwthe3rd Had an Ami super many years ago. Hilarious fun. Not easy to find now, I suspect .

[@julienbee3467]

@@klwthe3rd the Ami 8 estate

[@phillippereira6468]

Haha if you think that straight stretch of road in Belgium was a little desolate, wait till you come to Australia and drive here

[@neilthomas9244]

Mile upon mile of flat featureless countryside, running repairs, and Lidl. Living the dream eh? [chuckle!]

[@rydermike33]

What a splendid adventure. You're both doing wonderfully. I'm enjoying this trip very much. Thank you HubNut.

[@kimkiriniki9433]

Elly sounds very happy indeed, great to see you two having fun. Maybe carry a piece of cardboard with you to put under the engine and stop Elly marking her territory!

[@Martin-Hollingdale]

stumbled upon your vids and now i'm totally hooked. Thanks Hubnut, got hours of your vids to get through.

[@urbanrider7981]

Excellent video Ian,Some beautiful countryside

[@mutley23able]

Another great Video, really enjoying this trip around Europe with you and Elly :-)

[@chevyimp5857]

Ace series... Thanks so much..

[@lesliedymond137]

your amazing man iain keep up the good work with the vids ... very good

[@32toyman]

Love your channel which I've recently discovered. good luck on your journey. The roads look so smooth, no litter, and quiet!

[@stevelarkin3285]

Very nice film im so looking foreward to more

[@whitehorses460]

loving this adventure , thanks

[@MrButtonpresser]

HubNut goes crap camping so we don't have to. This is a great series.

[@PurityVendetta]

Ahhhh, taking me back to driving through Europe in my much missed yellow 2CV. The destination was Thessaloniki and we made it with no problem. Just escaped Yugoslavia on the way back as it imploded into civil war. I've never seen so many men with Kalashnikov AK74s!!! Did the same journey on my Yamaha FZR 1000RU in 2000 but got a ferry from Venice to Igomenitsa. Fab ride, 170 mph on the Brenner Pass, the Katara (Cursed) pass in northern Greece. When I rummage through my memories I feel really lucky 😊

[@dombooth86]

Brilliant v log looks like your having an amazing time

[@paulhickie9148]

Loved it thanks hubnut 👍😎.

[@automotivemischief.1978jamie]

What a treat coming home from work and seeing you have a video up :) Dinant is really breath taking thanks for sharing elly seems to be improving by the day, shame about the fuel leak experienced many leaky fuel systems over the years myself always in summer time. Thanks for sharing.

[@law1008]

Like the idea of numbering the series Ian. Helps with keeping up with watching! Enjoying them very much. Keep safe

[@terrys461]

Haven’t had a chance to watch lately but am binging to catch up now enjoying every minute 👍🏻

[@BobM925]

They love their trailers there don't they?! Absolutely loving your adventure so far, and Elly is sounding very happy. Looking forward to the next stage of your journey!

[@markmilligan6616]

I love your sense of pace, almost like we are living in a different era watching your videos.

[@garryclark4653]

The village you had your disappointing meal at was Durnal, which has absolutely nothing in it! I met my partner there, who now lives with me in England. If you had pushed on another 20kms or so, you would have got to Dinant, birthplace of Adolphe Sax (inventor of the Saxophone) and it’s Citadelle, and plenty of good places to eat along side the river Meuse! And loads of campsites! Great video!

[@ginggur17]

Love the fact that nothing phases you. Fair play.

[@theshowman8478]

Massively enjoying this road trip !

[@lawrence5117]

This was great for many reasons.

[@iseeolly9959]

Really enjoying your tour mate ! much love from Suffolk x.

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Awesome video Ian,we are driving very well apart from that jubilee clip for the fuel pipe,with the new plugs in it goes alot better,loving the scenery on here,can't wait for the next video to see what happens 😀.

[@grevberg]

To be asked to call the office and not being given a phone number, the very essence of Belgium!

[@garbage854]

Cool Trip 😀

[@davidwilson2155]

Yet another fantastic video from you again Ian! i love the improvisation of your lack of curtain material!heehee!!, I see how well ellie handles all those damn speed humps, the same way as my mighty Dacia Duster does! its gr8 driving over them knowing that you not gonna loose your exhaust or worse still!, a fuel line or brake pipe!! As my duster is a private hire taxi its good to have a nice high ground clearance when most of the time im driving with a full load! Can"t wait for another video! it makes such a good night time story!! Hope ellie behave"s her self!! ttfn.

[@robertngreen6]

Well Belgium appeared straight / dull / empty and finally picturesque! Hope your next campsite is a better one! Thoroughly enjoying this series of your adventures - can't wait for the next episode! #2CVtoCroatia

[@thepofmeister]

I’m watching Ian examine various lengths and thicknesses in Elly! Ooh Er, ça sonne un peu impoli! What lovely places you are touring thru. For those of us whom can not hit the road just at the moment, these vids are therapeutic! A joy to on-look!

