Roadtrip France
Day 1 – Calais & the Opal Coast
The journey began with excitement as we left around 10 AM, picked up my friend and photo-buddy Carin, and made our way south. After battling the usual Antwerp traffic, we finally reached Calais where our host greeted us warmly. That evening we set out for the rugged cliffs of the Opal Coast. The skies were heavy with clouds, threatening rain at any moment, but the dramatic cliffs looked even more powerful beneath the grey light. We stayed out until sunset, chasing a shipwreck that only revealed itself when the tide dropped. Just when we thought we’d missed our chance, the water receded and we rushed back to capture it.. right before another downpour soaked us to the bone. Tired, wet, and laughing, we ended the night with snacks on the couch, already feeling like the adventure had truly begun.
Day 2 – Between Calais & Boulogne-sur-Mer
The day started wet, but with croissants, tartelettes, and a fresh baguette in the car, spirits were high. We explored bunkers, windswept viewpoints, and quiet stretches of coastline until the skies finally cleared. Lunch was simple but perfect: bread and cheese by a bunker near Boulogne-sur-Mer, the sun breaking through the clouds at just the right moment. Later, we wandered the lively town of Wimereux with its wide boulevard and crashing waves. By evening we returned to Fort d’Ambleteuse for sunset. Out of nowhere, a rainbow arched across the sky, glowing against the storm clouds. We ran, laughing in the rain, to capture the moment. The sunset itself wasn’t spectacular, but the mix of light, rain, and rainbow left us glowing.
Day 3 – Calais
After two full days, it felt right to slow down. We strolled through Calais, watched ferries come and go, and admired the grand town hall. Showers turned to sunshine again and again, keeping us on our toes. Dinner was a cozy Coq au Vin, warming and rich—the perfect way to end a calmer day. Tomorrow the big drive to Mont Saint-Michel awaited.
Day 4 – On the Road to Mont Saint-Michel
We left Calais behind and drove 4.5 hours south, the car humming along motorways, up and down rolling hills. Rain showers chased us most of the way, but the scenery was beautiful. By afternoon we arrived in Saint-James, our home base for the next five nights. The tiny town felt remote and quiet, but that only added to the charm. After groceries and unpacking, we couldn’t resist driving out to Mont Saint-Michel for a first look. In the evening light, the island rose like a fairytale out of the tidal flats. We went to bed dreaming of capturing sunrise there the next day.
Day 5 – Mont Saint-Michel & Cap Fréhel
We rose early for sunrise, navigating dark country lanes with no streetlights, only to be met with thick clouds hanging over Mont Saint-Michel. The dramatic light we’d hoped for never came. Disappointed but determined, we went back later to Cap Fréhel. The drive took us along the coast to towering pink sandstone cliffs, where two lighthouses stand guard over the sea. The wind whipped hard, but we flew the drone anyway and captured sweeping views of the wild coastline. By evening, Mont Saint-Michel redeemed itself: a glowing sunset, colors spreading across the sky, and reflections in the water. This time, it was magic.
Day 6 – Saint-Malo & Sunset at the Mont
We set off for Saint-Malo, a city wrapped in granite walls and full of maritime history. Narrow streets, cozy cafés, and the sound of waves against the ramparts gave the town a timeless feel. Rain poured down endlessly, but we still managed to walk along the walls and glimpse the tidal swimming pool at high tide. Later, back at Mont Saint-Michel, we were rewarded with one of the best sunsets of the trip. Free parking after 6:30 PM was a bonus, but the real treasure was standing in the fields with the Mont glowing in gold and blue. Muddy shoes and all, we couldn’t stop smiling.
Day 7 – Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
After a lazy morning of pastries and coffee, we finally went inside Mont Saint-Michel itself. Crowds filled the narrow lanes, but the climb to the Abbey was worth it. From the top, the view stretched endlessly over sea and sand. Inside, centuries of history echoed through stone halls and chapels. By the time we left, the island was quieting down, restaurants closing early, and we slipped back into the countryside for a simple dinner.
Day 8 – Endless Rain, Perfect Sunset
Rain trapped us indoors all day, watching series and drinking coffee, the sound of it pounding the windows nonstop. By evening, restless, we drove to Mont Saint-Michel one last time. And then, as if the sky wanted to apologize, the clouds broke. The Mont lit up in brilliant light, rainbows stretched across the sky, and we captured some of our favorite photos of the trip. A perfect farewell.
Day 9 – Château de Pirou & Étretat
On our way north we detoured to Château de Pirou, a medieval fortress surrounded by a moat. Climbing the ramparts and walking along the rooftops felt like stepping back centuries. Later, we settled into a beautiful Airbnb in Fécamp before heading straight to the cliffs. The sea arches were as striking as ever, even in the rain, and of course another rainbow appeared.
Day 10 – Étretat Cliffs
A peaceful morning with fresh bread gave way to a hike up the cliffs. From above, the views were breathtaking; arches, white chalk cliffs, and endless sea. We flew the drone for new perspectives and returned later for sunset, climbing a steep path for an unforgettable view. Even without a dramatic sky, the scale of the cliffs at golden hour was incredible.
Day 11 – Sunrise & Ostend
The alarm went off at 5 AM, and we climbed back up to the cliffs for one last sunrise. The effort paid off: calm skies, soft light, and the cliffs glowing in morning colors. After breakfast and packing, we drove smoothly into Belgium, arriving in Ostend. Our apartment was modern and bright, the perfect final stop before heading home.
Day 12 – Homeward Bound
We set off for home under clear skies, only to be slowed down by traffic once we crossed into the Netherlands. Still, by afternoon we were unpacking, doing laundry, and reminiscing about everything we’d seen. Despite the endless rain, the trip gave us rainbows, dramatic skies, and moments we’ll never forget.