NEARLY THE END OF THE TRIP

Weds 25th

We had a lazy day at Pontorson....went for a walk round the town and visited the market and bought a scarf and a baguette. Otherwise we sat in the sun and relaxed.

Thurs 26^th

It was very foggy first thing again but had cleared by the time we left. We drove a very pretty coastal route of 40 miles to the harbour town of Granville.  Apparently we could get a boat to Jersey or Guernsey from here, but only as foot passengers.  We had terrible trouble finding the aire as so many roads were one-way, narrow and cobbled and Emily did not like that.  We had lots of “re-calculating” episodes.  The aire was not very flat and was alongside an old city wall right up at the top of town at the point.  After lunch we had a look around the point and some gun emplacements, then down in to the town along the quayside.  It was very warm and muggy, and we didn’t feel like doing much so wandered back up the hill again to the van and a salad dinner.

Fri 27^th

A slightly longer journey today, 50 miles, still all along the coast road up the western side of the Cotentin Peninsula. Lots of the way reminded us very much of Romney Marsh or Camber Sands. We had a stop in the dunes for a wander around to see the rocks that were supposed to be just off the shore, but couldn’t see them for looking. Perhaps the sea has risen to cover them since the map was printed! We found a nice campsite just outside Barneville-Carteret at a little place called St. Jean-de-la-Riviere and intended to stay for 3 nights but unfortunately they close on Sunday, so we could only do 2. However it was a very nice all-singing, all-dancing site with very modernistic showers and toilets, all black marble looking with a swipe card to get in, and we made good use of all the facilities possible. In the afternoon we went exploring the area and found another site that was still open, so may try that one on Sunday. It is mainly walks along the front with no shops or arcades such as we would find in England but very nice all the same.

Sat 28^th

We had thunder and rain overnight, but it seemed a bit clearer after breakfast so we walked a couple of miles along the beach. Then it all started again. Luckily we had put our coats on, but we got soaked going back and the undies I had left out to dry were wetter than when I had put them there. We spent all afternoon drying off and then treated ourselves to a last galette in the restaurant. These are slightly heavier pancakes than we are used to, made with buckwheat flour, with any sort of filling you like such as ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, eggs, etc. Very tasty washed down with local ‘cidre’.

Sun 29^th

We moved one mile down the road to the other campsite we had found, then spent most of the day cleaning the van and then ourselves.  A month’s worth of dirt on the van takes some shifting. We are sort of in wind-down mode now as it is almost the end of the trip.

Tomorrow we are headed just about 30 miles up to the Cap de la Hague and will stop on the aire at Audervile all being well. That is the northernmost point of the peninsula. Then is only 25 miles to the ferry at Cherbourg on Tuesday. We should have time to call at Leclerc and pick up some more wine to bring home as well as a few other bits we need, on the way as check-in is not until 5.00pm.

We will have driven approx. 1000 miles since arriving in France and I will work out a breakdown of costs once we get back home sometime next week  We have arranged to meet up with Sandra & Perri on Thursday evening and will make our way home from Dorset probably at the weekend.

BRITTANY - the third week

Mon 16^th

We didn’t get going very early as we were kept chatting by our neigbours who hailed from Wales, so first drove as far as Locronan.  It was a pretty little town with lots of souvenir shops and creperies and biscuiteries. Everywhere had hanging baskets and pots outside – I guess they were competing for the flower competition. Once more the rain started coming down, but luckily we found a marvellous glass-making studio and stood watching plates and vases being made, for ages. Leaving about 3.00pm we headed for the aire at Audierne which was right by the river in a huge car park with lots of buses and more motorhome.  Our little section went German-English-French-English-Dutch-English, quite a multi-cultural gathering. We had a mosey around the port and looked in some very expensive shops, mostly shut as it was Monday! We found a 3* Hotel with 5* menu outside, so went back to the van for our own plate of salad.  It was a bit showery by then so stayed in for the rest of the evening.  31 miles today

 

Tues 17^th

The less said the better. It rained all  night, it rained all day and was chilly as well. So we stayed where we were as it was free and played cards, read books, did crosswords etc. and got thoroughly bored.

Weds 18^th

53 miles today – we are getting adventurous!  It was still a damp morning but not as bad as yesterday and we thought we would go to the Pointe du Raz (which is equivalent to Land’s End in France) in other words the most westerly point.  We arrived at a visitor centre and car park and shock, horror had to pay 6 euros for the privilege of parking! The first time we had come across that.  It was then a 20 minute walk along a stony cliff-top path right to the point. It was ruggedly beautiful and also blowing a gale but well worth the trek. We found a slightly easier route back to the centre and read all the information boards there about the area. Again there were the inevitable souvenir stalls.

