After filling with water we set off for a long day's drive to the west coast, with a couple of contingencies in case of traffic. From Carcassonne to Toulouse there are huge field full of bright sunflowers, fantastic to see after we just missed them at their best last year.

It's a pleasant, uneventful drive through the northern end of the Pyrenees, up and down long hills, then through the flatter vineyards and woodlands of Landes. Progress is good and we cross off the earlier option stops until the last 15 miles through pretty countryside to the aire at Soustons Plage.

We pay the €13 entry fee and find a place, annoyingly without electricity, but within minutes a few vans leave, Ali does a recce and we move to a level spot with power alongside.

The aire is busy but pleasant with shady trees, and everyone is quiet and respectful including the many children racing about on bikes and scooters.

There is a beach, sandy pathways through the trees and a couple of takeaway cafes, one of which provides burgers for our evening meal.

We get out everything that needs charging and Ali tidies and re-sorts the cupboards.