The Routes

Leaving Rennes behind, I drove south toward Nantes which was took around 1.5 hours on the open motorway. On the edge of the city, I spotted Parc de la Gaudinière, its trees glowing in rich shades of autumnal amber. With the airbnb check-in not until 3PM, it felt like the perfect place to stop for a walk with Roly.  We wandered through the park looping around the lake and through the tree-lined paths, soaking up the stillness before heading into the city. Little did I know, that peaceful walk was the calm before the chaos that was about to unfold.  The Beginning of the Plot Twist: A Bump on the Road The calm from our park walk didn’t last long. I headed back to the car feeling refreshed and ready to check into the Airbnb. The parking area sits along the roadside, with each car wedged between low stone boulders.  Getting into the space had already been a bit of a puzzle thanks to the sloped road and narrow gaps. Getting out turned out to be trickier. The boulders sit just below mirror height, so you can’t actually see them when reversing. As I eased out slowly to line up with the road, I heard a quiet thunk. I got out to check and, sure enough, there it was, a small but clear dent in the back of my Mini. Nothing major, but still annoying. The boot sensor even joined in, beeping on and off as I drove, a gentle reminder of the boulder misfortune. For now, it’s purely aesthetic, a minor scar on the Mini and a reminder that travel has its humbling moments.  Plot Twist 2: The Airbnb Curveball I drove into the city and checked into my Airbnb which was on the first-floor above a tattoo shop. The entrance was a little gloomy, with narrow corridors and steep stairs, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I unloaded the car, carried everything up, with Roly scrurrying up and down with me. Once unapcked I started to feel that post-travel relief… until my phone pinged. It was the host and I received the dreaded words: “Just to let you know, the Wi-Fi is down.” Every digital nomad knows that Wi-Fi isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the lifeline. Without it, there’s no client work, no emails, no connection. I messaged the host back, confirmed the situation, and we agreed to cancel the booking for a refund. Which meant doing everything I’d just done in reverse. Back down the dark corridor, loading up the car again, and Roly pacing with me between the apartment and the Mini again. It was now evening, and I needed another plan.  Plot Twist 3: Booking.com Hotel Overbooking Saga I found a nearby hotel on Booking.com called Hôtel de la Cité that seemed ideal with good reviews, parking included, and dog-friendly. I booked it straight away, grabbed my bag, and drove over feeling relieved that the day was finally turning around. Or so I thought... At check-in, the receptionist looked at me, then at her screen, and sighed. “I’m so sorry, we’re fully booked. Booking.com has been overbooking guests all day because of a system error.” Of course, the payment hold had already gone through… but the room? Nowhere to be found. By this point it was nearing 8PM, and I couldn’t help but laugh, otherwise, I probably would have cried. The day had officially gone full circle: park peace, boulder dent, Airbnb fail, and now a hotel mix-up. Surely, there couldn’t be another plot twist waiting around the corner… right? Third Time Lucky: Hôtel Billie At this point, I wasn’t taking any chances. I found another hotel called Hôtel Billie, right in the city centre, and this time, I called directly to confirm: Dog-friendly? Rooms available? Parking nearby?  Working WIFI?  Finally, a yes to everything. When I arrived, the woman at reception was an absolute gem. She smiled the moment I walked in, helped me bring my luggage inside, and even offered to carry one of the heavier bags up to my room. After the day I’d had, her kindness genuinely felt like medicine. I parked the car in a nearby car park, and headed back to check in properly. The room was cosy, and exactly what I needed. A sense of peace after hours of chaos. Of course, there was one final hurdle: the hotel Wi-Fi. It connected instantly on my phone, but my laptop refused to cooperate. Cue a 45-minute tech marathon of DNS resets, DHCP renewals, captive-portal gymnastics before it finally worked. That night, I sank into the crisp sheets, and exhaled. It had been one of those travel days, the kind that test your patience but leave you quietly proud of how calm you stayed. Because if there’s one thing this road trip keeps teaching me, it’s that adventure isn’t just in the beautiful moments, it’s also in the messy, mildly ridiculous ones that remind you you’re really out