[@innercityblues4921]

Lovely to see you're enjoying your trip through some wonderful scenery, if like me you probably appreciate the different buildings, structural materials and quaintness of the villages and towns, great to see the Datsun you test drove, you appeared to fall in love with that one, lovely motor indeed, I was jealous, keep on keeping on, enjoying your blogs :)

[@PMSCOTT68]

Great scenery

[@shaunw9270]

This is a rather enjoyable adventure , it doesn't seem like 5 minutes ago you were on the Ferry 😉👍

[@HubNut]

I'm now on Day 15!

[@legambaz]

The Belgium country is so awesome!

[@mossy.48]

Videos are brilliant iain 👌

[@piperdoug428]

Don't mind me, i'm just vicariously living through your vlogs while stuck in a tractor trying to get hay made.

[@k1ckyscotland988]

I've crossed and recrossed Belgium dozens of times on the bike and found the Belgians to have a devil may care Italian attitude to driving,scarey!. Glad you avoided the E42,twelve lanes of suicidal Deathrace2000 insanity. Especially the Ring0 round Brussels. Keep 'em coming Hubnut,this stuff is brilliant.

[@raymondo162]

my experience of belgy drivers matches yours. it's become my standard insult for, in particular, drivers that overtake you at a million kph then head for the off ramp...……….. belgians

[@k1ckyscotland988]

I've also found that when they visit Scotland in their cars they still try to kill me. Don't quite understand it,as pedestrians they're really friendly.

[@flitsertheo]

You forgot : Wallonia, roads with potholes large enough to hide a Belgian cow (usually big well-fed animals).

[@cornishhh]

Belgium didn't introduce driving tests until 1977; decades after most other European countries.

[@flitsertheo]

@@cornishhh The driving licence was introduced in 1967 and the theoretical tests were introduced in 1968. Valid for life ...

[@Bicyclehub]

I'm greatly enjoying this adventure! There is nothing about 2cvs on KZbin anywhere near as good. She's having minor ailments but still running like clockwork and sounding great. Considering the last minute engine preps it's a great performance. Hope you remember the kingpin greasing.

[@HubNut]

Kingpins are shot! I also forgot my grease gun...

[@chrisjackson3750]

All good, take care have fun 😉

[@thebrowns1017]

Yep. Dinant, birthplace of Adolphe Sax. You actually drove past his statue! Last time I was in Dinant, which was probably in 2007 there was a good Italian restaurant just by the main bridge over the river in the town centre! Loving this tour.

[@TheStan80]

TUK and Foxy will be in the huff when you get back home after finding out of your road trip

[@2760ade]

So glad you made the effort to visit that world famous tourist attraction 'Cercle Albert'... made my day... couldn't stop laughing :) Great video though, looking forward to your next instalment!

[@ti1de]

Good to hear the pinking is gone. Since there wasn't a request for my timing light, I already assumed it was alright. I hope the leaking situation can be managed. I wish you a fine continuation of your road-trip!

[@spudgun9315]

Stunning buildings Ian

[@barsorrro]

The Belgian towns are extremely picturesque! Especially Dinant -- it's beautiful! Not only is the cliff background absolutely spectacular and the architecture very nice and fairly original, but I also liked how the elevation seemed to change all the time within the town itself. And those foresty roadsides -- I thought Belgium was mostly about plains (my knowledge of geography is appalling :)). Awesome video, as always, Ian!

[@surisuri8993]

I thoroughly enjoyed the little cameo by the Dacia Logan van

[@markbennett2170]

Hubut discovers glamping, Belgian style. Great entertainment!

[@gryfandjane]

Thanks again for this excellent series. Futzing about with maps of Europe is all well and good, but to accompany someone on a road trip, even virtually, is far better. Plus, I just paid a visit to Dinant in Google Maps to get a better look at that cathedral. ;-) great stuff as always!

[@bombakdik]

Finally starting to watch this episode of Belgium. Lovely series! Keep going on! However, British Leyland had a factory in Seneffe, Belgium! Went there last autumn and the factory buildings are still there. I posted the pictures I toon on a BL enthusiasts page.

[@JoeAquatic]

I think it might be worth keeping a simple journal in a notepad so you keep track of the days :)

[@raymondo162]

a "simple journal in a notepad"...……………. 'diary' would be easier.

[@raymondo162]

a "simple journal in a notepad"...……………. 'diary' would be easier.

[@millomweb]

We could have organised a lot if he'd let us !

[@wollaminfaetter]

Nice cliffhanger!

[@tonycox5625]

Some lovely scenery there Ian, you and Elly look like your enjoying yourselves although that camp site looked a bit naff. 😁

[@radionutio81ij79]

Nice one ian 👍 have a safe trip elly seems to be performing spectacularly, unfortunately your driving on the wrong side of the road takes a bit of getting used to. ✌ peace

[@CharlesSmith-zt7vt]

I rode a motorbike across Northern Europe once, most boring riding of my life. Don't remember any of these bends you saw, but certainly remember that all the fields were covered in manure! Loving the ongoing updates. Croatia roads are much more fun, interesting and dangerous iirc.

