Entering 2026, after my wife passed away in December 2023, it was time, not to forget, but to re-dimension my life. It took far longer than I expected, but finally in early March 2026 I was ready again to drive down to South Spain.
In late 2025, with my wife, Monique, still looking over my shoulder, I moved into a very comfortable, but smaller, apartment. The challenge was to decide what to keep, and what to do with the “rest”. I manage to avoid the recycle centre for most of our old “stuff”.
I also changed our cars, and I suddenly realised that the last car I had bought alone was in 1981-82. I had a real problem in going for the practical choice that my wife would not have picked, and with a colour that she would not have liked.
The final problem with this trip was organising the packing, and trying to ensure that I did not forget something important that was now hidden away somewhere in my new apartment.
And I wanted to take a little more time to drive the 2,300 km, simply to get used to my new car (a Mercedes GLC SUV AMG 43).
Route planning
This route is more or less our classical route to South Spain. And whilst Monique may no longer be sleeping in the passenger seat, she is always watching over me.
I decided to take five days and stop four times. Firstly in a new stopover near Orange (France), then in three different Paradores which we had used in the past.
It’s amazing how things can change based upon seasons, and even the time of day. Last year I had followed my TomTom which took me through Lyon using both secondary roads and then through Perrache and the Fourvière Tunnel. I probably lost 30-40 minutes, as compared to using the toll-free Contournement Est de Lyon.
This year, in my new Mercedes, I decided to follow its on-board navigation. It also took me through the Fourvière Tunnel (late Monday morning). There was no traffic, I was never stopped, and I hardly noticed Lyon.
On the other hand my Bip&Go did not work, and I had to just pay the motorway tolls, as needed. But again I never had to wait.
The petrol tank in my new Mercedes is smaller than in previous car, but the fuel economy a little better (still always using 98-octane). I would stop approximately every two hours to stretch my legs, and fill up every fours hours.
Hôtel Restaurant Garenne, Livron-sur-Drôme
The hotel was the Garenne, a Hôtel Restaurant Domaine Viticole près de Valence. So it’s a large renovated family home in a small estate dedicated to viticulture (4 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and arboriculture (and once sericulture).
In my review I note that I enjoyed my visit. The environment was interesting (with the horses and vines), the welcome was really positive, the parking was safe, and the room and food was fine for an overnight stay. I would certain go back if my travel plans allow it.
Parador de Aiguablava
The area of Begur and Aiguablava on the Costa Brava, in Catalonia, is known for the stunning landscape, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery.
The rooms are very nice, the views are magnificent, the food is average, and the Spa rubbish.
In my review I noted that it’s location fits with my road trip plans going back and forth to southern Spain.
Àrea de Servei l'Hospitalet de l'Infant
I would like to put in a good word for the service area mentioned above. It’s on the Autopista Ap-7, Km 283, 43890 Tarragona.
Frankly I found it the best service area I’ve visited when driving back and forth to South Spain.
Parador de El Saler
The Parador de El Saler is located in a very specific and fragile geographical strip, the Dehesa del Saler, a narrow coastal barrier between the Mediterranean Sea and the inland lagoon of the Albufera Natural Park. It sits exactly on the boundary between dunes and a pine forest (seaward side), and wetlands and a lake (inland side), and the area is one of the most ecologically sensitive transition zones in Spain.
In my review I noted that it was nice to go back, and it brought back some good memories, but somehow it did not “click” with me this time. There are better hotels in the region.
Parador de Lorca
Lorca Castle, a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries also suffered serious damages to its walls and the Espolón Tower during this earthquake. My understanding is that a Parador was under construction within the walls of the castle, and after the earthquake the work was accelerated, and the hotel was opened in 2012.
Despite the fact that the castle is visible from everywhere in the region, it’s actually quite difficult to find the route to the top. You need to find the road RM-701 and take Calle Pilones then Calle Zonas Verdes. There is a barrier at the entry to the hotel, and you have to announce yourself to the reception. Then it’s through a tunnel to the hotel entrance. There is a secure parking behind the hotel.
In my review I noted that this Parador is a decent example, and for my road trips it’s in a very convenient location. In addition the food has improved significantly.
