GK Tours 2025. Friday 4th July to Sunday 6th July
Wangen im allgau, Germany to Vogelgrun and Dambach-la-ville, France via Ribeauville
Friday
Today we passed from Germany into France through pine forests and past places we visited with Andrew and Jane last year on our way to Italy.
The route took us past Lake Bodensee, and just like last time we saw a Zeppelin Airship in the sky, they never cease to amaze us.
Our chosen spot was on an island on the River Rhine, the border is the middle of the river and flags on the bridge remind you which country you are leaving and arriving into.
The Aire is down in a natural bowl, so the noise from the large river weir is shielded a little.
We had noticed a sign for a festival just before we crossed into France, it was called Pinot & Rock. Checking it out on google, amongst the headliners were Travis and Snow Patrol.
Tickets were available but no dogs were permitted sadly. As the site was just across the river we could hear the music from the Aire.
That side of the river is also a stop for the river cruise boats, a number were docked there this evening, what a great vantage point – if you are a music lover anyway 
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When it cooled down a bit I took Meg for a walk along the river bank, which she loved. There’s a nice park and a cafe had we needed it.
Other than a few speeding motorists late at night we had a good sleep.
Saturday
After a late start and a good, early walk for Meg we decided to follow the Alsace Wine Route. If you’ve never visited this area then we recommend you to. It’s a very beautiful, lush part of the country, especially this time of year.
There are a multitude of small, ancient, colourful villages where you can sample ancient recipes and drink the local wines, whats not to like?
We chose the town of Ribeauville. It was very busy though we managed to find a parking space just by the park.
The high street seems to go on and on, every time you think, that must be it, it’s not. There are more gorgeous building to see ahead of you.
All of this flanked by hills of vineyards 
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One day we will book a room and stay in one of these gorgeous places.
We had drinks in the main square by the town hall, I couldn’t resist a glass of Cremant, while Parker had his favourite driver’s coffee 
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There was an ancient bakery where you could buy a huge piece of a metre-long loaf, looked delicious but we chose a slab of quiche lorraine, a cheese and ham coated pretzel ( spelt Bretzel here) and a savoury pain au raisin. Blimey, our tastebuds were certainly spoilt.
Running dry of ‘wow’s’, we headed back to the van, it was still hot so the aircon was turned on immediately.
Our next stop was another village on the wine route, Dambach, another Camping-Car Aire. We really like these as you generally get the same standard at each one.
This one was a little outside the village and we had decided that we weren’t going to pop in. We’ll save that for another day.
The Aire was full by early evening and was by far the chattiest one we have been to.
Next to us was a German couple, the lady was smitten with Meg, and though her English was broken, we had a good chat about everything. Gareth showed her husband around the van as it does get some interest.
Then, opposite us was an Italian registered van, the occupants of which Gareth heard speaking in English. A little while later they came over, once again he was interested in the van. Turns out they are Brits who moved to Italy many years ago and were on their way to the UK for family visits.
Next minute it was really late and time for bed!
Sunday
This morning was a lazy start for everyone I think, but then it is still Sunday, even if you are travelling 
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Waving goodbye to our neighbours we left the site just before lunchtime and headed to a Revolution laundry in the next town, Obernai.
This is another town we will return to as once again, it has a beautiful old town.
We spent a couple of hours washing and drying, having lunch before setting off again.
Got to love an empty washbag 
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We parked up by another river in Blainville Sur L’eau just as the promised rain came. It’s very peaceful apart from the lovely birdsong.
Hopefully we’ll get out in a bit for a walk along the river bank.
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