[@Steve-bo6ht]

New places and muck spreaders plus that toilet just brilliant viewing

[@paulbennell3313]

Chipping away... Still plenty of time. It must be brilliant to be able to do such a long journey and actually see the places you're passing through.

[@paulbennell3313]

...I always reckon it's better to travel than to arrive...

[@bentullett6068]

That town looked remarkably like a town I have been through in Derbyshire. How pretty.

[@micheltebraake7915]

I always notice when I drive in or out of Belgium, not you, because Elly has very flexible suspension. A happy trip to France.

[@dandare2586]

I arrived for the bottom action.....but stayed for the scenic drive :)

[@terabyte1695]

have carried out the road test sir and the diagnosis on your 2cv is Tardy and the zing has gone, love it.......

[@graemew7001]

Pat Moss was certainly some woman and one hell of a driver. I too have driven the big Healey's and they are like a truck to drive, proper heavy engineering, so to be able to drive one like she did definitely takes skill. P.s. That part of Belgium you drove through is absolutely stunning.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

BuzzCut, you're going round in circles. Welcome to my life‼️👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@earnestbunbury2103]

BuzNut

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

@@earnestbunbury2103 Not since his haircut.

[@terabyte1695]

you may be sleeping in a box with towel curtains but loving the road trip keep up the good work.

[@ulrichvonck]

Welcome to Belgium...Mr Hubnut.. Enjoy the roads en traffic....☺ Adolf sax was born in Dinant in 1814...

[@darrenwilson8042]

That " Inspector Montalbano" model of Tipo were awesome - a grown up Uno - the rear space was like a cathedral it was so large

[@jurekvakva]

That's a very enjoyable series of videos! If you need any hints & tips on Slovenia, just give me a shout.

[@dogjustdog4466]

Hey Ian!! Lost you for a coupla days...when brexit rolls in (at some point) come over to Ireland. You're more than welcome....p.s.watch out for poirót!!😃😄😨

[@jfv65]

Ireland is ideal 2CV country. Lovely country for touring.

[@HubNut]

Oh I quite agree. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2G2Y5WYl9yflac

[@MrGazzw]

This bit of your adventures, has had some amazingly beautiful scenery, and with a chirpy 2CV passing through, must be like heaven. Don't matter where you go or what you doing, you always seem to have to tinker with old and classic cars, the filler neck clip was bad luck, I wonder how much fuel you actually ended up dribbling over the roads Hahaha. Really really enjoying watching your adventurous escapades.

[@jeffreygriffiths6218]

You are missing the valleys !! Great videos thanks

[@joedarkness808]

Reminds me of cornwall very nice indeed

[@justsomeone89]

You were near my house in the first few minutes! You could have seen and drive my Trabant if i had known!

[@HubNut]

Drat!

[@klwthe3rd]

Next time put a "Hubnut is welcome here" flag outside so he'll know to stop. 🤗

[@klwthe3rd]

Next time put a "Hubnut is welcome here" flag outside so he'll know to stop. 🤗

[@justsomeone89]

@@HubNut I'll send you an email

[@justsomeone89]

@@klwthe3rd lol!

[@gromit3315]

You are a very brave man! Driving in Belgium is a nightmare!

[@cedarcam]

LOL That was shopping 1 you showed There is also 2 and 3 Triple the fun, as well as all the other shops in town. Apart from that Genk is a nice area to explore.

[@patrickjohn9279]

Ian lovely video, I hope you'd have said good day? To anyone sitting on that outdoor throne.lol and asked if they're managing ok.that was funny though.lol Also the roads look empty, perhaps they are all on holiday here in the uk.🤔..oh and you need at least one decent, hearty meal per day..the rest can be snacking..👍🍻

[@kristalmartin3684]

Just loved the ride into Belgium today,and I must agree with you and others too, I stay away from shopping malls nasty places with naff piped music. It always seems to amaze me how laid back you are to the point of almost falling over, air leaks on the engine fixed with sticky tape then driving along with the best part of the annual output of an oil producing country running out the back of Elle.the wooden hut camp site was brave too, no curtains ,poor food and questionable ablutions,but still, this is unmissable viewing, good luck Ian, this is brilliant

[@coops206]

If you are in Belgium, I highly recommend visiting Ypres and the last post ceremony at the Menin Gate. Ypres is a beautiful town too.

[@simes205]

My brother used to live in Dinan, within the walls. Last time I was there we saw an amphicar swimming in the river!

[@dangerotterisrea]

Have you been enjoying any of the fabulous pipe weeds on offer over there, maybe that's why you have lost track haha 🤪 loving these holiday vlogs to be fair!

[@robinforrest7680]

I too bought a set if lidl zip ties before heading across the channel in the opposite direction to the North of Scotland. They've already served me well while replacing perished hoses in both Sven the Saab 9-5 and Ti'FourTwo my VW California. The massive heatwave we had this year seems to have killed most of the small diameter rubber hoses in both cars...

[@wildhogssussex7838]

Invacar shirt arrive today thanks, really good quality !