here, doing it. And honestly, the same goes for life. Friday: A Fresh Lens on Nantes After a full night’s rest and reset, I woke up ready to see Nantes through a different lens. Stepping out of Hôtel Billie that morning located on Rue Scribe 26, Bis, the city already felt different. I realised how perfectly placed I was, right in the heart of things, surrounded by independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Maybe the chaos of changing hotels had actually worked in my favour. I wandered with Roly through the quiet morning streets, picking up a ham and cheese baguette from Emma Pâtisserie along the way. I ate on the go, weaving through the narrow streets lined with French boutiques, Bonobo, Manfield, Cotelac, and Paul Marius to name a few. At one point, Roly stopped and stared through the window of Hermès, tail wagging, as if he expected me to take him shopping. Sorry, love, we’re not quite at Hermès budget territory. We wandered into Passage Pommeraye, Nantes’ famous 19th-century shopping arcade. It has beautiful architecture with marble staircases and glass ceilings. Outside, we stopped at Place Royale, one of Nantes’ main squares. In the centre sits a grand fountain surrounded by stone figures, each one representing a local river that flows through the region, including the Loire, Erdre, and Sèvre. The sculptures are so detailed they almost look alive, water spilling gently around them as tourists and locals cross the square. After exploring for a few hours, I headed back to the hotel to work for the afternoon. By evening, I was ready for good food and went to Le Bistrot Basque de Nantes, a tapas spot that brings a taste of the Basque Country to western France. The atmosphere was warm and buzzy, locals chatting over glasses of wine, plates clinking, the hum of conversation carrying through the terrace. I ordered three dishes: squid with rice, prawns with garlic, and a creamy pavlova for dessert, paired with a glass of champagne. Everything was rich, full of flavour, and exactly what I needed. Nantes, I realised over dinner, is a grower. It doesn’t charm you instantly like Rennes or Rouen, it unfolds slowly, through its food, and its little daily details. And by the end of that meal, I knew it was starting to win me over. Saturday. Pamper & a Little Vinyl Therapy After 2 weeks on the road, I was overdue for a little self-care. Saturday started with a morning walk through the city to a nail salon called L’Onglerie Nantes, my version of a recharge day. I walked in on a whim and luck was on my side; they had a same-day appointment just a couple of hours later. With time to spare, Roly and I wandered around the area to explore. Just a few doors down, we found Biche Dogshop, a beautifully curated pet boutique. Naturally, Roly insisted we go in. The owner was so lovely and she told me about Squeek, a rescue dog she was looking after, who was just as sweet as his name. Roly got treats and I got dog mum joy. A few shops up, a sign caught my eye, Comme à la Radio, a record store stacked with vinyls. As a long-time collector with a vinyl player at my home in London, I couldn’t resist. I spent about 45 minutes digging through the UK garage, deep and tribal house, and drum & bass crates, pure heaven. I left with five new records, future souvenirs to spin when I’m back home (or maybe at an Airbnb with a player, if I'm lucky). After that, it was time for my appointment at L’Onglerie, and I walked out with fresh gel polish in my favourite pink, a small but satisfying reset. I wasn’t done yet though. Next stop: Comptoir du Soin, a little beauty studio where I booked in for waxing. It felt good to hit pause and take care of myself after weeks of movement. Dinner that evening was at Chez Thérèse et Denise, a traditional French restaurant where I ordered stewed lamb with fries. Proper comfort food to close out the day. Sunday in Nantes I started the day at Les Machines de l’Île, one of Nantes’ most talked-about attractions. It’s home to large mechanical creations inspired by animals and nature, including the city’s famous Grand Éléphant, a 12-metre-tall moving sculpture that sprays water as it walks. Dogs aren’t allowed on the ride or inside the main gallery, so Roly and I wandered around the outdoor area, checking out the industrial structures nearby. It’s an unusual and creative space.  