Load up the campervan early and set off from Gloucester, aiming to miss peak commuter traffic; stop for a hearty breakfast at a service station or the charming village café in Winchcombe if you prefer a scenic start. If you’re taking the Portsmouth-Caen or Poole-Cherbourg ferry, allow extra time for check-in; if using Dover-Calais or the Eurotunnel, plan to arrive at the terminal at least 60-90 minutes before departure to avoid stress.
Cross the Channel (Eurotunnel or ferry) and enjoy lunch onboard or at a Calais harbour-side brasserie upon arrival; try moules-frites or a simple salade niçoise to get a taste of France. After disembarking, make a relaxed drive into the Calais/Le Touquet corridor—stop at the Cap Blanc-Nez viewpoint for sea air and photos or detour to the coastal resort of Le Touquet for a short walk along the beach and resupply at a local supermarket.
Pull into your chosen campsite in the Calais area—recommended options include Camping Le Robinson (Le Touquet) or a municipal aire near Calais—set up the camper and take a brief stroll into town to stretch your legs and grab dinner at a local bistro. Unwind with a gentle sunset walk on the beach or along the promenade, review the next day’s route toward Le Touquet/Boulogne-sur-Mer, and get an early night to be fresh for the coastal day tomorrow.
After breakfast at the campsite, wander into Le Touquet’s town centre for a stroll along the elegant Promenade de la Plage and a coffee at a café like Le Paris Plage; pop into the covered market (Marché Couvert) to pick up fresh bread, cheese and charcuterie for the trip. If you prefer a quieter start, head instead to the Cap Blanc-Nez/Cap Gris-Nez viewpoints for brisk coastal air and dramatic chalk cliffs — great for photos and a short cliff-top walk.
Drive a short way to Boulogne-sur-Mer to explore the medieval old town (La Vieille Ville) and the impressive Nausicaá National Sea Centre if you’d like an indoor option; enjoy seafood for lunch at a harbour-side brasserie such as L’Ecailleur. Alternatively, relax on Wimereux beach, browse local shops and resupply at a supermarket before returning to camp — there’s time for a gentle bike ride along the seafront if you brought bikes.
Return to your chosen campsite (Camping Le Robinson in Le Touquet or Camping de la Plage in Wimereux) to set up and freshen up, then walk into town for dinner at a cosy bistro — try moules-frites or a classic French steak-frites. Finish the day with a seaside sunset stroll or a relaxed drink on a terrace, and plan tomorrow’s route toward Reims with any necessary bookings for the Champagne region.
Break camp after an early French breakfast and head southeast toward Reims, enjoying motorway views of rolling farmland on the 3-4 hour drive; stop in Amiens or at a motorway aire for coffee and a comfort break if you prefer a gentler pace. On arrival in Reims, park the camper near the city centre or at Camping de Champagne (Rilly-la-Montagne) and stretch your legs with a short walk to the cathedral — Notre-Dame de Reims is superb for photography and its glorious stained glass.
Reserve the afternoon for a Champagne house visit — book ahead for a guided tour and tasting at a family producer such as Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, or a smaller maison like Champagne Drappier in Urville; the cellar tours are atmospheric and give great context to the region. After your tasting, wander the pedestrianised streets to see the Palais du Tau and pop into a boulangerie for fresh pâtisseries or assemble a picnic of local cheese and charcuterie to enjoy in Parc de la Patte d'Oie if the weather’s fine.
Return to your campsite to freshen up and then dine in Reims at a cosy bistro — try Le Bocal for a casual seafood option or Brasserie du Boulingrin for classic regional dishes paired with a glass of Champagne. Finish the day with a quiet evening stroll past the illuminated cathedral and a last nightcap at a pavement terrace, preparing maps and bookings for the next day’s drive toward Rust and Europa-Park.
Break camp after an early coffee and set off east from Reims toward the Black Forest region; the drive (around 5-6 hours) is scenic once you pass Metz and cross into Germany, so plan a brief stop at Metz or the charming town of Saarbrücken for a stretch and a bakery lunch to fuel the afternoon. Aim to arrive mid-afternoon in the Rust area and check in at Campingplatz Camping Bell Rust or a nearby site in the Freiburg region — both are well placed for Europa-Park access and camper facilities.
After pitching the camper, take a leisurely wander around the pretty village of Rust to get your bearings, pop into a local Konditorei for cake and coffee, and collect any last-minute park supplies or grocery top-ups in town. If time permits, drive the short distance to the Europa-Park grounds to familiarise yourself with parking and entrance points, snap photos of the park exterior and the Europa-Park Hotel area, and confirm opening times and any prebooked shows for the next day.
