Our first step was to get there. We spent two days going from the Southwest of Britain, crossing at Dover, and then heading down through France. Here, the Endeavour’s smaller size immediately proved its worth. While it offers less internal space than the Adamo, it feels like driving a car, making it more manoeuvrable on winding French roads. On the highways, we comfortably maintained the speed limit, a pleasant difference from the slower pace of a larger motorhome and reached our destination earlier than expected. For the night, we parked at a rest stop alongside some lorries, using the Endeavour B64’s self-sufficient setup to rest and set off early the next morning with the sunrise.

Camping offers the chance to live a luxury lifestyle on a budget, and nowhere is this truer than the French Riviera. Known for its chic atmosphere and high-end lifestyle, it’s a place where you’ll see Ferraris along the waterfront and superyachts just offshore. But by staying at a small, basic campsite near the sea, we could enjoy an amazing coastline without the premium price tag. We didn’t need the large, entertainment-filled campsites, common in France; instead, we had the beach and the warm, clear sea, which provided all the adventure our kids could want.

The campsite’s facilities may have been basic, but they were well-maintained, with clean shower areas and handy outdoor showers to rinse off after a dip in the sea. With temperatures in the high thirties, our routine became simple: spend a few hours at the beach, shower, refill water bottles, rest in the shade, and then head back out to the sea. While the Endeavour includes a shower and toilet, using the site facilities meant less time spent on tasks like emptying the toilet or refilling the water tank, a welcome break on a month-long journey.

The Endeavour’s compact design made it easy to pop into town every few days for fresh supplies. We stocked up on produce and seafood from the local harbour and added a second fridge in our Vango awning (available from Prima Leisure) to store everything comfortably. Our base was Le Camping Tour Fondue on the Giens Peninsula, a scenic marine park stretching into Italy. This area has countless beaches, diving centres, boat rentals, and ferries to nearby islands. But for us, the sea itself was the main attraction – warm, clear, and brimming with life. We spent about five to six hours daily in the water, snorkelling and exploring the seagrass beds filled with shoals of fish and the occasional octopus.

With the simple camping lifestyle – fresh food, sea swimming, and plenty of sunshine – we all felt completely relaxed. The days were hot and dry, perfect for an outdoor life where we cooked, ate, and played outside. My wardrobe for the month consisted of just three items: swimming trunks, a rash vest for extra sun protection, and a pair of shorts. Every few days, the shorts got a quick rinse and were ready to go again – camping simplicity at its best.

Because we packed light and have years of experience camping as a family, the Endeavour’s slightly smaller size was actually a perfect fit, proving to be both practical and enjoyable on this extended trip.

After a month in extremely hot weather on the Mediterranean and driving for three days there and back, we learned some useful logistical points to make a trip like this easier, especially with young children.

• The Essential Fridge
• Flexible Awnings
• External Mats
• Top Floor Air Conditioning
• Designated Parking
• Electric BBQ
• Pack for Travel

The compressor fridge in our new Bailey of Bristol Endeavour B64 campervan is incredible. Working against the copious sun, it kept all the food we brought from the UK fresh on our drive down. In the 38-degree heat at our site, we kept most of our food here, which meant we only needed to drive off-site once a week for resupply.

Initially, we used our Vango awning from Prima Leisure to extend the available living space. However, when the daytime temperature climbed, we swapped it for the wind-out awning that comes as standard with the Endeavour. This provided shade while allowing the breeze to flow through. Then we noticed that some French campers attached a special sheet to whichever side of the awning faced the sun, creating additional shade. We pegged up a duvet cover, which did the same job. It might not have been as glamorous as the French version, but we earned points for ‘Campsite Bushcraft’.

Due to the heat and lack of rain—both positives—the pitches could be quite dusty. We bought a large mat to cover the space beneath the wind-out awning, making the area more welcoming, providing a clean space to change, and keeping the campervan much cleaner.

We used the top bunk for the boys as it could be cooled more effectively. Although heat rises, the fabric sides of the upper bed in the Endeavour have flaps that can be unzipped to expose a mesh, allowing light and air in while keeping insects out. At night, once the sun had gone down, we opened the flaps to let the breeze flow through, helping them sleep better. It may mean they wake at sunrise, but eye masks can counteract this.

With the generous fridge and grocers a few minutes’ walk away, we only left the campsite occasionally. However, I placed tent pegs beside each of the Endeavour’s wheels where it contacted the ground. This ensured that when using the large, free-standing Prima Leisure awning, we could return to the exact same spot, with everything aligning perfectly, avoiding the need for awkward readjustments of the van or awning.

We usually take a gas Cadac BBQ from Prima Leisure, but this time we brought an electric one. Due to the hot, dry weather, the campsite did not allow gas BBQs. This had the added benefit of preserving our gas supply during this longer trip, relying instead on the continuous supply of electricity from the campsite. It’s also worth noting that gas is not easily replaced in Europe, as they use a different regulator (the mechanism at the end of the hose you attach to the gas bottle). If you plan to buy a gas bottle in France, you’ll need to bring a European regulator for your BBQ.

Finally, we packed for the journey, not just the destination. This wasn’t so much about what we packed as how we packed it. If you arrive at the campsite and the items you need first are at the bottom, it’s not ideal but manageable. However, during the journey, it’s much more frustrating. Pulling out all your possessions at a service station is difficult. So, we prioritised what we’d need for the journey and the off-grid overnights in service stations (Aires in France), packing those items on top. We also ensured a clear route between the seats and the toilet, keeping it accessible in case of emergencies.

Our month on the Mediterranean was a fantastic experience for all of us—a longer trip to a high-end location at a fraction of the price. It also taught us a great deal about how best to use our new Endeavour as a family, a couple, and for myself on future adventures.