La Flotte (Day 3)

We had felt very happy and comfortable staying at la Flotte and were hoping to find somewhere nice to stay tonight at the other end of the island. One of the French registered vans next to us was actually owned by an English couple who live in France, and they recommended a place to overnight at Ars-en-Re. 

First stop this morning, fuel for Marge. Just short of 112 euros! Drink it slowly Marge please. On the park4thenight app we saw there were quite a few places to stay towards the end of the island. Stopping at the first we were shown a wagging finger by the driver of a school bus. That's a no then Marge. As the island narrowed, we could see the sea on both sides of the road. It didn't seem much of an area so we continued driving up towards the lighthouse where we stumbled upon a service point. Good, our toilet needed emptying. Nearby was another aire. How much! 20 euros a night seemed a little steep for a pitch in a field in the middle of nowhere. Yes, there was electrical hook-up, but we were in no need of it. Deciding to give the recommended stop at Ars-en-Re a go we headed back that way. Upon arriving at a large car park by the dyke a lady was just assuming her standing position whilst replacing her pants. I've just seen a full moon. We think you just have Marge! A little concerned as to the result of the squatting position we parked on the opposite side of the car park by a pretty harbour.

Lunching at a picnic table nearby we wished the area was more suitable. But adjacent to the parking was a skate park. Skatepark = children = noise = aggravation. We'd been there, done that. 

There was only one thing to do. Marge head back for La Flotte. Hopefully there would be a small space for us to tuck in to as the aire had proved to be very popular these last few days. There was in fact a large space. Result. We were pleased we'd seen more of the island, but realised that the area nearer the bridge end appeared to be the more interesting.

Fuelled by a chocolate brownie we decided to walk in to the town.

We were surprised by how much we'd missed when we had cycled down the other day.

The window of the chocolatiere now displayed an assortment of fantastic Easter delights from chocolate fish to chocolate eggs filled with handmade chocolates. The cost of these beautiful creations was staggering.

We walked through the narrow streets soaking up the atmosphere of this lovely French town and its delightful shops. Down at the harbour trades people were busy pressure washing, painting, laying paving, even rebuilding the harbour wall. All this work must be completed by April 1st. The pressure was on. The moored sailing boats sat idlily in the oily water.

One, a Cornish crabber caught our eye. It was a long way from home.

The incoming tide covered the sand patterns and bought with it fish which fed in the shallows. A heron which had been patiently waiting was rewarded, flying on to the sand to play with the poor fish before eating it whole.

Tonight, there are now two spaces empty on the aire.

We can't understand why, but are sure someone will come in during night. We and Marge our glad to be spending another night here. We've become quite attached to the town of La Flotte.