Return to the campsite to freshen up and cook or visit a nearby Gasthaus for hearty Baden cuisine — try flammkuchen or schnitzel with a local Riesling or Hefeweizen. Finish the day with an early night after a lakeside stroll at the campsite or a short walk through Rust, reviewing your plan for a full day in the park tomorrow and ensuring chargers, tickets and comfortable footwear are ready.
Rise early at your campsite (Campingplatz Camping Bell Rust or your Freiburg-area site) and enjoy a quick campground breakfast before heading to Europa-Park when gates open to beat the queues; start in the German and French themed areas for classic coasters like Silver Star and Wodan — grab a locker for valuables and pick up a park map and show schedule at the entrance. Pause mid-morning for a coffee and a slice of Black Forest cake at one of the park cafés near the Europa-Park Hotel to refuel and plan which signature rides or shows to prioritise for the rest of the day.
Spend the afternoon exploring the diverse country-themed zones — take the Euro-Mir for sweeping views, enjoy the family-friendly Silver Lake or the interactive Adventure Club of Europe, and catch an afternoon live show (check times for the ice show or stunt performance). For lunch, sample regional flavours at FoodLoop (where burgers arrive by rollercoaster) or choose a hearty German platter at the Schloss Balthasar-style restaurant, then wander the Italian and Scandinavian areas for gentler rides and souvenir shopping.
As the park cools, secure a spot for an evening parade or the nightly lights/closing spectacle and savour a relaxed dinner in Rust village at a Gasthaus such as Gasthof Hirschen or return to the park’s lakeside restaurants if open for dinner service. Afterwards, stroll back to your campsite under the stars, enjoy a nightcap by the campervan, and charge devices ready for either another park day tomorrow or a scenic Black Forest drive — review photos and notes from today to pick favourites for tomorrow.
If you choose a second Europa-Park day, arrive at opening to revisit favourites—hit Blue Fire or Wodan early for shorter queues, then catch a morning show (check the park schedule for the ice or stunt performances). Alternatively, sleep in and enjoy a lazy breakfast at your campsite (Campingplatz Camping Bell Rust or your Freiburg site), then take a short drive into Freiburg to stroll the Münsterplatz market and sip coffee at Café Pow or Konditorei Krümel.
At the park, spend the afternoon exploring gentler themed areas you missed yesterday—ride Euro-Mir, browse artisan stalls in the Spanish quarter and enjoy lunch at FoodLoop for a fun, coaster-delivered meal. If staying relaxed, explore Freiburg’s old town: climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views, have a light lunch at Hausbrauerei Feierling beside the Dreisam, or take a scenic Black Forest drive to the Schauinsland cable car for mountain views and short walks.
Return to your campsite to freshen up and choose between an evening show/parade at Europa-Park (if you’re back in time) or a laid-back meal in Rust at Gasthof Hirschen for hearty Baden dishes and local wine. Finish the night with a quiet lakeside stroll at the campsite or a relaxed beer at a Freiburg beer garden, pack essentials for the next day’s drive into Switzerland, and charge devices for tomorrow’s early start.
Break camp early and head southeast via Basel toward Lucerne, enjoying the tidy motorways and a coffee stop in Basel if needed; cross into Switzerland and pay for the vignette at your first service station if you haven’t already. Arrive in Lucerne late morning, park and stroll across the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and the Water Tower, then pick up a picnic from the Rosenmarkt or a bakery on Hertensteinstrasse to eat by the lakeside while taking in the view of the Pilatus and Rigi peaks.
After lunch, take a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to appreciate the fjord-like shoreline and alpenbackdrops—choose a short round trip or disembark at Weggis for a cable car up to Rigi Kulm for easy panoramic walks and photo opportunities. If you prefer to stay on land, visit the Verkehrshaus (Swiss Museum of Transport) for interactive exhibits or wander Lucerne’s Old Town to browse boutiques and sample local Swiss chocolate at Confiserie Bachmann.
Return to your chosen campsite (Camping International Lido or TCS Camping Luzern) to settle in, freshen up and prepare a simple camper-cooked meal or head into town for a lakeside dinner at Restaurant Schwanen for fresh fish and Swiss specialities. Finish the day with an after-dinner stroll along the quayside to watch the sun lower behind the mountains, packing layers for cooler alpine evenings and checking plans for tomorrow’s transfer to the Interlaken / Lauterbrunnen area.
