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!

2 weeks 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.

1 month 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.

1 month 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!

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

Hi everyone. We’re so glad you’ve joined us for this latest leg of our journey. As retirees enjoying life in our campervan, we are currently embarking on a brand-new series: a "Grand Loop" around France. Our adventure started in the beautiful Saint-Benoît and is now taking us through the Dordogne to the stunning castle and village of Baynac

1 month ago | [YT] | 10

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

So we’ve just arrived in the heart of the Périgord Noir, in the beautiful village of Les Eyzies, well known for its towering limestone cliffs and fascinating prehistoric history.

We set off on foot to explore the Gorge d’Enfer (Hell’s Gorge). Despite its dramatic name, it’s actually a peaceful and scenic walk through woodland, passing ancient rock shelters along the way.

The cliffs here are absolutely huge, you really have to see them in person to appreciate their scale. Walking through an area that has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years makes it feel even more special.

It’s such a calm, green, and historic place, and one we truly loved exploring on our French road trip.

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

Hi Everyone, We're really sorry about the technical issues with the video, it was my fault for not checking it before I uploaded it!! I'm just uploading a working version, it'll be live soon

2 months ago | [YT] | 15

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

In this episode, we are exploring the world-famous Saint-Émilion. While we used the wonderful Château Arnaud de Jacquemeau as our base, the highlight was getting out on foot to truly soak in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape. There is something so special about walking through the rows of vines and seeing the limestone soil that produces some of the world's finest wines.

The village of Saint-Émilion itself is a medieval masterpiece. We spent our time wandering the steep, narrow "tertres" (cobbled streets) and admiring the architecture of the monolithic church. Whether you are a wine lover or a history buff, walking through these vineyards and the ancient town center is the best way to experience the heart of Rural France.

2 months ago | [YT] | 8

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

🇫🇷 The Grand Tour of France: From Volcanic Peaks to The Somme! 🚐⛰️
It’s official—the engine is running and we’re heading across the border for a journey through the heart of France! This tour is going to be a huge loop covering everything from ancient geological wonders to the most moving historical sites in Europe.

Our Grand Route: We’re heading North to South, then cutting West to East. We'll be winding along the limestone cliffs of the Dordogne, before heading into the Massif Central to climb the volcanoes of the Chaine des Puys (Puy de Dome is calling!). From there, we’ll head through the timber-framed villages of Alsace, visit the sacred ground of Verdun, and finish our journey up at the Somme.

* Riverside & Ridges: Expect plenty of riverside camping in the Dordogne and high-altitude "Aires" in the volcanic Auvergne region for those epic sunrise coffees.
* Wine & History: We’ll be stopping at vineyard-side spots in Alsace and finding quiet, respectful stays near the historic battlefields of Verdun and the Somme.
* The "Plus Beaux Villages": Keep an eye out for stops in Sarlat, Colmar, and the hidden gems in between.

We’ll be updating our master itinerary with clickable links for every video and campsite as we go, so you can follow the exact path or plan your own trip using our pins!

The first episode drops soon. Tell us in the comments: Have you ever visited the French battlefields or hiked a volcano? We want to hear your tips!

2 months ago | [YT] | 15

Helen & Andy Travel (Vanlife)

🇬🇷 New Greece Series Coming Soon! 🇬🇷

We’re excited to share our next adventure — we’re off to tour Greece!
First up: a long weekend in Athens, where we’ll explore ancient ruins, wander through vibrant neighborhoods, and soak up the incredible city vibe.

Then it’s on to Crete, where we begin an epic road trip! Think stunning beaches, breathtaking mountain drives, peaceful monasteries, and fascinating Minoan archaeological sites — all wrapped in the warmth of Greek hospitality.

If you love history, island landscapes, and a touch of adventure, you won’t want to miss this series!

Episodes start dropping soon — hit that 🔔 notification bell so you don’t miss a thing!

– Helen & Andy
#travel #greece #athens #crete #roadtrip #history #beaches #adventure #vlog #retired

9 months ago | [YT] | 14