Afterwards, we walked along the Loire River, following the pedestrian path lined with trees and bridges. The air was crisp, the light soft, and the city had that easy Sunday stillness France does so well. Most shops close on Sundays here, part of a long-standing tradition that treats the day as one for rest, family, and food. Only a handful of cafés and crêperies stay open, and the slower pace feels intentional. It's a pause in the week rather than an inconvenience. Nantes was hosting a marathon that morning, the second I’ve come across in France after Rennes last week, adding a burst of energy to the quiet Sunday streets. I ended the afternoon at Le Coin des Crêpes, a cosy spot serving traditional Breton galettes and sweet crêpes. I ordered a savoury crêpe filled with bacon, leek, cream, and melted cheese, paired with a chilled cider, pure comfort on a plate. For dessert, I couldn’t resist an apple and caramel crêpe, warm and buttery with just the right sweetness. Both were a solid 10/10. Side note: I’m eating so much bread and pastry in France. I’m going to need to find a run soon before the carbs start catching up. A few runs along the coast in La Rochelle  should keep things in check. Monday in Nantes: Rain, Serendipity & Sweet Goodbyes Monday began at Sugar Blue, a cosy café that quickly became my work base. I ordered a warm croissant with coffee, set up my laptop, and settled in for a quiet morning of work. Between emails, I struck up a lovely conversation with a mother-and-son duo from Boston. The mum, Cindy, was warm, witty, and wonderfully bohemian. She told me she’d spent years as a nomad and is now retired, having now settled in Tomar, Portugal, a town she spoke about with real fondness. Her bag caught my eye too, and Cindy explained that cork is one of Portugal’s biggest natural exports. I love how travelling gives you these small, unexpected exchanges. She even passed me her contact details, so who knows maybe our paths will cross again when I reach Portugal later in my trip. It was a rainy Monday in Nantes with the sound of rain tapping against the windows all day. Outside, it came down in sheets, the kind that makes timing your exit an extreme sport. When I finally decided to leave the café, the rain returned in full force, so I dashed for cover and ducked into a nearby pub. I ordered a classic English breakfast tea. I know, very British of me in France, but exactly the warm hug I needed on a damp Monday. Once the rain eased, I wandered into Outremesure, a boutique I’d been eyeing the day before when it was closed for Sunday rest. Inside, I found a gorgeous tote bag and matching cosmetic pouch printed with a quirky dog motif, an instant yes for me. The tote’s big enough to fit my laptop and travel essentials, and the design feels like a little nod to Roly. The rest of the day stayed low-key. The kind of rainy day that calls for staying in and catching up on work. In the evening, I packed up the car, ready for tomorrow’s drive. Tuesday: A Farewell Lunch at Emporietto On my last day in Nantes, I wanted one final meal to end the city on a high note and Emporietto, a tucked-away Italian restaurant about 20 minutes’ walk from the centre, was just that. Finding it felt a bit like a treasure hunt: you have to slip through a quiet gate and down a narrow cobbled alley before stepping inside its stone-vaulted cellar dining room. The atmosphere was instantly warm with low lighting and rustic walls. I ordered 2 dishes: a mix of tender pork served with creamy mushroom and another with purée, beautifully balanced and full of flavour. It was the perfect send-off meal, local, and made with care. As I walked back through the narrow graffiti-lined streets with Roly trotting beside me, I felt ready for the next chapter. Next stop: La Rochelle.  What I Learned from My Stay in Nantes Nantes wasn’t the easiest chapter of this road trip. It began with dents, double-bookings, and more rain than planned but it turned into a gentle reminder of what slow travel is really about. Here’s what I’m taking with me: Flexibility is everything. Plans will fall apart (sometimes twice in one day), but there’s always a plan B and often, it leads to something better. Kindness shows up when you least expect it. From the hotel receptionist who helped carry my bags to Cindy in the café sharing stories about Portugal, little moments of connection can completely shift your day. Aesthetic dents are just that, aesthetic. Whether it’s a car or a travel hiccup, most things look worse than they are. Cities take time to reveal themselves. Once the chaos settled, Nantes quietly grew on me. It has creativity, character, and charm beneath the surface. Balance matters. Between croissants, crepes, and coastal plans ahead, I’m learning that road life is equal parts indulgence and intention. Nantes reminded me that not every stop has to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. Some places earn your love slowly, one small story, one kind stranger, and one unexpected detour at a time.