Wake early at Camping Jungfrau (or your nearby site) for a crisp alpine breakfast, then drive or take the train to Lauterbrunnen to admire the valley’s 72 waterfalls — start with a short wander to Staubbach Falls and through the flower-filled village before boarding the cable car to Grütschalp for sweeping views of the Lütschine gorge. Alternatively, catch the Bernese Oberland railway to Zweilütschinen and continue by boat on Lake Brienz for tranquil waters and mountain reflections.
After a lakeside picnic or a light lunch in Lauterbrunnen, take the steep but gentle cable car up to Mürren or the Firstbahn from Grindelwald for sunny ridge walks — the First Cliff Walk and the Bachalpsee trail are excellent easy hikes with postcard panoramas, while Mürren offers quieter alpine paths and stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. For a more relaxed option, enjoy a short boat cruise on Lake Thun or Brienz then explore Interlaken’s Höheweg, stopping for coffee and a slice of Swiss gâteau at Café Schuh.
Return to your campsite in the early evening to shower and warm up, then choose a cosy mountain inn for dinner — try local rösti with mountain cheese or a fondue at Restaurant Weidstübli in Lauterbrunnen or Gasthaus Aaregg in Iseltwald on Lake Brienz for lakeside ambience. Finish the night with a gentle lakeside or campsite stroll under clear alpine skies, packing layers for cooler mountain evenings and laying out plans for tomorrow’s relaxed morning before the drive north.
Sleep in a little after your alpine adventures and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the campsite or a lakeside café—try a fresh croissant and strong coffee in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen before packing up. If time allows, detour via Bern for a mid-morning stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town: wander the arcaded Kramgassen, see the Zytglogge clock tower, and pick up picnic provisions at the Marktgasse farmers’ stalls.
Begin the long northbound leg after lunch, heading onto the A1/A6 motorways toward France; stop for a scenic break at Murten/Morat by Lake Murten if you want a gentle stretch and a lakeside coffee, or pull into a motorway aire for a quick rest and to top up fuel and water for the camper. Choose your overnight target based on how you feel—push on toward Reims for a shorter drive tomorrow, or aim for a comfortable Ardennes campsite such as Camping du Lac de la Forêt to split the journey.
Arrive at your chosen campsite in Reims or the Ardennes in the early evening, pitch the camper and enjoy a relaxed camper-cooked meal or a visit to a nearby tavern—if in Reims, sample regional dishes with a glass of Champagne; in the Ardennes, opt for rustic Belgian fare. Unwind with a gentle walk around the campsite lake or a short stroll into the nearest village, check ferry or Eurotunnel timings for your return leg, and get an early night ready for tomorrow’s push toward Plopsaland.
Depart your Ardennes/Reims campsite after an early breakfast and make the drive north into West Flanders, aiming to arrive at Plopsaland shortly after opening to maximise ride time; stop en route in Veurne for a quick coffee and a stroll around the Grote Markt to stretch legs and pick up picnic supplies. On arrival in Adinkerke/De Panne, park the camper at your pre-booked spot (Camperpark De Panne or nearby Camping Koksijde) and walk or cycle the short distance to the park entrance so you can be first in line for family favourites and indoor shows.
Spend the afternoon exploring Plopsaland’s themed zones—ride the indoor attractions for a cool break, catch a live character show (check the daily schedule for Plop & Maya appearances) and enjoy lunch at one of the park’s family restaurants or a sunny picnic on the green near the lake. If younger travellers need downtime, head to the gentler children’s rides in the Studio 100 area or stroll to the adjacent beach for a short, sandy play session and sea breeze before returning to the park for more rides.
After the park closes, return to your campsite to freshen up and then wander into De Panne for dinner—try fresh seafood or a hearty Flemish stew at Brasserie Du Parc or Restaurant Les Rozeaux, followed by an evening promenade on the wide beach boulevard. Finish the day with a relaxed drink back at the campervan, dry off sandy shoes, and prepare tickets and comfortable clothes for a second park day or a lazy beach morning tomorrow.
Start early at your campsite (Camperpark De Panne or Camping Koksijde) with a quick camper breakfast, then stroll or cycle the short distance to Plopsaland to be among the first through the gates; head straight for indoor favourites and family rides to beat midday queues and catch a morning character show with Plop and Maya. Pause mid-morning for a brisk coffee and waffle at one of the park cafés before tackling more attractions or the water play area if the kids want to cool off.
