Barfleur, Manche

This morning as we drove through the rolling French countryside on a sleepy Sunday morning, uphill and down dale, passing lush green pasture and newly plowed fields of corduroy we reflected on our trip. Had we really visited Barcelona? Did we really see the Alhambra? Was it really so hot in Seville? And so much more. This time last week we were in Bordeaux. Between now and then, we'd returned to Rochefort and spent three nights on the stunningly beautiful Ile de Re. We both agree that Spain was pretty much 'done'. We didn't really want to tour around it anymore. France is our happy place. We feel comfortable here. Angela can drive with ease. Understand the road signs. Converse a little. And the wines nice and cheap. Before we leave France early tomorrow evening Angela wanted to return to St. Vaast le Houque, so we could walk around the bay to the Reville Redoubt, a small coastal fortification.

We have happy memories of cycling around to the area in the past, sitting for a while reflecting on this beautiful place. Tonight at Barfleur a small village in Normandy where Wiĺliam the Conquer set off for England will be our last night in Margery this trip.

We know we must return home to set off again. Which is exactly what we will be doing. After a medical appointment, and some TLC for Muddy Marge, we hope to be heading to Scotland at the end of May. Life has a habit of running away from you. We intend to try and keep pace with it.

Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet, Manche

We couldn't understand why the little campsite at Clisson didn't have very good reviews online. The toilets and showers were clean and modern, it wasn't expensive, and it seemed popular.

This morning, as the sun rose we enjoyed listening to the birds as they fussed. A little robin, called to say hello. Then a quick stop at the supermarket opposite to recharge our gas cylinder and we were away, glad it was a Saturday, as we had to drive on part of the ring road around Nantes, which we've done before on a weekday, and it wasn't pleasant. Our destination, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet. Upon arriving we stopped at the free site by the lake, but didn't fancy it. So we booked onto the municipal campsite. Cost, £7.50. Our cheapest paid for overnight stop so far. It appeared we'd arrived in the town just in time to see a cycling event take place.

Two disabled cyclists, laying prone on their cycles turned the cranks using their arms. They stole the show, with many people photographing them.

Short on 'steps' yesterday, we walked into the town, stopping at the imposing church, where inside we were wowed by the beautiful colours streaming across the pews and stonework from a kaleidoscope of colours created by the bright afternoon sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. It was stunning.

Then a turn around the lake.

This evening pizza at the Mona Lisa pizzeria, before yet more walking. Tomorrow will be our last full day in France, so we intend to leave early to make the very most of the day.

Clisson, Loire-Atlantique

This morning we felt a little sad as we were leaving the Ile de Re. The day began bright, and the perfect blue sky tried to persuade us to stay. How we would have loved to. But from now on we must drive a few hours each day towards Cherbourg. In no rush, we drove slowly from La Rochelle, through the Marais. Pointing out cycle paths we'd cycled on many times before. It was very nostalgic. Quite often we pass through small towns and comment, 'we've been here before'. Tonights stop is Clisson.

Normally when we stay in this area it's at Monbert. But sadly, the little campsite run by Philippe and Odile doesn't open until June 1st. Their campsite really is our all time favourite, we're sure we'll stay there another time soon. Clisson is 22 miles east of Nantes.

It has a stunning chateau, which we've visited before. This evening it is once again warm, and it was nice to be able to sit outside and eat. More driving tomorrow Margery. Let's hope we can find you somewhere nice to stay.

La Flotte, Ile de Re, Charente-Maritime (Day 3)

Today will be our last day on the island until we visit again. Which we're sure we will. Sadly we need to make tracks up country as on Monday evening we will be returning home. We can't believe how quickly the weeks have passed by. Our visits to Barcelona, Granada and Seville, places we really wanted to see, seem like they were on a different holiday.

Yet more walking today, this time to Saint-Martin-de-Re. It's always a pleasure to visit here, and sit by the harbour drinking tea and coffee whilst we people watch.

We especially like to see the donkeys, who today in the midday heat cooled themselves by standing beneath the arches of the bridge by the prison. Yes, this tiny island unbelievably has a prison with 380 inmates. After a while, perhaps knowing a photo opportunity was waiting for them, the donkeys  wandered out, nibbling at the lush green grass, and stretching their necks to eat the succulent new shoots in the hedgerows. Yesterday, we'd stopped to watch some goats behaving in much the same way. The temperature rising, we ambled back. No meal out tonight, but as always a bag of frozen paella from the supermarket is a good substitute. It's our go to meal. Of course this evening we will walk out again, we couldn't leave the Ile de Re without seeing one last sunset.