Rennes, France. Where Canals Meet Creativity Leaving Rouen behind, I drove south toward Rennes which took around 4 hours. Rennes is a city I knew little about but felt instantly drawn to. Why? Because the moment I arrived, I could sense its creative pulse; the mix of art, energy, and ease that gives it character. I knew I’d be here for a week, and I couldn’t wait to see what lay beneath the surface. The drive had been long but pulling up outside my Airbnb felt like a small victory. The flat was trendy; open-plan, filled with vinyls, plants, and art with a patio spilling with greenery, outdoor furniture and quirky fixtures. The canal was just around the corner, catching the last of the evening light.  Roly stretched out on the cool floor, tail thumping gently as if to say, we made it. I unpacked a few bits from the car, and watched the light fade through the tall windows. That sweet, still moment between arrival and adventure.  That night, I ordered Indian takeaway from Délice de India, very yummy and exactly what a travel day deserves. Saturday. Markets, Art & Ink Saturday morning began at Marché des Lices, Rennes’ famous weekend market lined with stalls overflowing with cheese, bread, flowers, and chatter. I wandered through with a coffee in hand, picking up local cheese and a bottle of red wine, before stopping for lunch at Crêperie au Marché des Lices. Here, crêpes are made with buckwheat flour, giving them that distinctive Brittany flavour, savoury, and perfect with cider. I ordered one with ham and melted cheese and sat in the patio sun surrounded by locals enjoying their weekend ritual. After lunch, Roly and I wandered along the Arsenal-Redon Canal, the kind of place where life just happens with cyclists and runners whizzing past, dogs chasing sticks, couples sharing wine on the grass. It reminded me of Hackney Wick back home in London. Creative, lived-in, and full of easy charm. Later that afternoon, I visited the La Criée Centre d’Art Contemporain, a small but striking exhibition space that captures Rennes’ creative heartbeat. Afterwards, I stopped at La Tête Enfarinée for baguettes and cakes, and picked up jambon and market goods from Marché Central to cook later.  A Turtle & A Twist As the sun dipped, the day took a spontaneous turn. I walked into Cœur d’Encre, a small tattoo studio filled with plants, vinyl, and warm light, and walked out with a sea turtle on my arm, a symbol of intuition, emotional depth, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges. And as if fate wanted to add a plot twist, Cédric, the Frenchman I met in Rouen, came to visit me in Rennes. He got a match tattoo, a small flame. Somehow, it felt poetic; two different symbols. Courtyard Drinks & Unplanned Conversations That evening, we went to La Piste, an open-air bar with a laid-back courtyard vibe. We ordered drinks and ended up joining two women from Brittany who invited us to their table. We spent hours chatting, laughing, and swapping stories, one of those spontaneous, unscripted nights that make travel feel effortlessly alive. Sunday. Seafood & Sunshine at Chez Brume Lunch at Chez Brume was perfection; a refined bistro with a sunny terrace serving seafood. I had a selection of their tasting dishes, followed by pavlova, and a glass of prosecco. As we ate, the Rennes Marathon passed by, a blur of runners, and clapping, turning lunch into a front-row seat to local life. After lunch, we wandered through the Sunday flea market, a maze of vintage books, art, and antiques that spilled into the nearby streets. We ended the day with dinner at La Chope, where I had steak frites, a pafita roll, and an Aperol Spritz to close out the weekend perfectly. Monday. Canal Loops & Quiet Moments Monday morning began with a long canal walk. Roly trotted beside me while the city slowly stirred with runners, cyclists, and locals walking to work with coffee in hand.  In the afternoon, I wandered to Marché Central, picking up sausages, steak, and a baguette to cook at home, then spent the rest of the day working from the airbnb.  A working Monday but a deeply content one. Tuesday. Canal Walks & Roly’s EU Passport On Tuesday, I drove to Vetovie Fougères vétérinaire in Rennes to get Roly’s EU pet passport, one of those important admin steps for anyone travelling long-term through Europe with a dog. The vet was fantastic, friendly, professional, and even English-speaking, which made everything simple. They registered Roly, carried out a routine health check, and issued his French (EU) passport on the spot. Total cost: around $60 for the check-up, registration, and the EU passport. The EU passport is a game-changer for pet travel. It replaces the need for constant vet visits and new health certificates at each border. With it, Roly can now travel freely between EU countries for the next year as long as his rabies vaccination stays valid. It’s one of those small but huge wins for life on the road, less paperwork, more adventure. Dinner that night was at PHO ANH EM, a Vietnamese restaurant serving pho, noodles, and fresh rolls bursting with flavour.  