Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
We are Carol & Ken and we like touring in our Consort Nova motorhome called Snoopy. Join us for Episode 13 of our Grand Est adventure as we explore Lac du Der-Chantecoq and discover hidden gems in rural France!
In this episode, we pack up after a peaceful night, deal with the "doom loop" recording mishap every YouTuber dreads, and head out for more French adventures. We revisit De Gaulle's beautiful countryside location in Colombey-Les-Deux-Églises, tackle windscreen cleaning with our game-changing extending pole, and shop for delicious French food at Aldi.
After deciding to skip Troyes for a more relaxing day, we drive to the magnificent Lac du Der-Chantecoq – one of Europe's largest lakes and a paradise for birdwatchers. We're lucky to snag the last spot at this popular aire! We also rate our Aldi shepherd's pie (spoiler: not recommended), enjoy a stunning sunset, and the next morning discover a hidden bakery that serves the most incredible croissants and almond pastries we've ever tasted – a true cave of deliciousness!
Perfect for motorhome enthusiasts, France travel lovers, and anyone dreaming of campervan adventures in Europe. If you love scenic aires, lakeside spots, French pastries, and relaxed van life, this one's for you!
Check out @gonkandmoody youtube.com/@gonkandmoody?si=4GgERBGYF4HCG542
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:20 Packing up and moving on
0:34 DJI Mic fluffies discussion
1:36 Fly trap experiment results
3:09 The doom loop - YouTuber's nightmare
3:44 Back at De Gaulle's location
4:37 Windscreen cleaning with extending pole
6:25 Aldi shopping trip
7:45 Change of plan - heading to the lake
8:23 Carol takes the wheel
9:01 Dead animal report
10:50 Last space at the inn
11:48 Delicious French cheese
12:07 Tiny cake disappointment
12:47 About Lac du Der-Chantecoq
13:38 Sunset over the lake
13:51 Shepherd's pie review (not good!)
14:00 Morning departure and service point issues
15:11 Impressive covered market
16:56 Market visit in town
18:04 Discovering the hidden bakery
19:25 Cave of deliciousness revealed!
19:46 Outro and next episode teaser
🌍 ABOUT LAC DU DER-CHANTECOQ
One of Europe's largest artificial lakes, Lac du Der was created to protect Paris from flooding. It's now a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers, with up to 140,000 migrating cranes ("gray ladies") staging spectacular shows each autumn and spring. A must-visit for nature lovers!
📺 WATCH THE FULL PLAYLIST
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIvjgizahw7or3NWJ9P-bIS7voFYmTdmh&si=cPTOe81eJ4oAzf8b
🛒 VAN LIFE GEAR
Seen something we use in the van? Check our Amazon shop:
amazon.co.uk/shop/lifeistooshort
☕ SUPPORT US
Enjoy our content? Buy us a coffee and join Carol's mailing list for behind-the-scenes updates:
buymeacoffee.com/Lifeistooshort
🔔 SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT
Help us grow by liking, subscribing & sharing 👍
📘 Facebook: facebook.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/lifeistooshort_campervan
We are Amazon affiliate members so if you purchase anything through the link we will receive a small % from the vendor.
Filmed April 2025
#LacDuDer #MotorhomeFrance #GrandEst #VanLifeFrance #FrenchAires #CampervanTravel #MotorhomeEurope #LakeAire #FrenchBakery #RetiredTravellers #Over50Travel #SlowTravel
We are Carol & Ken and we like touring in our Consort Nova motorhome called Snoopy. Join us for Episode 13 of our Grand Est adventure as we explore Lac du Der-Chantecoq and discover hidden gems in rural France!
In this episode, we pack up after a peaceful night, deal with the "doom loop" recording mishap every YouTuber dreads, and head out for more French adventures. We revisit De Gaulle's beautiful countryside location in Colombey-Les-Deux-Églises, tackle windscreen cleaning with our game-changing extending pole, and shop for delicious French food at Aldi.
After deciding to skip Troyes for a more relaxing day, we drive to the magnificent Lac du Der-Chantecoq – one of Europe's largest lakes and a paradise for birdwatchers. We're lucky to snag the last spot at this popular aire! We also rate our Aldi shepherd's pie (spoiler: not recommended), enjoy a stunning sunset, and the next morning discover a hidden bakery that serves the most incredible croissants and almond pastries we've ever tasted – a true cave of deliciousness!
Perfect for motorhome enthusiasts, France travel lovers, and anyone dreaming of campervan adventures in Europe. If you love scenic aires, lakeside spots, French pastries, and relaxed van life, this one's for you!
Check out @gonkandmoody youtube.com/@gonkandmoody?si=4GgERBGYF4HCG542
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:20 Packing up and moving on
0:34 DJI Mic fluffies discussion
1:36 Fly trap experiment results
3:09 The doom loop - YouTuber's nightmare
3:44 Back at De Gaulle's location
4:37 Windscreen cleaning with extending pole
6:25 Aldi shopping trip
7:45 Change of plan - heading to the lake
8:23 Carol takes the wheel
9:01 Dead animal report
10:50 Last space at the inn
11:48 Delicious French cheese
12:07 Tiny cake disappointment
12:47 About Lac du Der-Chantecoq
13:38 Sunset over the lake
13:51 Shepherd's pie review (not good!)
14:00 Morning departure and service point issues
15:11 Impressive covered market
16:56 Market visit in town
18:04 Discovering the hidden bakery
19:25 Cave of deliciousness revealed!
19:46 Outro and next episode teaser
🌍 ABOUT LAC DU DER-CHANTECOQ
One of Europe's largest artificial lakes, Lac du Der was created to protect Paris from flooding. It's now a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers, with up to 140,000 migrating cranes ("gray ladies") staging spectacular shows each autumn and spring. A must-visit for nature lovers!
📺 WATCH THE FULL PLAYLIST
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIvjgizahw7or3NWJ9P-bIS7voFYmTdmh&si=cPTOe81eJ4oAzf8b
🛒 VAN LIFE GEAR
Seen something we use in the van? Check our Amazon shop:
amazon.co.uk/shop/lifeistooshort
☕ SUPPORT US
Enjoy our content? Buy us a coffee and join Carol's mailing list for behind-the-scenes updates:
buymeacoffee.com/Lifeistooshort
🔔 SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT
Help us grow by liking, subscribing & sharing 👍
📘 Facebook: facebook.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/lifeistooshort_campervan
We are Amazon affiliate members so if you purchase anything through the link we will receive a small % from the vendor.
Filmed April 2025
#LacDuDer #MotorhomeFrance #GrandEst #VanLifeFrance #FrenchAires #CampervanTravel #MotorhomeEurope #LakeAire #FrenchBakery #RetiredTravellers #Over50Travel #SlowTravel
