With retro-fashion at its hottest and vintage furniture making its way into our homes, we knew it wouldn't be long until the trend influenced our holidays too.
France has embraced the trend with trailer parks and retro caravan holidays in countryside locations. Even better, if you have your own retro caravan, then you can take them along with you on your quick and easy journey with Eurotunnel le Shuttle . Here's our pick of the best of them.
Brittany
We love getting away, and the Domaine du Roc campsite in Brittany was perfect for us. It's a 5 hour drive from the Calais terminal, but was simple enough to follow; we just kept to the A28. It has a series of quirky retro caravans (from 1950s to 70s) up for rent, each one kitted out with furniture and knick-knacks to match the era. Our favourite thing to do was riding our bikes amongst the trees and beside the canal; you can hire them on site. And if you bring your kids they're sure to love the Roc Adventure treetop park - full of daredevil challenges for them to complete!
Dordogne
It's possible to go on a vintage caravan holiday to France and still stay in quintessentially English accommodation at Le Jardin des Juilleries in the Dordogne. This 1960s English caravan (think vintage fabric and flowery wallpaper) sits in a pretty orchard with a hammock, perfect for relaxing summer evenings. In the area you can explore traditional towns, castles, chateaux and Lascaux's prehistoric cave paintings.
Midi-Pyrenees
Start your road trip adventure by heading towards this rare Retro American-style trailer park ( Belrepayre Airstream and Retro Trailer Park ) at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Take your pick from vintage original Airstream Trailers (circa 1940s to the 70s).
If you fancy yourself as a 70s hipster then try the Studio 54-themed trailer with 70s curtains, disco lights and an 8-track stereo with tapes! Couples will be impressed by the 50s chic of the OL 57 trailer. Plus, it has its own bathroom so you'll be comfortable and cool. The Spartan 1946 trailer maintains a sleek design with its original wood interior. Sitting at the edge of the forest this is a good choice if you want a cosy escape. Kick back on your retro sun lounger and enjoy the view of these picturesque hills.
The 9 th European Airstream meeting also takes place on the camping site so make your way here between 3 - 4 August and join in the fun. You can even visit with a vintage vehicle if it's over 25 years old. There'll be live music, dinner and weirdly, a live show with famous clowns to keep you entertained (this might have something to do with the owner Perry who used to run a travelling circus).
Create your Own
Are you thinking of buying a caravan or already own one but feel it needs sprucing up a bit? I've found some inspiring bloggers who know how to pick the correct shade of paint for a retro look and where to source authentic interior pieces to fill up the caravan.
Heart Handmade provides all the vintage interiors inspiration you'll need to turn shabby into chic. Gaze in envy at the collection of vintage caravans posted on Vintage, Pretty and Shabby and pick up some practical tips on maintaining an older caravan on Cool Caravanning .
Happy caravanning!