5 days on the road with Wesley Belaey and his family
Wesley Belaey, together with his wife Joke and daughter Inessa, went on an adventure to the Belgian Ardennes with a Chausson 627. They are happy to share their story of 5 days of fun and adventure.
Day 1: Pearl of the Semois
Inessa and I are waiting impatiently when Wesley drives into the street with the camper. We have packed and prepared everything in advance, so loading goes smoothly. It is striking how much storage space this camper has, really every corner has been cleverly used. We make a short stop in the supermarket, where we traditionally each choose something tasty. A small ritual that makes every start of a holiday immediately enjoyable. And so we can leave for the Ardennes!
Our route takes us towards the charming town of Mortehan, located on the river Semois. Fifteen minutes before our arrival, we send a text message to the owner of the Mergyre domain, a beautiful private property where normally no motorhomes are allowed. Thanks to an exception through a helpful colleague, we are allowed to be there. Upon arrival, the owner shows us a place under an impressive starry sky. We install ourselves and make the large bed at the back, where the three of us spend the first night.
Day 2: Wake up by the water and enjoy the simplicity
We wake up to the sound of gently rippling water and a cheerful bird concert. The sun is already shining, and we enjoy an extensive breakfast outside. Thanks to Vanomobil's handy kitchen pack, we have everything at hand to not only eat, but also to cook. Crockery, pots, pans, cutlery, everything is provided. That makes traveling a lot more comfortable.
After breakfast, Inessa puts on her inline skates and makes circles on the concrete slab on which we are parked. It is wonderful to see how quickly she feels at home in this new environment.
With an aperitif in hand, we explore the private property later in the day, towards the Semois. While we enjoy our drink, we catch a fish (or at least try to). Paddling, bouncing stones over the water and continuing to build an existing dam together, happiness lies in pure simplicity.
Later that day we drive towards Bouillon to visit Pont de l'Épine, a hidden gem. The road to it turns out to be difficult to access with the camper, so Wesley and Inessa decide to do the last part with the electric scooter, via a forest road. Exciting, but Inessa overcame her hesitation and bravely rides along.
Back at our pitch, Inessa and I take the evening meal. She chooses a recipe from her #LikeMe fan book: a simple but delicious pasta dish that we enjoy outside in the sun. The day ends with a warm glow, literally and figuratively. Just before the sun goes down we go to the Semois... And yes, this time a real fish was caught!
When walking back from the river, we happen to meet the owner's brother, together with his daughter Ida. She turns out to be about the same age as Inessa and the click was there immediately. The two find each other in play, adventure and childlike curiosity.
For the night we decide to try something new: Inessa and I sleep in the electric bed that sinks down in the middle of the mobile home, while Wesley has his own place at the back. That's also the great thing about a motorhome: flexibility and comfort.
Day 3: Nature, adventure and unexpected fun
We start the day again under a bright sun, this time with a colorful breakfast full of fresh fruit. Mornings outside, with a view of the greenery and the rippling water, are gradually starting to feel like a fixed luxury.
One of the highlights is our visit to Le Tombeau du Géant (the giant's tomb), a beautiful viewpoint in the Ardennes. We take a walk in the woods in the area and can't resist taking plenty of images.
The warm temperatures invite you to something extra: an outdoor shower in the middle of the forest, that's fantastic.
When we arrive back at the domain, Ida is already waiting for Inessa. The two have clearly built up a bond and are going on a journey of discovery along the Semois again. Later in the evening we are invited by the owner of the domain and his family to join us for an aperitif. A warm, spontaneous gesture that only enhances the charm of this place. After the aperitif, it was time for one of Wesley and Inessa's favorite dishes: sushi!
We end the day with a quiet moment for ourselves: watching the shot footage. Enjoying beautiful images in combination with the tranquility of the surroundings, that's all we need.
Day 4: Last images, children's happiness and farewell
The morning starts a bit cooler than the past few days, the ideal time to enjoy the spacious sitting area as a breakfast room. Afterwards, Wesley takes the last atmospheric images of the area with his drone. In the meantime, Inessa and Ida go on another adventure: rounds of inline skating with the handcart, in which one of the dogs happily accompanies them.
For lunch we stick to a simple sandwich with soup. Perfect after such an active morning. Outside, it starts to rain gently, an omen that the end of the journey was approaching.
After a warm farewell to the host, the family and of course Ida, we make a short stop at my colleague in Mortehan, who recommended this beautiful domain to us. When we return home, it is clear that our two Maine Coons have missed us. Of course, we do them too... But secretly a little less, because we enjoyed our weekend on wheels.
Vanomobil, a sincere thank you. This adventure tastes like more. On to the next chapter. On to more discoveries. On to many more #vanomobilmomenten.
Would you also like to go out with a motorhome? Discover our wide range of rentals via the following link.