From there we drove to Pont-L’Abbe to find the LeClerc supermarket, which sold LPG and had an aire, but we did not really like the look of the 5 spaces at the back end of the car park with everyone coming and going so after going in for a bit of foodie shopping we headed off to the lighthouse at Eckmuhl. This was right down on the ground at sea level so of course was pretty tall – the tallest in Europe supposedly. There was a lovely parking area alongside with lots of motorhomes already parked up so we joined them thinking it would be a good place for the night.  Then we found “no motorhomes between 19.00hrs and 07.00hrs” signs all over the place.  What a swizz! After a look around, in the sun!!!! we went a bit further back around the coast and found an aire almost on the beach in amongst the sand dunes at Kerity.  There was already one German van there, otherwise it was deserted. We had the most beautiful sunset and strolled along the beach after dinner hand-in-hand like they do in the films. All for 4 euros.

Thurs 19^th

We woke to a lovely morning at last and drove 41miles to Pont-Aven finding the aire eventually more by luck than judgement.  Silly Emily wanted us to go up a blocked off one-way street the wrong way! We were there by 11.00am so headed off down the hill in to the town and what happened next do you suppose? Yes, it started to rain again.  Pont-Aven is renowned for its’ artists quarter so there are loads of galleries to look round, as well as plenty of shops to duck in to until they close for lunch 12.30 – 2.00. We treated ourselves to a late lunch in a creperie in a water-mill and very nice it was too. Then we had to haul our dripping wet selves back up the hill to the van. We bumped in to a couple of Irish people from Yorkshire so had a wet chat with them, then went inside the van for the rest of the day and dried off.  By about 7.00pm the aire was full, we counted at least 30 vans, but most of them were French.  Obviously a popular spot.

Fri 20^th

Today we started heading back towards Cherbourg and drove all of 81 miles, but mainly on dual carriage-way roads, whereas up till now we have been on minor rural roads through the villages which is much more interesting. We had planned on a couple of nights at a campsite – Merlin the Enchanted at Loyat and arrived at 12.00 just as the lady was going off to lunch.  She turned out to be English and told us to pitch ourselves up and she would see us later.  So we got settled and then sat out in the sun to have some lunch.  Later we went for a stroll around the village and picked out the houses we would like to buy! Back for a cuppa, then showers, then dinner outside as it was so pleasant.  Let’s hope we get a few more days like this.

Sat 21^st

What a beautiful day! We did a bit of washing and hung it out, then set off for a walk around the Lac au Duc. It is actually 9.3 miles all the way round, but we only managed 6, 3 there and 3 back. It was hot, sunny, we were in and out of woods and along boardwalks at the edge of the lake.  We saw herons, coots, loads of butterflies and also otters. We only met a few other walkers and cyclists along the way, most of the time it was just us with the peace and quiet. We got back around 3.00pm exhausted so just chilled out for the rest of the day reading and sorting out where to go next.

 

Sun 22^nd

Very misty first thing, but soon brightened up. We could only manage an amble up in to the village today to take some photos, then back to sit in the sun for the rest of the day. We have now been joined by an Irish couple from London, as well as a couple from Guernsey. A few long-term residents have been to speak to us.  Apparently some live here all the year round in the mobile homes, whereas some only rent them for part of the year. It is very pleasant, rural and quiet, but I am not sure what we would do with ourselves if we were here all the time.

Mon 23rd

A bit misty again to start, but it was lifting when we left around 10.00am.  We drove 47 miles to Lanvally, just across the river from Dinan. We had discovered the aire in Dinan itself below the viaduct, was very expensive, but had been told that this one in Lanvallay was within walking distance and free. There were only 5 slots, but as we were the first to arrive, it did not matter.  We had stopped briefly for some foodie bits on the way, so had an early lunch and then put our walking feet on.  It was very hot by now but luckily downhill all the way to the viaduct and across in to the town of Dinan.  It was very, very high and with an excelent view, but Brian was not at all comfortable with it.  Just as well we had not had to drive over it! We spent a few hours meandering around the medeval city, up and down tiny cobbled streets, along with tourists of all nationalities.  Eventually, we needed a rest so found an ice-cream shop to sit outside of and watch the world go by for a while. Then we headed off down towards the port area....it was very,very steep and cobbled and we had to hang on to each other tightly.  At the bottom we managed to find a seat by the river for a while to ease our trembling legs.  Then we had to start the climb back up the other side.   Luckily this was up a proper road with a pavement, but even so we had to stop every 10 minutes to get our breaths back.  We are definitely not very fit! We finally got back to the van about 5.00pm and collapsed having walked about 6 miles up & down hills.
We just had salad for tea as neither of us felt capable of cooking a meal. Later we had company, a French and a Belgian van joined us on the aire.

