Exploring the French Atlantic Coast in a Microcamper
Last summer, my child and I set off on a road trip through France in our self-converted microcamper—driven by a desire to rediscover my own path and create lasting memories together. With no set itinerary, we found ourselves swept into a whirlwind of discovery, from hidden gems to challenges that tested our resilience. Here's how we made it all work—from planning and preparation to the unforgettable moments we shared along the way.
What a Journey !
Dreaming of a summer full of adventure along Europe’s picturesque coastlines, France soon emerged as the perfect destination.
Its rugged landscapes, sweeping sandy beaches, and the untamed Atlantic Ocean beckoned us towards a road trip brimming with joy, freedom and discovery.
To bring this vision to life, I embraced the very essence of French holiday culture: a deep-rooted love of camping.
Countless idyllic—and often free—spots awaited us. After carefully choosing the essentials for our journey and handcrafting the interior of my trusty 2006 Skoda Fabia, it became our sanctuary on wheels for nearly a month, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the adventure ahead.
Our route took us from the charming streets of Brugge to the wild beauty of Cap Ferret, and all the way down to the breathtaking views atop the Dune du Pilat.
As we travelled, we encountered our fair share of challenges, which only made the journey more rewarding and often brought us to unexpected gems we might otherwise have missed.
Here are a few of those highlights, plus tips to help you make your own trip even more special.
Resourceful Living in a Self-Converted Microcamper
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Clothes Prep: For a smoother morning. Minimal, multi-purpose clothing helps keep packing light and efficient.
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Optimize Your Space: Organize essentials in themed bags for quick access and easy routines.
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Embrace Travel Apps: Use Park4Night, StayFree, and Google Maps to find safe, scenic spots. Choose busier sites if you want company for peace of mind.
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Budget Food Hacks: Shop local stores and use Too Good To Go for discounted food—save money and try local treats.
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Affordable Showers: Using gas station showers along your route— a wallet-friendly option
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Stay Flexible: Adapt your route and plans to the weather and be open to surprises.
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Keep a Clean Routine: Wash sheets weekly at laundrettes. Sand sneaks in—wipe your feet before coming in!
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Stay Fresh on the Go: Cleaning wipes are essential for quick refreshes when water isn’t available.
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Prevent Dampness: Keep a small window slit open for airflow and use moisture-absorbing bags to avoid condensation.
Our home on wheels was no fancy camper van—it was my trusty 2006 Skoda Fabia.
Not exactly a big car, but once I discovered that I could lie comfortably in the back with the front seats pushed forward, the idea of turning it into a microcamper began to take shape.
What followed was a deep dive into the world of DIY conversions—Pinterest boards, YouTube tutorials, and hours spent simply lying in the car, staring up at the ceiling, trying to imagine how it all might work. After many rounds of planning, rethinking and adapting, I finally landed on a setup that made the most of every inch of space.
The first step was a bold one: stripping out the back seats and even removing the spare wheel, clearing space for things I wouldn’t need every day but wanted to have on hand. That’s when the vision really came together. I managed to get my hands on some large wooden panels for just €1 each from a store that used them for shipping protection.
These became the base for a foldable but sturdy bed frame, giving us precious space underneath.
This little “basement” held everything from small, soft bags sorted by themes (easy to grab in a hurry) to kitchen gear and camping supplies, all tucked away but easy to reach.
The bed itself was cosy, with homemade touches like curtains I sewed from old fabric, chargeable lamps, fairy lights, and soft covers.
With the little touches, our tiny sleeping nook felt like a true sanctuary.
Above the bed, I added a net for bathroom essentials, keeping them within easy reach. And since water would be crucial, I stored collapsable water canisters just behind the driver’s seat, making use of every spare nook.
The kitchen setup was simple but clever. Where the rear luggage cover usually sat, I built a small wooden platform that doubled as a desk and a cooking station – ideal so I could prepare meals from either inside the car or outside with the hatch open. No fridge, just a crate of groceries and fresh bits we picked up along the way.
It was a lesson in simplicity and resourcefulness, and a reminder that you don’t need much to feel at home, as long as every part of your space has a purpose.
Camping Spots and Tips
Finding the right spots on a road trip can be a whole other thing, and while there’s no single “right” way to do it, following a few basic principles can make a big difference. Stick to designated areas and leave each place as clean—or even cleaner—than you found it. In France, finding free camping spots is fairly simple; they’re often marked as campings municipal or with signs that designate official camping areas. One of my favourite tips is to consider farm stays. Many farmers welcome overnight guests for free or in exchange for a small purchase from their shop. These spots are usually set in beautiful natural surroundings, offering a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Some even provide electricity, restrooms, and affordable showers.Many of these farms are also wonderfully child-friendly. They offer hands-on educational activities, allowing children (and adults!) to participate in daily farm routines or help care for the animals. It’s a unique and enriching experience that can add a special touch to your trip.
Entertaining Kids on the Road
Balancing my child’s needs with mine on the trip wasn’t always easy, but with a few staple activities we both enjoyed, it became not only doable but also deeply rewarding. These moments led to exceptional bonding experiences that we’ll both treasure. Beach days became a go-to way for us to relax and have fun together. We got into the habit of early morning walks across rocks exposed by the low tide, spotting crabs, anemones, and shells. My son loved hopping from rock to rock, pausing every so often to take in the view, and sharing these small discoveries felt magical. Traveling along the Atlantic coast meant the ocean was almost always alive with movement. I can still almost hear the waves rolling onto the shore.
Many of the beaches we visited were great for beginner surfers and bodyboarders, so it didn’t take long before we bought a bodyboard ourselves. The Atlantic can be unpredictable, so I kept a close eye on my son, but the thrill on his face each time he caught a wave was worth every moment.
When we’d wake up to grey skies and looming rain clouds, our plans shifted, but we were prepared. Days like these were spent inside the camper, playing card games, board games, or venturing out in our rain gear to explore places like the Serpent d’Océan—an adventure no matter the weather! Playgrounds along the way became little breaks in our journey. My son would scramble up climbing frames, giving me a chance to unwind with a book, each of us in our own little world but connected with every wave he’d send my way.
Evenings had their own rhythm. We’d make popcorn, watch a movie, listen to a podcast, or read—each with our own book, as my son had a goal to finish one on his own during the summer. Snuggled up in our cozy bed, we’d reflect on the day’s adventures, laughing and reliving our favorite moments before drifting off to sleep, grateful for the journey.