Wednesday &Thursday. Work, Walks & Pancake Farewell Not every day on the road is about exploration, and that’s exactly what makes it real. Wednesday was spent working from the Airbnb, and Roly and I took our usual 45-minute walk along the Arsenal-Redon Canal in the afternoon. The sun was shining, the water shimmered, and the city moved with that charm that defines Rennes. That evening, I cooked the sirloin steak I’d picked up from the market earlier in the week, which was tender, and perfect with a glass of red wine. The next morning came with that bittersweet feeling of packing up and moving on. Leaving days are equal parts chaos and excitement. Before hitting the road, I stopped at Oh My Biche, a dog-friendly café that doubles as a co-working spot. I ordered pancakes with maple syrup, bacon, and scrambled eggs, and it absolutely hit the spot. It was the perfect send-off. Where to Eat & Drink Crêperie au Marché des Lices – Buckwheat crepes and local cider Oh My Biche – Dog-friendly café and co-working gem, and the best brunch in town Chez Brume – Refined yet relaxed bistro serving fresh seafood Pho Anh Em – Fragrant Vietnamese pho, noodles, and spring rolls  La Cavale – Cosy bistro with natural wines and modern French plates L’AOC – Seasonal, elevated French dishes using regional ingredients in a relaxed setting. Superkraft – Bistro-meets-bar with great coffee by day and creative cocktails by night. Origines Restaurant-Bar-Microbrasserie – Industrial-style eatery pairing craft beer with generous, flavourful dishes. Le Bacchus – Wine bar and bistro with live jazz, candlelight, and a romantic edge. Le Tournesol – Small, friendly wine bar perfect for easy evenings and good conversation. Why Rennes Stuck With Me Rennes has a spark that’s hard to define. What I loved most is how liveable it feels. You can walk almost everywhere, pick up a baguette and flowers from the market, stop for wine at a bar you didn’t plan to visit, and end the day by the canal with locals who feel more like neighbours.Rennes has character stitched into its daily life.It wasn’t the biggest city, the most dramatic, or the flashiest stop on my route. But it was the one that felt the most real; creative, social, and full of heart. For now, it’s my favourite chapter on this journey. Now, it’s time for the next route. Next stop: Nantes.

The Arrival Rouen was never meant to be an eight-day stop but that’s the thing about the places that surprise you. They quietly convince you to stay longer. After the drive from Calais, I arrived to a city that looked like a painting with half-timbered houses, gothic spires, cobbled streets that curve just enough to make you wonder what’s around the corner. My Airbnb on 31 Rue du Fardeau had everything a traveller dreams of: high ceilings, art-filled walls, colourful furnishings, and morning light pouring through tall windows. My car was tucked neatly away at the Opéra car park just five minutes away, and I had everything I needed; coffee, comfort, and a city waiting to be explored. If you’re travelling Europe long-term by car, Rouen is the kind of base that makes sense. A week in one place gives you space to breathe, explore, and still feel the pull of the road ahead. Why Rouen Works Rouen has an easy rhythm. It’s historic but not stuck in the past, beautiful but lived in, romantic without trying too hard. It’s where Gothic cathedrals meet indie cafés, and history meets small daily pleasures. A warm croissant, a rain shower over cobblestones, a late-night glass of wine with live music in the background. It’s also a very dog-friendly city in France. Roly was welcomed everywhere, cafés, shops, even restaurants usually with a smile and a water bowl. The Cafés & Morning Rituals Mornings began at Café Augustin, a minute from my apartment. It’s an eclectic little spot with large windows perfect for people-watching. I'd also enjoy a dirty chai latte at Columbus Café, which was also close by.  For other great café stops, Prélude Café, Bibelot, and Madame A are beautiful choices for coffee and brunch. Café Crème and Couleur Café bring that easy French café charm. History & Hidden Corners Rouen’s history runs deep. It’s where Joan of Arc met her fate, and where Monet painted the same cathedral façade over and over to capture its changing light. Walking through the city is like flipping between centuries Cathédrale Notre-Dame towers over the old town, all stone lace and shadow. The Gros-Horloge, a golden clock suspended above a cobbled street, still ticks as it has for hundreds of years. Rue Eau-de-Robec is one of Rouen’s prettiest streets, half-timbered houses, small canals, and vintage shops. For art lovers, stop by Hangar 107 for modern exhibitions, or L’Établi for local contemporary pieces. And if you love vinyl or