We’re back home again after 67 days away - 24 hours later than intended after getting caught up in Storm Ciaran.

The storm hit Northern France hard and so we had to slightly change our plans. With Ciaran heading straight for us, we drove further than we intended on the penultimate day, to stay as close to the Channel Tunnel as possible for our last night. Then battered by strong winds and torrential rain, we crossed back into the U.K. and headed straight for a night at the Drum Inn pub in Ashford where we began our journey two months earlier, to let the storm pass.

Our last few days in France had been at a little village in Normandy - Les Andelys - on the banks of the River Seine and just 60 miles from Paris. The village was charming and a favourite stop for river cruise ships making their way through France. Having camped close to the shipping lane in Venice, we now found ourselves staying close to the shipping lane for river cruises in Les Andelys.

There were dozens of Americans spending their dollars here and the shops were geared up to catch these tourists. We prefer the natural and historic wonders, however, rather than those found on the High Street, so we headed for the ruin of the Chateau Gaillard that stands above the village. Building of the chateau began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart, who was simultaneously King of England and feudal Duke of Normandy.

The castle is listed as an historic monument and most of it is now in ruins but the inner Bailey is open to the public. You guessed it - we climbed up to the chateau and discovered it was the only day in the week when it was closed! We were able to explore the ruins, however, and enjoy the fabulous views across the river and surrounding countryside. It was well worth the climb.

Our drive through the Normandy towns and villages on our journey home- deliberately avoiding the sterile motorways - was so interesting with the trees showing off their stunning autumn colours. This has definitely been the most amazing trip.

We have driven almost 3,000 miles across Belgium and Luxembourg into Switzerland, Northern Italy and Southern and Northern France.

We have visited nine cities and numerous towns and villages and three spectacular lakes.

We have marvelled at eight Cathedrals, numerous parish churches, chateaux, ancient bridges and historic buildings.

We have visited bears, watched flamingoes in flight, seen herons go fishing and dodged a snake in the lake.

We have travelled miles on public transport - bus, train, ferry, boat and tram - and our bikes.

We have walked more than 450,000 steps.

We have eaten far too much gelato and too many cakes and drank too much wine and our fair share of cocktails.

But most importantly, we have visited Northern Italy which we have been wanting to do for years and spent time back in one of our favourite regions, the South of France.

We have met so many new people and helped a lovely French couple find their way to their friends’ house before being invited to spend the afternoon with them, even though they didn’t speak a word of English. Absolutely priceless.

And along the way, we have learnt some Italian and embarrassed ourselves enough in French that our grasp of the language must have improved - surely?