Tues 24th

Another beautiful hot sunny day.  We only drove 30 miles to Pontorson to a campsite to use our last 2 Camping Cheques, all the other sites on our route now are closed for the winter. We arrived by lunchtime, so ae out on the terrace and then stayed there for the rest of the afternoon reading and dozing.
We are going to have a rest day tomorrow and then head back up the Cotentin Peninsula in easy stages in order to be back at Cherbourg by next Tuesday to catch the ferry.

We have just added some more photos in to the web album.....
https://picasaweb.google.com/116964844779024088703/MoreFranceAutumnTripPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCLT849iSkYS18QE&noredirect=1

 

HEADLANDS & MIST - the next few days

Weds 11^th

Well, the wi-fi last night seems to have worked and I have managed at last to get our photos uploaded and blog updated.

We got up earlier and met the baker at 8.30am for croissants, still warm and delicious.  We drove about 20 miles to Guillimiau where apparently the best examples of a Parish enclosure is to be found. It was not quite what we expected but very beautiful all the same.  The Calvary outside the church had the most exquisite carvings on and had we been there sometime during July or August we would have seen it all lit up. They also hold what the Bretons call ‘pardons’ which are candlelit processions up to the Calvary and well worth seeing.  We spent a good couple of hours looking around there as well as the village itself. We found a couple of very nice arty crafty places where there were some lovely displays of slate carvings, pictures, jewellery made from plastic and wirework ornaments. From there we headed off to Le Folgoet, stopping for picnic and petrol en route.  We have now run out of LPG for the van and have yet to find a garage selling it. It seems less popular out here in the rural areas. The aire at Le Folgoet was right on the edge of the town next to a sports complex overlooking a green area, so quite nice.  We wandered back in to the town for a look around, only finding a Commonwealth Graves cemetery and a Basilica which looked as if it was about to fall over. We passed a patisserie and these 2 beautiful fruit tarts and éclairs just jumped out of the shop in to our hands for dessert!! We had 8 other motorhomes join us tonight and had driven 46 miles all together.

Thurs 12^th

What a grey and murky morning to wake up to, even if it was not cold. We tidied up and filled up with water and then called in to a LeClerc on the way out of town to get veggies and salad etc. We did a meander around the countryside and what is termed ‘The Abers’, 2 or 3 rivers with quite large estuaries come together.  We went as far as we could go before falling in to the sea at Lillia, so parked up and went for a walk along the bay and round the port so that we could see the lighthouse on the rock just off shore. It was still grey and mizzly so we had lunch in the van and then went on to find an aire at Lampaul-Plouarzel, which sounded very nice in the book, overlooking the sea amongst the dunes and free! It became mistier and mistier as we went along and when we finally found our destination it was so uneven and very sandy and we could not see more than a few yards.  As we both did not feel comfortable staying there we drove another 10 miles or so to Trezien where there was another aire, a bit flatter this time, with little hedges and electricity, even though we still could not see a thing.  It turned out to be a campsite that was now closed for the winter.  Still it was somewhere for the night. We’ll see what it is like tomorrow.

Fri 13^th

It was not quite so misty when we got up, so we went for a walk on the beach and drew pretty pictures in the wet sand. On the way back to the van we came across huge numbers of snails as well as furry caterpillars, so we stopped to say ”Bonjour” and take a picture of them on my phone. I will try to upload them on another occasion.

We left about 11.00am and headed for St. Renan first as there was a Super U selling LPG listed in the book, and indeed it was correct for a change. So now we are full of water, petrol and LPG again for a while. On to Le Faou where there was supposed to be an Abbey with a unique herb garden, only there wasn’t! Even the lady at the Tourist Office didn’t know what we were talking about.  So much for the Internet research beforehand. We left there after lunch and it got steadily wetter and mistier on our way to Camaret-sur-Mer which is right out on a headland.  We thought that not to be a very sensible idea as we really couldn’t see where we were going so diverted to Morgat which turned out to be a pretty little seaside town with a harbour and a huge beach. A very nice flat, tarmac aire holding 40 vans was signposted so we followed the signs.  We had to pay 4.75 euros with our credit card at the barrier to get in, but at least we were settled for the night.  There was another English motorhome alongside us, with a motor-bike trailer on the back so we ended up chatting to them for quite a while. After dinner we went for a stroll along the prom to admire all the yachts, and treated ourselves to a bar of chocolate on the way back.