vintage, Aesthetic Circle Record Shop is worth a browse. Sunday in Rouen. Markets & Quiet Streets Sunday in France has its own tempo, calm, simple, almost sacred. In Rouen, that means the city slows to a whisper. Most shops and restaurants close completely on Sunday and Monday, and the few that open typically shut around 1:30 PM including the main Marché Saint-Marc. The food market itself is worth the early start with stalls piled with cheese, meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, and fresh bread. Locals chatting and dogs weaving through the crowd like regulars. It’s the perfect glimpse of everyday French life. By early afternoon, the city empties. Streets fall quiet, and the sound of church bells replaces traffic. It’s oddly soothing, a reminder to slow down too. That evening, I wandered through the old town and ended the day with a crepe and three gelato toppings from Amorino. Sweet, simple perfection. The Day Trip: Étretat Cliffs When the sun broke through later in the week, I decided to make the 1.5-hour drive from Rouen to Étretat, one of Normandy’s most breathtaking coastal towns. The route winds through fields and villages before the sea appears suddenly, framed by white chalk cliffs. I stopped first at La Flottille, a cosy dog-friendly restaurant a short walk from the beach. The smell of butter, garlic, and cream greets you instantly. I ordered mussels in cream sauce which were rich, delicate, and easily a 10/10. After lunch, Roly and I explored the cobbled beach, framed by breathtaking cliffs on both sides. Roly paddled in the sea while I watched the waves hit the rocks, sunlight turning everything gold. We climbed Falaise d’Aval as sunset hit, the kind of view that reminds you why you travel. Standing there, surrounded by cliffs and coves, with Roly beside me and the sea stretching endlessly ahead, everything felt right. A French Date & Live Music Somewhere between cathedral strolls and coastal hikes, I met Cédric. We met for a walk in the Botanical Gardens, which turned out not to be dog-friendly, but we made it work, walking and talking in a different area, and heading to the city in the evening for dinner at Zhoushi, fresh sushi and then Victorine Piano Bar across the road. Victorine is Rouen’s hidden gem, with a grand piano at the centre, cosy décor, and sophistication. I ordered a local Sauvignon, he ordered red wine, and for a few hours, everything was just music and conversation. When we left, the cobbled streets were quiet, the cathedral glowing softly in the distance. And there, under the Rouen moon, we shared a kiss, one of those perfectly cinematic moments you can’t plan, only live. A night later, I returned to Victorine Piano Bar for live jazz, oysters, and champagne. The show was meant to be at its sister bar, Victorine Jazz Bar, but after flooding, it moved back here. It was another fun filled night.  The Food Scene Rouen’s food scene is surprisingly rich for its size. Highlights include: Navio — Modern French, where I had perfectly cooked medium-rare beef with caramelised vegetables. Hanoï Délice — Vietnamese comfort food perfect on a rainy day. Zhoushi — Fresh sushi made in front of you. La Pêcherie — Seafood lovers, take note. Listo — Ecuadorian dishes full of colour and flavour. Bân Thaï and Bambou — for a taste of Asia. Le Kitsch, Lé Là, and Tempo — modern French done beautifully. Amorino — Crepes and gelato piled high (mandatory). La Pasta Tinto — A welcoming Italian with gluten-free options and friendly staff. Roly even got water and ham. Pure dog-hospitality perfection. Rouen has that lovely French habit of slowing you down with food. You sit, savour, and stay longer than you meant to. Nightlife & Local Spots For drinks, Le Charleston and L’Estaminet Bières & Cocktails are both fantastic, full of character and great music. Victorine Piano Bar and Victorine Jazz & Wine offer a more elegant vibe, while The Sound of the Horn is perfect for a laid-back glass. The Journey Onwards On my last morning, I checked out at 11am. One final look at the space that had been home for eight days. Before the long drive to Rennes, I stopped at La Pasta Tinto for lunch and ordered pasta with shellfish, and Roly was treated like a king with a full bowl of ham from the staff. The restaurant filled up quickly with locals, always the best sign. Following a good meal, a happy dog, and a full heart we were now ready to travel onwards to Rennes. Why Rouen Stayed With Me Rouen feels like a city in balance. History without heaviness. Charm without cliché. The kind of place that doesn’t demand attention but quietly captures it. It’s full of small joys, cafés with character, friendly faces, dogs at every table, and light that hits the cobblestones just right. This was my first chapter in my European road trip and I couldn’t have asked for a better beginning. Merci, Rouen. Next stop, Rennes.

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