Sunday 21 October 2012

Atlantic Coast


We really enjoyed our time in the Loire but it was time to head towards the coast and visit some of the towns we had missed last year.  Unfortunately the weather has been very changeable with heavy rain and wind most nights so, those of you with a conservatory can imagine the sleepless nights we have been experiencing.  No-one would ever sleep in one at home!  But then, in the morning,  the sun comes out and the beaches are gloriously empty and bathed in a soft light.  We particularly liked the small ports south of Les Sables-d’Orlonne which are sleepy backwaters at this time of the year and we can park right next to the beach during the day.

 




Click on the photo's to enlarge
                                                       

A few days on and more rain, this time with no sun during the day.  Even so, we are very impressed by the coast south of  Ile D’Oléron and on down to Royan.  I could happily retire here rain or not. 


Things to do in rainy weather:-

1)      Shop for cakes in the local bakery.
2)      Try to get Wifi in McDonalds etc.
3)      Shop again for cakes!
4)      Les, practising his Ukulele, and doing quite well, Steve!
5)      Me, ..…shhhhh!  Knitting!
6)      Eating cakes.




A few more photo's of the little ports around the Gironde Estuary south of Royan.


The smallest Marie we have seen! 

As we only update the blog from time to time you may wish to visit the diary pages on the tabs at the top of the home page.  We tend to update these pages more regularly.







Thursday 4 October 2012

Northern France to La Loire


At last we have enough free Wifi to update the Blog with a few pics of our travels so far.  We came over to France via the tunnel at Calais taking time to see Rouen and Orleans, which are mentioned in the diary pages, and we have also managed to do some cycling.  There is a very good cycle route from Nevers to St Nazaire along the Loire and we will try to dip in and out when the weather and legs allow us.  On the whole the weather has been good with only occasional rain and the odd cold night but it's warmer than the UK, even so, the nights are drawing in fast.  We saw some English motor-homers in Northern France who were making their way down to Spain for the winter towing their smart cars etc. but here in the Loire it's mostly the French doing the tourist route around Les Chateaux.



 
 






Spot makes his first appearance at Rouen Cathedral!







Orleans Cathedral gardens

   



   Fête des Voies Vertes


   Along the cycle route from Broglie to Bernay in the Eure











Aire at La Chapell-St-Mesmin
Chambord Chateau !