61 miles today.

Sat 14^th

It rained hard overnight and was mizzling again in the morning, so we did not rush to get ready.  First we walked along to the supermarket for veggies etc., then to a Breton ceramic souvenir shop and bought a clock for our kitchen, which we both saw last night and really liked.  Now we just have to get it home all in one piece!  As we could a least see the road today, we drove to the point we should have got to yesterday. On the way we passed an Atlantic Memorial with gun emplacements etc. so stopped to take a look around. Then on to the Pointe Penhir, very rugged, very wet, very windy and a bit chilly, but also very beautiful.  Back along the coast road a bit we found the aire we had been meaning to go to, and as the sun was now out we stopped there for our lunch and a stroll around the standing stones and ruined manor house that was there.  Then off down a much more rounded gentler countryside to Chateaulin to find a campsite for a couple nights.  Showers and washing are calling once more…and this site has free wi-fi which should enable us to do some catching up on the blog and photos. 

Sun 15th

As today is Sunday we thought we would have rest day, so we got up late, did some washing then went for a stroll along the towpath of the canal in to the town of Chateaulin.  It took us about 20 minutes, then we spent an hour or so having a look at the town and canal with it's lock. Nothing really was open, so we wandered back again. Sat and had lunch, then a doze, then took the washing in when it started to rain and used the tumble dryer instead. We had a roast dinner, coutesy of the Remoska and have enough meat left for a couple more days.  Now it is pouring with rain, so we have hunkered down for the evening to read or play games on the computer. Just like home really except no TV or even Radio 'cos now it is all in French and we can't keep up with it.

We have added some more photos to the web album as well.  

OUR AUTUMN TRIP AROUND BRITTANY - the first 10 days

Sunday 1^st September

We left home around 3.30pm to drive the 156 miles to Poole.  We had arranged to stop overnight at a pub, The Botany Bay Inne, that was only about 20 minutes from Poole. It was a beautiful sunny day and not too much traffic so we made good progress, stopping a couple of times for toilets/LPG etc.  The car park was quite secluded and we found a little corner all to ourselves away from the road, then went in to the pub for a drink and a packet of crisps. We settled down about 10.00pm having already made the bed up before we left home.

Monday 2^nd September

Both of us were awake by 5.00am even though we had set alarms for 5.45. It is very difficult to sleep properly when you know you have to be up early for a ferry.  After a lick and a promise we headed down to the port and joined some other motorhomes who had obviously been there all night. Check-in started at 6.30am and we were one of the first to join the queue, then we sat and waited until nearly 8.00am to be shown on to the boat…we need not have rushed about at all!  The crossing was flat calm in bright sunshine all the way and we had comfy reclining seats, so dozed on and off.  We ate our sandwiches before we docked at 13.45 (French time) and were on the road out of Cherbourg by 14.00.  We drove about 1 hour down the Cotentin peninsula to a camping cheque campsite Kawan Le Cormoran at a small town on the coast called Ravenoville-Plage. We were shown to a very nice pitch between hedges and got ourselves sorted. Then we sat in the sun and relaxed. After a brief foray in to the shop, armed with a bottle of wine and a French stick + a bar of chocolate, we continued to sit outside with our dinner of chicken salad.  All very civilized we think.

Tuesday 3^rd September

We did not wake up until 8.15am, it would seem that the traveling and sun/wine had a beneficial effect.  After breakfast and a few housekeeping chores we set off for a walk along the sea wall, which runs in both directions directly opposite the camp site entrance.  This is the start of the Utah Beach, part of the Normandy landings for the Americans.  We could see why it was used, so flat and open and the sea goes out a very long way. There was loads of seaweed, which apparently the French collect, not sure what for, and lots of little birds having a good feed along the water’s edge. A very heavy sea mist started to roll in after we had walked for an hour or so, so we turned around and started back, inspecting all the houses along the way and deciding which one we would like.  The road was very quiet but with quite a number of motorhomes passing us as well as trotting horse and traps.  Back at the site we had a recce around, discovering a swimming pool, boules pitch, tennis court, playground, static mobile homes, bikes for hire, cars to rent, pizzeria (closed) and caravans/tents/motorhomes belonging to English, Danish, Dutch, German, Belgians as well as French. It would appear to be a popular place and we would imagine it heaving during the height of the season.  In afternoon we just sat out in the sun until showers and dinner time, then the mist came in again so we went inside to plan where we are going to drive to tomorrow.

