While we had enjoyed our time in Spain, it was now time to get back to France and prepare for our trip back to Australia. And a pack of yelping dogs early this morning ensured that we didn't waste any time getting back to France. Gunshots in the background confirmed that it was also hunting time in this region. So after emptying our toilet cassette in a makeshift pit at the campground, we left around 1130h for our trip north.

Our intention was to cross the border south of Perpignan, and continue on till just north of Beziers to a campground in a vineyard (Domain de Veyrac) near the town on Florensac.

It was a straightforward trip, mostly on the highway, and we were relieved when we got to the border to see that the manual toll booths there had been abandoned, possibly because they always caused massive queues during the holiday season.

I was somewhat amazed when we crossed the border when I heard me saying to myself "Ah, we're home!".

Within another hour we had arrived at Domain de Veyrac, which is marked by large gates and a massive Cypress tree.

In mid-afternoon, we headed out for a walk in the surrounding vineyards. The vines looked in good condition, and the soil looked much richer and darker that the pale, chalky soil often seen in French vineyards. After a couple of hours walking, we returned to the campground. Around sunset, the proprietors came around to collect camping fees, and also to offer us a small bottle of chilled Rosé from their vineyeards - which we gratefully accepted and consumed with our dinner. It was a nice way to be welcomed back to France!