What I like about touring in the UK is the camaraderie on site. You can strike up a conversation over the washing up, or by helping your neighbours with their awning. I don’t speak another language so I’d miss that on a Continental site?

Have you thought about joining one of our reader rallies in Europe?

No. Not knowing the lingo is also a bind when you’re booking a site. How will I make them understand what I want and what about sightseeing? The thought of driving around towns on the wrong side of the road is a bit daunting.

About that reader rally.

Oh, sorry, you were saying.

Well, if you join one of our reader rallies, the booking of ferries, sites and sightseeing is all done for you.

Really? Tell me more.

Yep, give Select Sites (www.select-site.com) a call on 0844 406 0127, quote ‘Practical Caravan September Rally’ and they will book you into the rally.

Whoa, there. Where is this rally?

Didn’t I say? It’s on Brittany’s south coast, about seven hours’ drive from Calais. But you can arrange to arrive at a different port. St Malo, Caen, and Le Havre are all closer. Or, you can arrange through Select Sites to stay at another site en route.

If I’m going to do this, I want a decent site to stay at.

It’s got five stars! It’s called L’Escale Saint-Gilles and is located on the mouth of the River Odet at Bènodet, one of Brittany’s most popular coastal holiday resorts. It’s got a spa, restaurant, take-away, bar and swimming pools – that’s more than one, you know, and with most kids back at school you might get a go on the slides.

 

[tl:gallery size=460×345]

Enjoy an afternoon’s relaxation at L’Escale St Gille’s luxurious spa

 

[tl:gallery size=460×345]

Or take a dip in L’Escale St Gille’s fabulous pool

 

Well, that sounds alright. What about the sightseeing though?

The site has arranged a few outings, which are included in the price. On the agenda are visits to local markets, a sea fishing museum, the beautiful town of Quimper and its Gothic cathedral, a cruise on the River Odet, a tour of Bènodet by the ‘petit train’ and tastings of scrummy Breton food and drink. And there will be welcome and farewell dinners in the site’s restaurant. You’ll have some free days, too, so you can explore on your own. There are some great beaches in the area and you really should try the local seafood and the galettes (that’s pancakes to you and me).

 

[tl:gallery size=460×345]

Benodet beach is large and sandy

 

[tl:gallery size=460×345]

Le Petit Train will take you on a tour of Benodet

 

[tl:gallery size=460×345]

Seafood is a speciality of Brittany. Where are the frîtes?

 

I like the sound of this. When is it and how much?

Ah, crunch time. The cost is from £799 per couple, which includes the crossing from Dover to Calais, site fees, welcome and farewell dinners and arranged outings and tastings. The dates are 3-13 September.

That sounds okay and it shouldn’t be too busy, then. Lots of holidaymakers will be heading back home.

Other caravanners agree with you, the rallies attract quite a few regulars, so you’ll need to be quick. Go on, get on the phone, it’ll be lots of fun and you’ll make loads of new friends.

Will Practical Caravan be there?

We’ll be popping by for a couple of days to see how you’re getting on. See you in September then?