Wednesday 4^th

Another sunny start to the day, thank goodness, so we meandered through the countryside in to Sainte-Mere-Eglise only a few miles down the road, to find the Airborne Museum.  This is the American memorial to the Normandy Landings, especially Utah and Omaha beaches.  We found it with difficulty as silly Emily ( as we now know she is called!) sent us down a road that was blocked off for roadworks just around the corner from the museum.  Luckily there was a piece of rough ground for parking on, so we pulled up there and walked the rest of the way. First off we went inside the church which was very pretty both in and out. Naturally there were quite a lot of Americans around as all the tour buses stop there. Then we crossed the square to investigate the very modern looking museum. There was a complete Waco glider as well as lots of memorabilia donated by French families, uniforms and medical kits, maps and eating utensils. This was Brian’s choice day, bit I did find it quite interesting reading all the anecdotes left by many of the soldiers. After some lunch back at the van we set off for Villedieu-Les-Poeles, which literally means God’sTown of frying pans! We arrived at the Aire, right by the river and a play park, by about 4.00pm, so had a cuppa and then went for a wander to see what we could find. We picked up a map & booklet in the Tourist Info in order to ‘plan’ our day on Thursday.

Thursday 5^th

Not a very good night…the church clock opposite the car park struck every quarter hour as well as chiming the hour! But the hands went round so fast they completed a day within 2 hours. It was somewhat disturbing to see.  We had another English van alongside us, as well as a Belgian, German and a couple of French.

We were sauntering up through the town by 10.00am, so went first to the copperworks which the town is renowned for. Copper was first brought to the town and worked by the Maltese Knights, but when they eventually left they had educated the local people who carry on the tradition of hand-working copper utensils today.  We had a guided tour which lasted about 45 minutes given by a lady from Bedfordshire (so we were able to understand every word) which was fascinating. One of the men had been working there for 46 years and retired, but had come back to help out because they were busy. The pots and pans etc. on display were magnificent, you can see why all the best kitchens use them for cooking, but I liked the slipper bath best.   

From there we explored some little back streets until we found the bell foundry, which is only one of two left in France.  They make bells for all over the world including repairing the ones in Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral. The tour there was given to us by a little man who reminded me of a Hobbit so I got a fit of the giggles every time he spoke.

By now it was lunchtime, so we went back to the van, had a bite to eat and then set off for Avranches, only 16 miles further on.  We had heard that it was a pretty little town with a lovely view from the Aire there….this was true, but the Aire was full, so we consulted the map and continued on to Mont-Saint-Michel via the coast road. It was all very reminiscent of driving across Romney marsh to Camber Sands. We found a rather nice campsite at Beauvoir, only 4 km from the Mont itself so treated ourselves to a pitch with electricity and looked forward to a nice shower. Dinner and an early bed was the order of the day then as we were quite exhausted. We had driven a total of 30 miles!

Friday 5^th

At least it was it was a quieter night, although it rained on and off. We had ordered pain au chocolates for breakfast so had to get up to meet the baker at 8.30. I did a bit of washing and hung it up under the awning whilst Brian made the sandwiches so we were ready to don our walking feet again and yomp the canal path over to Mont-St-Michel itself.  Half way along it started raining again so we got rather wet. We found the ‘navettes’ which are shuttle buses that run from the visitor center cum car park over to the island so decided to get on one for the rest of the way. We had not realised that there was small village at the base of the rock as well as the Abbey on the top so followed the crowds getting off the bus anyway.  There were tiny cobbled streets full of souvenir shops and restaurants which was rather depressing, so we headed up a flight of steps which took us on to the next level of ramparts.  This carried on around the island, every so often going up some more steps, past a few more shops and houses with beautiful courtyards. More steps and we came to the base of the Abbey, more steps up to the ticket office, then more steps up in to the main part of the Abbey.  By now we were both wheezing like a pair of bellows and our knees were complaining at every step. We took our time looking around the Abbey which was originally built in 400AD and eventually arrived back out in the small gardens by about 1.30pm. Luckily by now the sun had come out and we found a seat, so collapsed for a while to recover and eat our sarnies. Then we had to start the trek back down, a different way but still just as steep and just as many steps and they were all uneven cobbledy things so we must have looked like a pair of invalids picking our way carefully down. Back at the base our wobbly legs took us in search of an important place – Les Toilettes! as we were both pretty desperate by now. France seems to be sadly lacking in facilities and the ones we do find leave a lot to be desired. Anyway, 50c got us watered and hand-washed so we were happy bunnies once more. We made our way to a navette to take us back to the car park and then had a sit in the sun for a while before making the 30 minute canal-side walk back to the campsite. What a day, not forgotten in a hurry. We collapsed in a heap in the van after making a cuppa, for about 2 hours, then had showers. Around 7.00pm we managed to totter a few hundred yards to a creperie for dinner, where we had a nice dinner with dessert and cidre all for 35euros for the 2 of us. Now it is chill-out time and catch up on the typing until it is time for bed.