After a lively morning, take a late-afternoon break on De Panne’s wide sandy beach — spread a picnic on the promenade or enjoy seafood at Brasserie Du Parc while little ones build sandcastles and paddle in the North Sea under supervision. If energy remains, return to Plopsaland for gentler rides and souvenirs or explore the nearby Plopsaqua if you prefer waterpark fun; otherwise take a relaxed bike ride along the coastal path to Koksijde to stretch your legs.
Head back to your campsite to freshen up and then wander into De Panne for a relaxed dinner at Restaurant Les Rozeaux or a beachfront bistro, sampling moules-frites or Flemish stew with a local Belgian beer. Finish the day with an evening promenade along the illuminated beach boulevard, an ice cream from a seaside vendor, and a calm night at the camper preparing for tomorrow’s leisurely return toward northern France.
Leave your De Panne campsite after a relaxed breakfast and cross the border into France, aiming first for Le Touquet to stroll the elegant Promenade de la Plage and visit the Marché Couvert for fresh produce and pastries — grab coffee at Le Paris Plage and top up supplies at a local épicerie. If you prefer scenery over town, detour to Cap Blanc-Nez for a brisk cliff-top walk and panoramic Channel views, perfect for photos and a short leg-stretch before continuing west.
Drive a short way to Boulogne-sur-Mer for a seafood lunch at a harbour brasserie such as L’Ecailleur and a visit to Nausicaá if you want an indoor marine experience, or linger in Wimereux for a peaceful beachside afternoon and a gentle cycle along the seafront. Alternatively, explore the charming streets of Le Touquet — rent bikes to ride through the pine forest to the Aqualud leisure complex or relax in a café while planning your evening crossing back to the UK.
Return toward your chosen Calais-area campsite (Camping Le Robinson in Le Touquet, Camping de la Plage in Wimereux, or a municipal aire near Calais) to pitch and freshen up, then dine at a local bistro sampling moules-frites or a Breton-style galette. Finish with a sunset stroll along the beach or the Cap Gris-Nez headland to watch Channel traffic and check ferry/Eurotunnel times for an early departure the next day, getting an early night to rest before the crossing.
Break camp early and aim for an early ferry from Calais to Dover or the Eurotunnel at Coquelles; enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard or a final French pastry and coffee at a harbour café in Calais before check-in. If you’ve booked Portsmouth-Caen or another southern route, leave with plenty of time to make the ferry; otherwise use the Dover arrival to stretch your legs with a quick walk along the White Cliffs viewpoint or a coffee in Dover harbour.
After disembarking in England, set a comfortable pace north-west toward Gloucestershire, stopping for lunch at a charming roadside pub such as The Anchor Inn in Fordingbridge or a countryside tea room en route; top up fuel and rest as needed to avoid driver fatigue. If time allows, detour through the New Forest or take the scenic backroads past Salisbury Plain for a final relaxed English countryside drive before finishing the motorway leg toward Gloucester.
Arrive at a Gloucester-area campsite to unwind — options include Lakeside Caravan Park or Beeches Caravan Park depending on your final destination — pitch, freshen up and prepare a simple camper meal or visit a nearby pub for a proper British supper. Spend a calm evening walking nearby paths or along the campsite lake to reflect on the trip highlights, charge devices, and pack essentials for the buffer day tomorrow.
Sleep in and enjoy a slow breakfast at your Gloucester-area campsite (Lakeside Caravan Park or Beeches Caravan Park), savouring fresh coffee and leftover French pastries or a simple camper-cooked fry-up while you sort luggage and paperwork. If you feel like a gentle outing, take a short drive into Gloucester city centre to stroll the historic docks and the cathedral precinct, or visit a local café such as The Stable for a relaxed pastry and people-watching.
Use the afternoon to unwind or catch up on errands — drop by a nearby Laundromat or supermarket to resupply and top up the camper, or head for a restorative walk in Robinswood Hill Country Park for panoramic views over the Severn Vale and some quiet fresh air. Alternatively, if energy and time permit, pop to the Gloucester Quays outlet for a leisurely browse and a late lunch riverside, enjoying local favourites at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Finish the day with an easy evening back at the campsite: cook a simple communal meal, swap highlights from the trip and back up photos while chargers replenish devices, or treat yourselves to a local pub dinner in nearby Quedgeley or Barnwood to toast a safe return. End the night with a relaxed riverside or campsite stroll under the stars, prepping an orderly unpack and a calm plan for the week ahead.