La Flotte (Day 4)

And then there were three. By nine-thirty this morning most of the vans had left. As it was Friday we were sure that the aire would soon fill up again. The couple in the van next to us walked out with their cat on a lead. As you do. We were bonjoured to by everyone. At last Marge, we've been accepted, it's only taken nearly two weeks. 

Right Madame Margery we're off out. Be nice to your new neighbours when they arrive. Today we decided to cycle to Sainte-Marie-de-Re on the south of the island. We arrived in the small village just as the bells tolled midday.

The church with its gothic spire can be seen from miles away, and as many of the other church spires here, was used as a navigation point in the past. We bought a baguette from the boulangerie, cycled around the small town through narrow lanes that passed through the old wine growers houses, then on to the coast path, heavily potholed and not at all pleasant to cycle on.

We have noticed that most of the potholes in this area tend to be filled with crushed oyster shells. Let's hope this track is on the to do list. 

Then we crossed the island to the north coast and the small fishing village of Rivedoux-Plage cycling right up and under the start of the road bridge that links the island to the mainland. Along the seafront two smart restaurants were doing a brisk trade. As we cycled along, we had to swerve to avoid waiting staff serving trays of drinks to some 'must be seen' people. Smart clothes and smart cars nearby told us what type of area this was.

So, we joined them. Parking ourselves on a seafront bench to eat, yes, pate. The afternoon sun was warm and invited us to stay a while, so we moved further along the promenade where we sat and read whilst a light breeze ruffled the waters of the incoming tide. 

Back at Marge we were surprised to see nobody else had arrived. Deciding we fancied using our outside grill John cycled back into town to buy bread. Three very large and one smaller van arrived. The occupants of some knowing the others, so there was a little noise as they all talked across each other. 

Tomorrow, we plan to cycle further west along the north coast of the island, and we will stay yet another night at la Flotte. Moving to another overnight stop on a Saturday on the coast in France isn't always a good idea, so we're more than happy to stay, as we're sure Marge is too.