Saturday 7^th

We left around 10.00 am in sunshine again headed off for Cap Frehel and the Emerald Coast, stopping at Super U on the way for a couple of wine boxes and some Tuc crackers (they have completely different flavours in France which are really nice) We could not stop near the lighthouse as there was nowhere to park, but found an aire a bit further round the peninsula so parked up for an hour or so for a wander and some lunch. The view was spectacular and the sea so blue.  It was a long way down to the beach and we did not feel up to doing steps again so soon, so only looked from afar. Further round the coast at Erquy we found an aire right on the sea front so pulled in there for overnight (6 euros) There was space for 40 motorhomes and the beach was enormous.  We sat and watched people sand-yachting and kite-surfing for ages. By 6pm all the spaces were taken on the aire. We had driven 72 miles all told.

Sunday 8^th

An easy 58 miles only today, further round the coast via Paimpol to a small town called Treguier which is right on the river. The aire here was free and we were first to arrive so had pick of the space overlooking the river.  After a bite of lunch we went for a walk up a steep hill in to the town and moseyed around the cathedral, old buildings and cobbled streets until it started to rain, so we headed back. The tide was very far out with lots of mud showing, and by now it was wet and windy, so we stayed inside for the rest of the evening watching all the other vans arrive.

Monday 9^th

A bit of a ‘no-can-do’ day today!. It was still grey and mizzly when we got up, but walked up the steep hill again to the shops for bread and milk…found it was closed on a Monday!  So we drove out of town to find another Super U again for a few bits.  Then we retraced our route back a few kilometres to Tredarzec to go to some Gardens…. but they only open on Monday and Saturday afternoons! There was nothing else around there to make it worth waiting until the afternoon for, so we gave that up and settled for the scenic road around the Granite Rose coast to Perros-Guirrec and Penmar’ch, again looking for somewhere to stop and walk the coastal footpath for a while, but no such luck. It would appear that this area is not so motorhome-friendly. The views however again were spectacular  All the road signs are in 2 languages here, French and Breton which is very Gaelic looking and sounding, so it is rather like driving in Wales. We found a campsite at Lannion which took Camping Cheques so booked in for a night and have now done some washing, had showers and cooked 3 dinners with their electricity, so we are all set up again for a few more Aire night-stops. 39 miles today.

Tuesday 10^th

A bright sunny morning again, luckily.  We left about 10.30 and drove further on round the coast through Lannion and Morlaix to find the Cairn de Barnenez near to Plouzoc’h which we had read about in one of the guide books.  It is a megalithic monument built in 4500BC containing tombs and has fairly recently been unearthed when a company bought the land for quarrying. We arrived up a steep narrow incline at 12.10, only to find they close for lunch until 2.00pm. Once more we had got it wrong! Anyway as it was such a lovely day we put walking shoes on and had a stroll along the coastal path for some way watching the yachts on the brilliant blue sea thinking ‘this is what travelling around France is all about’.  Then back at the van for some lunch ready to go and have a look when they opened up again.  It really was quite fascinating, what we would probably call a ‘tumuli’ before it was uncovered. A great big grassy mound with the tombs made of dry stone walls underneath.  Unfortunately it was not safe to go inside to have a look.  On leaving the area we came across a lovely little campsite right by the bay and pulled in the find out the price and decided we would stop here for the night.  It was nice enough to put our chairs outside and sit in the sun with a drink and our Kindles for an hour or so. Another plus is that they have wi-fi here for 1euro, so I have bought a password and will go and sit outside reception after dinner and try to get all this news on to our blog.  We shall see what happens. 

Well, here I am, hopefully all OK....will try to catch up again soon. 

Photos so far 

SUMMERTIME & FESTIVALS

July 14th.....saw us headed to Tom Cat Farm in Essex on one of the hottest days of the year.  Luckily it only took us a couple of hours so we were able to soon relax in the shade.  We spent 3 very quiet days there soaking up the sun and recharging our batteries before going to the Norfolk Country Music Festival.

We arrived at the Norfolk Showground in time for dinner and meet up with the many friends we see there every year. Thursday, the music started in earnest and we listened and danced to about a dozen bands over the next 4 days.  It was swelteringly hot, but at least it did not rain for once. 

On the Monday we left and drove about 150 miles to Bladon in Oxfordshire, just next door to Blenheim Palace to spend 3 quieter days there together with Lorna & Mike.  As it was a Camping and Caravanning Club site we had all the usual good facilities, so caught up on some washing as well as showers etc. One evening we walked in to Bladon to the pub for a very nice meal, saving on the cooking.

