Rue de l'Espérance, Fouras, France

During the night the wind got up. It woke Angela. We were going to take Marge's awning in yesterday evening, but we forgot, as it was late when we came back around from our English neighbours who we'd spent the evening talking with. Not really wanting to disturb John, Angela felt she had to (at 3.30am). A thunderstorm was forecast during the night, and we couldn't risk the awning being damaged. So we were tired this morning. The storm didn't materialise until around eight thirty, and then it wasn't anything to be bothered by. After two days at the chateau it was time to move on. We know this area of France so well we decided we wanted to stay in some new places rather than the old faithfuls. But the village we chose we weren't that enamored by, so after eating lunch we left heading for the Atlantic coast. The very coast we were not going to stay on as it would be busy and expensive. Fouras was was our destination, and we really liked it. It reminded us of the Ile de Re with its whitewashed buildings and blue shutters. But it was popular and difficult to find a free overnight spot that wasn't overlooking houses, so we left and moved down the coast a little to the Plage L'Esperance where we found a nice free spot overlooking the sea.

Angela loves this area along the Atlantic coast. When we cycled down this coast in 2015 to Spain when John was sixty, this area is the one she remembers the most, and never tires of returning to.

An evening walk on the beach, the tide now far off the shore we were surprised to see so many large jelly fish left behind by the tide.

Their silicone-like bodies made us think of implants, a strange thought, we know. Walking back to Marge we stopped at the paid aire to see how much it cost, but the pay machine was broken, so it was free! We decided to move, as, as lovely as our spot was, it felt a little isolated. As night fell a dramatic sunset of dark pink streaked the sky.

This evening feels fresh, the temperature today is 24c cooler than yesterday. We never thought we'd feel comfortable like this again. For the first time in many weeks the heat felt bearable. We have just one week left in France. We can't believe that the time for us to return home will soon be upon us. Already we are looking into travels for next year. As they say. One life, live it!

Château Marquis de Vauban, Blaye (day 2)

Our second day at the Château Marquis de Vauban. 

Today with temperatures due to peak at 41c we decided to walk out early, taking the path alongside the river Gironde to the town.

This is the Gironde where the German U Boats would have travelled from the U Boat pens in Bordeaux to the Atlantic during the second world war. We visited those pens in a previous blog.

The route passed through the citadel where a horse jumping event was taking place. With the heat building the horses well groomed coats glistened.

After each horse was ridden around the short course it was hosed down. We thought of the donkeys and horses in Morocco who toiled all day, and were left to graze on bare ground amongst the rubbish. How they would have loved to be cooled down like this.

A river cruise boat sat on its mooring, some of the visitors, mostly Americans had disembarked to take a look around Blaye. The fair is in town, which masked the true identity of the town.

 Coffee and pain chocolates at a popular cafe our Sunday morning treat. But the cost! We'd become used to coffee, tea and pain chocolates in Morocco for less than four pounds, sometimes less. Back at the chateau, after a busy night many of the vans began to drift away. We originally were only staying one night, but with the intense heat, and being in no rush, we thought we should stay for another.

So a lazy afternoon of reading and showering, using our pressurised lifesaver jerry can, before the day crept into evening. It's strange how on days when you do very little, they seem to pass by quickly. A bit like life. Don't spend too much time planning for the future, live for the day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed!

Château Marquis de Vauban, Blaye

However tired you are, one thing is guaranteed during the summer months, and that is you will wake up early, and if you're lucky, some mornings you'll get to witness an absolutely stunning sunrise of vibrant orange, as we did this morning. 

With no need to rush, we are driving less, stopping at familiar places.

By lunchtime we were back at Chateau Marquis de Vauban at Blaye.

Ten pounds a night which includes a free bottle of the estate wine. What's not to like?  And as a bonus some new sculptures have appeared since our last visit.

We are now in Bordeaux country. The countryside green with grapevines as far as the eye can see.

 Arriving at the chateau early we were able to bag a great spot in the shade. We've booked for one night, but already think we'll probably stay another, especially as the temperature tomorrow will be 40c. We also think Marge deserves a rest. The last time we spent two days anywhere was at the end of our visit to Morocco. We've been driving everyday, sometimes for many hours in uncomfortable heat. Time to slow down we think!