From London to Rouen: Our First Road Trip Stop (With Roly in the Front Seat)

From One Journey to the Next

After six months of exploring the UK from January to July 2025, from Cornwall’s beaches to Bristol’s art scene, I realised how much the rhythm of the open road suited me. Mornings without alarms. Days shaped by curiosity. The joy of Roly riding shotgun, ears flapping in the breeze.

Somewhere between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, the idea of continuing the journey across Europe stopped feeling wild… and started feeling right.

So when autumn arrived, I decided to go for it. This time: a little further afield, Europe.

The Final Day in London: Packing Up a Chapter

October 2nd, 2025, the day everything became real. 

I spent the entire day packing up the last of my belongings, underestimating how long the “final bits” would actually take (classic). But by the end of it, everything was loaded into my Mini One, Roly was in tow, and my little car was officially transformed into a European travel pod.

I took one last look at my London apartment, closed the door behind me, and exhaled. I didn’t know exactly what was ahead, just that it was time. Time to open a new chapter, even if the pages haven’t been written yet.

As I drove away with Roly curled up beside me, his eyes full of curiosity, I felt the shift. And just like that, life on the road had officially begun.

Why I Stayed in Folkestone Before the Eurotunnel

Pro tip: If you’re doing a big move or long-distance road trip, take the pressure off. I drove to Folkestone the night before my Eurotunnel crossing and it was such a good call.

The journey from London took around 2 hours and 45 minutes thanks to rush hour traffic, and by the time I arrived (around 9pm), I was starving. Pizza was the only thing on the to-do list.

I stayed at the Burlington Hotel, BW Premier by Best Western which had a smooth check-in, friendly staff, and was dog-friendly. 

Before heading to the Eurotunnel in the morning, I also made a quick stop at the M&S Simply Food at the nearby petrol station to stock up on snacks and groceries. After a long travel day, having something to eat when I arrived in Rouen without needing to hunt for a shop was a game-changer.

Just scenic drives, dog-friendly stays, and a flexible lifestyle that made room for spontaneity.

Morning of the Crossing: Eurotunnel Pet Tips

Roly and I went for a short walk along the promenade in the rain. I couldn’t quite see France across the Channel, but I knew it was just out there waiting.

We headed to the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminal early, and I highly recommend you do the same.

Here’s the breakdown of the process:

• Main check-in
• Pet check-in (they scan your dog’s microchip + documents)
• UK passport control
• EU passport control
• Toilet/snack/fuel stop before boarding

Give yourself 1.5+ hours, especially if you’re travelling with a dog. Everything runs efficiently, but it’s not a 10-minute job.

Inside the Eurotunnel: 35 Minutes to a New Chapter

Once waved through, I drove onto the shuttle train with car after car, neatly stacked like a real-life game of Tetris. It feels orderly. Industrial. Efficient.

Once parked, I switched off the engine, handbrake on, and settled in. The train started moving with barely a jolt. No dramatic clunks or lurches, just a subtle hum. For 35 quiet minutes, we cruised beneath the Channel. 

Before I knew it, we were slowing with arrival in Calais. I restarted the engine, and waited for the doors ahead to open. France was just moments away.

Driving in France: What to Expect

The moment you roll off the Eurotunnel in Calais, you’re practically on the motorway.

Driving on the right wasn’t as daunting as I expected, it actually felt intuitive pretty quickly. The roads are smooth, and everything is in km/h, not miles per hour. The speed limit is 130km/h on the motorway, which is about 80mph (faster than the UK’s 70mph).

Heads up: French motorways often have speed cameras. You’ll spot occasional warning signs or cameras mounted discreetly. Just something to be mindful of.

I settled in for the 3-hour drive to Rouen, music on, Roly snoozing in the front.

Pit Stop Magic: Chocolate Briochette & Roly’s Stretch

About halfway into the drive, I needed a toilet. The thing is once you leave the motorway in France, you’re often in tiny, sleepy towns with not much open. By sheer luck, I found a gem: Boulangerie Victor in a village just outside Abbeville, called Nouvion-en-Ponthieu.

It smelt like heaven, warm bread, pastries, that perfect bakery scent. I grabbed a chocolate briochette and asked the woman behind the counter to warm it up slightly. The chocolate started melting just enough… and wow, so delicious. I could’ve eaten ten.

• Toilet? ✔️
• Snack? ✔️
• Stretch break for Roly? ✔️

We were both happy.

First Impressions of Rouen

The final hour of the drive was smooth, and we arrived in Rouen around 6pm. The city was alive, people chatting over wine, walking dogs, shopping, laughing. That Friday night feeling was in the air. It felt vibrant, social, full of energy.

I checked into my Airbnb and only brought in a few bits from the car, some clothes, essentials, dog food. No need to unpack everything when I’m only here for a week.

Later that evening, I wandered the town just to soak it in. People dining indoors and outdoors, a man walking his dog, music and murmurs floating in the air. It felt good to be somewhere new. Out of London. In a fresh space. In motion.

What I Learned on Day One of the Road Trip

• Take the pressure off by breaking up long journeys (Folkestone overnight was a game-changer)
• Stock up on groceries before you cross. Your future self will thank you
• Allow buffer time for border control and pet check-ins
• Stop at the bakery for a halfway stop and to stretch your legs
• Driving in France is easier than expected, especially on the motorways
• Speed cameras are around, drive relaxed but be mindful
• It’s okay not to know what comes next. Sometimes the road just opens up ahead of you