Thursday 25th...we only had about 40 miles to go to Burghclere for the next dance festival, so Brian and I did the shopping run via Sainsbury's on the way.  We met up with Dave & Margaret as well for the weekend, so the 6 of us had a really good time.  First evening was an American Supper outside on the field, needless to say there was more than enough food for everyone and we sat out chatting until it got colder and darker.  We meandered home on the Monday tired out as the late nights, early mornings and copious amounts of wine take their toll these days!  We are not getting any younger!

Weds 7th August...we decided to go to a Motocaravan Section Rally at Quex Park in Birchington for a few days.  Lorna & Mike came as well to see what it was all about....no facilities and pitch up in a field.  The weather was lovely and not quite so hot, so we were able to have a look around the House and Garden in comfort.  The ice cream man visited every day in his 'van so we indulged ourselves from time to time.  We met up with a few friendly folk and chatted, but in the main most people just did their own thing.  It was a calm quiet few days after the hectic times at the festivals.


Since we came home we have decided to go back to France, Brittany this time, so are off on 1st September for a month.  We will try to keep up with our travels there on our TravelPod Blog http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog/thetravelmoores/1/tpod.html

SEASIDE & FERRY

Sunday 23^rd

It was still very windy, cold and drizzly when we got up, so Plan A became Plan B.  We had intended driving about 60 miles to an Aire at Le Treport which said it was on a hilltop alongside the funicular railway down in to the town, but thought that probably was not a good spot to spend the night in such weather.  It was only lunchtime when we got there so we pulled in to a supermarket car park to eat our cheese and crackers and then pressed on another 34 miles to a campsite, Camping Ferme Les Aulnes, at a small place called Fresne in the middle of nowhere in the Picardy countryside, which we found in the Camping Cheques book.  At least we would have electricity and showers there. It was quite a nice site, with lots of mobile homes and a few touring pitches, but boasted a swimming pool and a restaurant as well as speaking excellent English.  We think we may try the restaurant tomorrow.

Monday 24^th

At last the sun is shining again, even though the wind is still strong and it is not terribly warm.  After a croissant breakfast we set off for a walk to see what we could find.  There did not seem to be any footpaths across fields or through woods, so we ended up walking along the road for an hour to nowhere and back again. We did manage to sit outside when we got back and eat our lunch but then it clouded over and we had to go in.  Brian even washed some of the muck off the van so I expect it will rain again now. We have booked a meal for 7.00pm so now we just need to shower and tidy ourselves up.  Apparently there is even a live piano player in the bar/restaurant, should be interesting.

Tuesday 25^th

Last night’s meal was OK, but quite expensive, 39 euros for 2 mains + 2 desserts.  We had been given a token for a free drink on arrival, but it was only for a ‘small’ glass of wine.

Today has been a beautiful warm sunny day, no doubt the weather will get better now that we are soon going home.  We tidied up the van a bit, had a little walk around the static caravan side of the park and then chatted to a couple from Reigate who had been doing a similar trip to us.  They had worked out a very good system of making a fly net screen to go over their sliding door, so we were looking at how to do it for ours.  Flies have been one of the biggest nuisances when we have the door open.  We have just eaten the last item from our freeze box, so it will be either salad or eggs + bacon tomorrow.  We are heading for an Aire at Boulogne for the last couple of nights so that we can visit the Nausicaa Aquarium and do some wine shopping at a hypermarket before crossing the water on Friday.

Wednesday 26^th

Another fine sunny morning for our packing up, our neighbours even went for a dip in the pool before they left! We only had 36 miles to go to Boulogne so did not leave until about 11.00am and went first to a Carrefour supermarket that was on the way, to get some more wine to take home as well as a few essentials for the last couple of days. We found the Aire at Boulogne fairly easily as Nausicaa was well signed all through the town and even the lunch time traffic was not as bad as we had expected. The situation on the hill top overlooking the harbour is actually quite nice, although very sloping, every spot we tried to park on needed ramps in two directions to get us anywhere near level. During the afternoon more vans arrived, mainly Belgian or French and it was quite amusing watching their antics trying to get a level spot with a view. We went for a wander along the cliffs and watched someone trying to get his hang-glider off the ground without much success Then it was just chill-out until wine-oclock.

