French connection
25 years after our first trip to France, we set off again recently, on what is now virtually an annual excursion.
When we first experienced the magic of camping in rural France (2001), we had two very young daughters with us. As the years passed, our family grew to six (four children). Now, a quarter of a century and many wonderful holidays on, we don’t need the baby chairs in the car (depending on work/college/life commitments, our grown-up children still join us sometimes).
Even breathing in the ‘French air’ is instantly relaxing. The countryside is beautiful, the roads infrastructure stunning, the admittedly near-dormant villages as charming as ever. Go to France if you want to relax – and if you have small children, do consider the great camping options.
The shocking wildfires of recent months had eased by the time we arrived. Still, the temperature hit 43°C for a few days before cooling.
Healy-Rae-free zone
While it wasn’t the main reason we ‘escaped’ to France last month, getting out of the country when there was great hype about a documentary on the Healy-Raes was a beautifully timed bonus. Missing that documentary (and all the media chatter around it) immediately goes down as one of my highpoints of 2026. I mentioned this to our cartoonist…
In praise of Irlande
On hearing we were from ‘Irlande’, a slightly gaunt, eavesdropping man in a café/bar raised an eyebrow.
Bowing theatrically, he exclaimed “I love Ireland” – adding that he’s been to “Galway, Cork, Donegal, Kerry…”
As his companion observed our exchange with some bemusement, our new friend added: “I love the Irish, but that accent… you talk too fast!”
As we (eventually) headed for our table, I could hear the Ireland admirer telling his friend all about Guinness…
Count me in…
Impressively, I read six books while in France. Comedy writer Jon Harvey’s ‘A Fan for all Seasons’ is a very touching story of his brother’s unexpected death and their shared passion for various sports.
I was reading the book on the same day that novelty election candidate ‘Count Binface’ was challenging Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election. Checking my phone to see how voting was going, I was amazed to discover that Count Binface – a wise-cracking chap who ‘wears’ a bin on his head – is the alter ego of Jon Harvey (author of the book I was reading). What a coincidence!
Dick and Angel’s chateau
Some readers will be familiar with the popular Channel 4 reality show ‘Escape to the Chateau’ which followed the exploits of Dick and Angel Strawbridge and their two children as they set about restoring a 45-room 19th century castle/country home in rural France.
Being fans, we (or rather Fiona) tracked down the actual chateau a few years ago (it’s located in the Mayenne region). Unsurprisingly, the gates to the long driveway were locked. A notice declared that the family very much welcome visitors, while asking that their privacy is respected. Callers are invited to take photos, etc.
This year we called again, this time to show the famed chateau to one of our daughters. We were suitably starstruck when the very distinctive Dick (complete with ‘handlebar’ moustache) suddenly appeared in the distance, and gave us a wave. Better still, a few minutes later the ever-bubbly Angel also emerged, even greeting us with “Enjoy your holiday”.
I guess you could say we’re personal friends now.
The wonder of Paris
We took a ludicrously fast train journey to amazing Paris. This city never disappoints. The ‘Hop-On Hop-Off’ bus tour is recommended (you get to see all the sights).
Highlight of a memorable day was a boat trip on the River Seine, which is a fantastic way of seeing the incredibly impressive, majestic architecture.
Later, we relaxed on L’avenue des Champs-Élysée. Here, it was a mere €11.50 for a ‘pint’ of lager on this scorching Saturday evening (two alcoholic drinks and a hot chocolate set us back €32.50). Oh well.
On this celebrated street, you pay for location; you’re effectively (and not unreasonably) taxed for the ambience, that and the people-watching privilege. And the people-watching options here are off the scale. The ‘Champs-Élysées’ was thronged with thousands of people… an exhilarating mix of style, colour, spectacular fashion, gleaming jewellery, flaunted wealth. One fabulously dressed six-foot-six-tall Will Smith lookalike who passed us had six or seven rings on one hand and an entourage of fawning male admirers in his wake (they were with him).
So, what about €11.50 for a pint… you don’t (quite) get to see this in Roscommon on a Saturday night.
Horse talk…
I’ve picked up a certain amount of French over the years, and would argue that I know quite a bit of the vocabulary! But it’s one thing to know many of the words… it’s quite another to actually speak fluent French to a fluent French speaker.
Today, I put some legitimate French words to a waiter, but did I get the pronunciation, syntax, tone, etc right? It appears not!
One of our daughters reckons I may have asked him: “Is your horse sick?”
If this was the waiter’s (mistaken) literal interpretation of what I’d said, I can appreciate why he wouldn’t have wanted to discuss his horse’s health in the middle of a busy restaurant.
It’s ‘Bin’ a month…
On that very day of the Clacton by-election, I emailed Jon Harvey/Count Binface to compliment him on his book. A month on, I still haven’t received a reply. I guess he has a lot on his plate (not to mention a bin on his head).
Luxury cruising on W.B. Yeats
Going to France by ferry – as opposed to flying – offers huge advantages, especially if travelling with children (and a lot of luggage). There’s nothing quite like ‘loading up’ your own car at your own home and then setting off!
As ever, travelling with Irish Ferries was a great experience. From the moment you arrive on the W.B. Yeats ship, it’s luxury all the way.
The W.B. Yeats, which can carry almost 1,900 passengers, contains bars, restaurants, a cinema, a popular kids’ play zone, luxury suites and cabins, quiet reading areas – all to be in enjoyed in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
As it was 25 years since we first holidayed in France, we enjoyed the luxury of a Deluxe Family Suite (for the first time). Much more spacious than a regular cabin, these suites are magnificent, and really enhance your on-board experience. Breakfast in the ‘Lady Gregory’ restaurant was excellent.
As always, there was live music in the bar, and lots of family-friendly entertainment throughout the ship. W.B. Yeats himself would surely approve!
