Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are stepping back in time to explore Autun’s incredible Roman heritage. Founded by Emperor Augustus, this town is packed with spectacular ancient monuments. We wander through the massive Roman gates, marvel at the imposing Temple of Janus sitting out in the fields, and stand in the remains of the vast Roman theater, which was once one of the largest in Gaul.

Autun seamlessly blends its ancient past with gorgeous medieval architecture and the stunning backdrop of the Morvan hills. It’s an absolute treasure trove for history lovers and a highlight of our time traveling through Rural France.

👉 Join us for more of our wonderful travel adventures and be inspired for your own!

#earlyretired #retired #motorhome #travelfrance #lifeontheroad #burgundy #ancienthistory

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1 week ago | [YT] | 3

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are tackling the hike up Puy Pariou. This dormant volcano is famous for its perfect crater, and the climb offers some of the most dramatic panoramic views in the entire region. Standing at the rim and looking down into that ancient volcanic heart is a humbling experience and an absolute must for anyone traveling through this part of the country.

Exploring the Auvergne is a massive change of pace from our time in the Dordogne, but we are loving every minute of it. Whether you are a fan of geology, love a good hiking challenge, or just appreciate the raw natural beauty of Rural France, this hike is something special.

👉 Join us for more of our wonderful travel adventures and be inspired for your own!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are visiting the spectacular village of Loubressac. Voted as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," it sits high above the Dordogne valley, offering some of the most incredible panoramic views we have seen so far. The honey-colored stone and flower-filled streets make every turn feel like a postcard.

To truly see the village in all its glory, we headed out on a secret local hike. This trail gave us a unique perspective of Loubressac’s fortified walls and its impressive chateau against the backdrop of the rolling countryside. It’s a quiet, scenic, and picture-perfect experience that truly showcases the magic of Rural France.

👉 Join us for more of our wonderful travel adventures and be inspired for your own as we travel through Rural France!

#france #roadtrip #vanlife #campervan #loubressac #dordogne #ruralfrance
#earlyretired #retired

2 months ago | [YT] | 8

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

Hi Guys, In this episode, we are visiting the stunning village of Carennac. Often described as a real-life fairytale, Carennac is a member of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and for very good reason. The village is famous for its 11th-century priory, its beautiful Romanesque church, and the perfectly preserved Renaissance houses that line its quiet streets.

Wandering through Carennac feels like finding a hidden treasure. The golden stone, the intricate carvings on the doorways, and the peaceful atmosphere along the banks of the Dordogne river make it a highlight of our trip. It is a place that perfectly captures the timeless, magical essence of Rural France.

👉 Join us for more of our wonderful travel adventures and be inspired for your own as we travel through Rural France!

#france #roadtrip #vanlife #campervan #carennac #dordogne #retired

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 8

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

Hi Everyone. In this episode, we explore the "City of Seven Towers." Martel is a stunning medieval town that truly comes alive during our visit. We were lucky enough to experience a local festival night, filled with music and a wonderful community atmosphere, followed by the bustling traditional market under the magnificent 18th-century wooden hall.

From the narrow medieval streets to the local flavors of the market, Martel is a perfect example of the charm we are looking for in Rural France. We also take a little time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Murel, making this a truly memorable stop on our journey.

3 months ago | [YT] | 8

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

Hello and welcome back to our channel!

In this episode, we are exploring the extraordinary village of Collonges-la-Rouge. It is famously known for being built entirely of red sandstone, giving it a vibrant color unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s no surprise that this was the very first village to be labeled as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France."

To see more than just the village, we headed out on an epic hike through the surrounding hills. The contrast between the lush green landscape and the fiery red stone of the village is truly a sight to behold. From the medieval manor houses to the fortified church, every corner of this stop felt like a storybook come to life. It’s a highlight of our trip so far and a must-see for anyone visiting Rural France.

3 months ago | [YT] | 6

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are visiting the spectacular bastide town of Domme. Perched high on a rocky crag, it is often called the "Acropolis of the Périgord" because of its commanding views over the Dordogne valley. We had some rather stormy weather during our visit, but it only added to the drama of the landscape and the medieval atmosphere of the village.

Wandering through the fortified gates and past the golden limestone houses, you can really feel the history of this place, including its time as a prison for the Knights Templar. Even with the rain, the view from the "Barre de Domme" balcony is breathtaking. It’s a reminder that Rural France is beautiful in every kind of weather!

👉 Join us for more of our wonderful travel adventures and be inspired for your own as we travel through Rural France!

4 months ago | [YT] | 6

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are visiting the magnificent Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. Another member of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," it is famous for its imposing medieval fortress that stands guard over the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou rivers. We spent our time enjoying a scenic riverside walk, which offers a fantastic perspective of the castle towering above the village's stone houses.

Wandering through the steep, narrow streets of Castelnaud feels like stepping back in time. The village and its castle played a huge role in the Hundred Years' War, often facing off against its rival, Beynac, just across the water. It’s a place filled with history and incredible views that perfectly showcases the heritage of Rural France.

4 months ago | [YT] | 6

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are visiting the incredibly picturesque village of La Roque-Gageac. Wedged between a sheer limestone cliff and the Dordogne river, this village is consistently ranked as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France." We spent our time enjoying a peaceful riverside walk, which is the perfect way to admire the golden stone houses and the exotic Mediterranean-style gardens that thrive here thanks to the cliff's microclimate.

Wandering through the narrow lanes and looking up at the 12th-century fort built right into the rock face is a truly unique experience. La Roque-Gageac perfectly captures the timeless beauty of Rural France, and we are so happy to share this stunning location with you.

5 months ago | [YT] | 9

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

Hello everyone! 🚐

We’ve noticed a bit of a split in our recent videos. While our village tours get so much love, our Camping-Car Park Aire reviews seem to be getting some "tough love" with more thumbs down than usual. We really want our channel to be a helpful resource for your own French road trips, so we’d love your honest feedback: What are we missing in these reviews?

If they aren't quite hitting the mark for you, please let us know why in the comments. We genuinely want to know: Should we keep making these site reviews, or would you prefer we just stick to the village adventures? We want to make sure we’re creating the content you enjoy most!

5 months ago | [YT] | 5