Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
One of the hidden delights of northern Bavaria is undoubtedly the city of Bamberg (pictured), situated on the Regnitz River. In 1993 this very beautiful city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its stunning jumble of spires and turrets it reminded us of Prague, yet the city has a personality all of its own. We discovered Bamberg while touring through Germany and the best camping option is in Bug, on Buger Hauptstrasse, from where we were able to take a bus right into the city. Add to this the nearby Naturpark Frankische - the largest national park in Germany - and you have an ideal motorhome holiday.

Tangiers, Morocco
We didn't actually go to Tangiers in the 'van, but by staying at 'Camping Paloma', Tarifa, it gave us the opportunity to visit another country and continent. Tarifa is on the Costa de la Luz, a cleaner, more open coastline than the Costa del Sol, it faces the Atlantic Ocean rather than the Med. The campsite is by a golden beach, which was empty when we were there in late May, three years ago. We took our first motorhome there, a Pilote Coachbuilt, on a nine-week tour of Europe - a lifelong dream.
Desperate to notch up another continent, the safest way for us to experience Morocco, with two young children in tow, was to take a guided tour - not something we usually do. It was one of the best of our lives, culturally so different from anywhere we had been to before. We were collected from the campsite, taken to the hydrofoil, and then a 35-minute journey across the eight mile stretch of water planted us in Tangiers for a fascinating walking tour of the ancient Kabah area.

Praz de Lys, Sommand French Alps
There are better-known motorhome ski destinations, such as the Three Valleys, fine for experienced skiers but they’re busy, expensive and daunting for beginners. Praz-de-Lys (pictured) is easily reached (Geneva-Cluses then turn off the D902 before Les Gets).
We loved this fantastic aire, it was sunny with extensive views and had a whole community of French Camping cars and cost just 50 cents per person daily. There’s a public loo where fresh water is available from a low tap. It offers inexpensive skiing with mainly blue and red runs: great for beginners, children or a short stay. Site details Web www.campingcar-infos.com. Ruth Bass

Le Mont St Michell, Normandy, France
There is a 'van park just off the main car park of Le Mont St. Michel. Though there are no facilities at the overnight park for campers, the benefit of being able to walk to the historical fortress town, literally in minutes, is great.
The main road winds spirally upwards towards the Benedictine Abbey - built during the 11th to 16th centuries. On the way up to the top there are lots of shops, places to eat and museums. The views from the top are fantastic.

Tain l’Hermitage SE France
Most people know Crozes Hermitage as a good red wine. But have you tried the white variety? We first discovered this gem and, indeed the area, when we broke down as caravanners, and were towed to the municipal Les Lucs site (pictured). Stranded at the side of the beautiful Rhone River, we swam in the pool next door (free for campers), and explored the towns of Tain and travelled across the bridge to Tournon. Being surrounded by vineyards, we felt compelled and duty bound to do some serious tasting. We decided to add the white to our staple diet but have found it completely elusive. Does anyone know if it’s available anywhere in the UK or elsewhere in France? And, although we love the area - it is a long way to go for your favourite tipple! Site details Camping Les Lucs. Tel (0033) 04 75 08 32 82. Pat Hudson

Monte Carlo Monaco
It’s not every day that you can take a motorhome on a Formula 1 race track, but that’s exactly what we were able to do when we drove into Monaco, the week after the Grand Prix. Perched precariously on a rocky cliff, this classy principality is no good for overnighting with your ‘van, with no campsites. However, there is a massive underground motorhome park (follow the parking signs for ‘Fontvieille’) with helpful attendants. Everywhere, is within walking distance. The ‘Café de Paris’ is the place to eat, on the Place du Casino, (tel [00377] 92 16 20 00). Caroline Mills

Les Lacs de L’eau d’heure Wallonia, Belgium
Driving across Belgium, due east from Dinant, I happened, by chance, across a series of lakes: Les Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure. I stopped at the aire at le Lac de la Plate Taille which is Belgium’s biggest lake and is used for sailing, has a visitor centre and a man-made barrage that is an awesome sight - a real feat of civil engineering. Mag Wakefield. Details Go to the website at www.lacsdeleaudheure.be.

Gavarnie, SW France
One of the most magnificent spectacles in France, the Cirque de Gavarnie is a crescent-shaped rock wall 3km in circumference and rising 1300m from the valley floor (pictured, below). It's a fabulous destination for motorhomes, too. Hungry for mountains we had toured our way up into the Pyrenees and pitched up at the nearby aire from where we could join the main footpath. The Pyrenees boast plenty of aires suitable for 'vans, many catering for winter skiers and most have water and emptying facilities. And while not officially endorsed, wild camping is tolerated here and there: (pictured, above right) just join a cluster of other 'vans and you should be okay. The area offers stunning walking country. Cross the Col de Sarradets for panoramic views of the Cirque and a great toothless gap in the rock called the Breche de Roland (a natural gap, 40m across and 100m high). We threw snowballs and scrambled over the glacier up to the Breche itself for views into Spain. The equally dramatic Cirque du Troumouse, is nearby with beautiful scenery and fabulous streams to picnic by.

Llangollen Wales
One of my favourite places to travel in the ‘van is Llangollen (pictured, below). This small town is surrounded by amazing countryside and spectacular Welsh scenery. The main street offers shops, an information office, restaurants and a hotel. The River Dee runs alongside the steam railway - a must for all ages. The Caravan Club site at Chirk is close to village shops and the railway station. Site details Lady Margaret’s Park. Tel 01691 777200. Pat Hudson

See the February 2007 issue of the magazine for this feature article in full.

Back issues can be ordered by telephone on 08456 777812

 • Snowdonia, North Wales
 • Lake Titisee, BLack Forest, Germany
 • Palus Plage, Brittany, France
 • Isle of Mull, Scotland
 • Ljubljana, Slovenia
 • Loches, France
 • Ordesa Park, Spanish Pyrenees
 • Interlaken, Switzerland
 • Luzern, Switzerland
 • Lac D'Annecy, France
 • Tongeren, Belgium
 • Le Touquet Pairs-Plage, France
 • Garstang, Lancs, England
 • Sandringham, Norfolk
 • Enkjeuizen, Holland
 • Rothiemurchus, Scotland
 • Dune de Pilat, France
 • Vosges Mountains, France
 • New Forest, Hants, England
 • Lake Bled, Slovenia
 • The Jungfrau, Switzerland
 • Amtoudi, Morocco
 • Chantilly, France
 • Clumber Park, Notts, England
 • The Vosges Mountains, France
 • New Forest, Hants, England
 • Lake Bled Sloven
 • The Jungfrau Switzerland
 • Vieux Boucau les Bains, Acquitaine, France
 • Amtoudi Atlas Mountains, Morocco
 • Chantilly, France
 • Clumber Park, Notts, England