Thursday 27^th

Our last whole day in France! Oh, how sad, as we have enjoyed the journey immensely.  We walked down in to the town about 10.00am to join the queue to get in to Nausicaa. It is billed as the largest aquarium in Europe and was opened by Jacques Cousteau about 20 years ago. It certainly was interesting and very well set out, although we found the first part to be rather dark and a bit oppressive.  Unfortunately, as well, it appeared to be every French school’s trip day and we were surrounded by noisy little people.  Eventually they moved on and it was much more pleasant.  We spent almost 3 hours there wandering around looking at the sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish in the most spectacular surroundings.

It was after 3.00pm when we came out, so decided to treat ourselves to one last meal and headed off to the restaurant opposite. Cider, salmon and ice creams were on the menu so we were both happy bunnies. Then of course we just had to go and sit on the beach in the sun for a while before wending our weary way back up the hill to the van, a cuppa and a sit down.

Friday 28^th

We were ready to leave by 10.00am to drive 42 miles back to Dunkerque and the ferry, so thought we would take a chance on an earlier one than the 2.00pm one we had booked. We got to the port by 11.15 and drove straight to the check-in and were directed to the 12.00 sailing, no problem.  By the time we got back to Dover (1.00pm local time) it was raining, what a surprise!  We stopped off at Tesco just outside of Dover and stocked up on fresh fruit and veg for the weekend, arriving home by 3.30pm.

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We have driven a total of 1101 miles; stayed at 2 France Passion sites; 5 Aires; 2 Municipal campsites; 3 Camping Cheque sites, spending 350 euros on site fees for 30 nights. Entrance fees to chateaux and attractions came to 133 euros and we spent about 270 euros on fuel.

PEGASUS BRIDGE & the missing coast road

Wednesday 19^th

It was quite nice when we left at 10.30, for Breville-les-Monts, about 84 miles to an Aire we had picked out of the book as being near to the Pegasus Bridge Memorial that Brian wanted to look at.  After about an hour the heavens opened and it came down in torrents again, driving was not pleasant.  We reached the aire just after lunch and went for a walk around the village and the modern church, then about a mile in the other direction and didn’t find much at all. The sun came out by dinner-time and we were joined by another motorhome from Jersey, then a Frenchman, then another English one from Barnehurst would you believe?

Thursday 20^th

Woke up to sunshine at last, had breakfast and opened my birthday cards. After a chat to the other people we meandered about 5 miles down the road to the Pegasus Bridge Memorial at Benouville. Luckily we found a nice big car park with trees to shade us. We spent a couple of hours in the Musueum itself and out in the grounds where there is still part of the Bridge, from over the Orne River and Caen Canal, that was demolished. For anyone interested in WW2 and the gliders that landed in France with troops and vehicles on board, this is the place to go.  

We went for a walk around the village itself but there was not a lot there to see other than the Café Grondee which is still run by Arlette, one of the daughters of the couple who were working against the Germans at the time.  We popped in for a birthday lunch of omelette, salad and French stick which was very nice. Washed down by coke as we were driving! 

We then took a scenic silly sat nav drive for 44 miles to find a French Passion site at a cider farm at St. Andre d’Herbetot, the last few miles were up a very narrow winding road with fingers crossed that we did not meet anyone coming the other way.  However, it was worth it, they had hard-standing space for 5 motorhomes which we had all to ourselves. They sold very palatable cider at 2.55 euros for a 75cl bottle, so we had 2…one to drink with our cakes that we had bought at the boulangerie earlier, and one to bring home. The farm buildings were beautiful, timbered and very old, the dog was friendly, the birds chirrupy and the peacefulness out of this world.  We sat outside reading until 9.30pm with not a soul around.

Friday 21^st

Today turned out to be 57 grey drizzly miles , getting lost every 10 minutes…silly sat nav does not agree with the roads in the map book and we kept missing turnings.  We were headed for the coast road, but never found it.  We aimed instead for Etretat which looked interesting only to find the road half blocked with road works and every car park had ‘no camping-cars’ signs outside, very unfriendly.  So we carried on to find a campsite at Les Loges with the view to stay a couple of nights.  Needless to say at 12.30pm it was shut for lunch, so once again we ended up eating our lunch in the van at the gate waiting for 2.00pm and opening time. Once we were set up we did a bit of washing, anchored it down outside as it was quite windy and went for a wander along to the ‘high street’ to find a couple of shops and a church. Then it was back for showers and get ready for wine-o’clock and dinner.

Saturday 22nd

Don't know what has happened to Flaming June! We are now in Deepest Depressing December! It's raining, cold and blowing a gale.....so we have decided to stay in and do some chores.  As we have got a day's wi-fi I have spent some time uploading photos.  Hopefully if it clears up we will go for a walk, if not it is books or games time.

Pegasus Bridge and St Andre d'Herbetot pictures