We set off in Bertie for our first venture abroad, to France and a little day trip into Spain. For our first venture, we decided to keep to ‘known’ territory so that we wouldn’t get confused or anxious about anything since we knew our bearings and local facilities.
The first week was in Roque Gageac on the Dordogne, we picked a site just 10mins walk into town and when we registered at the site the owner (Otto) gave us a privileged riverside pitch – fantastic!
The second week we had arranged to spend with Rich and Nic and family, they had a villa booked just outside of Hossegor. However, when they got there (a few days ahead of us) they found it was lacking. So they changed for a (more expensive!) villa right in the centre of Hossegor. It meant that we could park Bertie up in the drive of the villa and spend a week inside with them with our own bedroom. The villa was great, nice secluded garden and pool.
Our third week was spent based around Chinon in the Loire area. Once again we knew that town and we were pleased with the campsite and cycling around that area.
I try to describe something about the three stops in pictures …
Caught the P&O car ferry going over, pretty quiet.
We arrive at the camping site after an overnight quickie stop at Aire de Baie de Somme. Camping La Plage at Vezac, close to Roque Gageac.
Someone is doing a good trade offering bikes and tours for what sounded like American tourists.
On the walk from the campsite towards Castelnaud, a tobacco barn.
Up there on the hill is the Gardens of Marqueysac.
Real tobacco being dried!
Cliffs along the Dordogne into Roque Gageac.
Our pitch at the side of the river. Yes, we put the awning up, but after a few days of 30 degrees C, we decided to take it down again to feel the fresh air.
zoom into the church opposite the river from our pitch.
One of the gabarres going up and down the river carrying tourists.
Early morning and late afternoon we’d see a few hot air balloons, some of them came ery close to the campsite.
Now here’s a serious kayaker going against the current.
Footpath alongside the river adjoining our campsite.
early morning view upstream from campsite and pebble beach.
downstream view, Bertie is in the picture.
another view of Bertie.
Here we are parked sideways so we get the river view.
The (in)famous turning at the bottom of Roque Gageac leading to Les Chenes cottage that we rented for many years.
Cycle track from Castelnaud to Daglan
Vitrac port for a drink stop
Cafe Liegeous for Denise and the usual for me.
Maybe a local brew instead
Our old haunt for a coffee stop in Cenac.
Our favourite wine shop.
This is the pool at the Camping La Plage site. Even the people using the aire next door can use the pool.
Lunch at Roque Gageac
The Squirrell’s favourite wine stop when in France, we cycled past it on the way to St. Cyprien and purchased a little surprise bottle for them!
Astonishing display of ‘flora’ in St Cyprien, they have a festival on this week.
Further into town…
In the high street
wow
stop at the end of the main road for a lunch stop.
Vitrac port again, this time for lunch.
hmmmm… decide
I cycled up the hill to the cottage, doesn’t look like it has changed any.
After 6 nights in Roque Gageac, we move on to Hossegor to meet up with Rich, Nic, Freddie and Allegra. We get there just as they finish a lunch …
Here they are on the lake at Hossegor
Nic and Freddie out on the paddle board
Who is in charge here?
Back on to dry land safe and sound
At the same restaurant the next day for lunch.
We take some oysters to take away and have back at the villa in Hossegor. There must be a trick to shelling them – took us ages!
Oh dear, repair needed for Rich’s new bike already!
Rich shows me and Freddie his secret surf beach
over the dune…
there’s even a beach bar here – but it’s too early in the morning for any trade yet.
Waves in the background. There’s a major tournament taking place here in 2 weeks time.
early morning and breakfast outside after I make the bread run on the bike.
We got a lot of action out of this
San Sebastien, we go to a tapas bar for lunch
Freddie clears the busy bar
and gets stuck into a huge steak
Denise and I rent a car and go to Bayonne. We take lunch there but also shop around – of course Bayonne ham is on the radar.
This shoip is about the best in Bayonne and we buy some very expensive ham
streets of Bayonne
Denise and I move on to Chinon after a week at Hossegor. Our first visit is to Chenonceaux, a beautiful chateau
very quiet
gardens are immaculate
inside the gallery of the chateau which spans the river below
part of the kitchens
bread oven
pots and pans
more
stunning gardens, these photos don’t do it justice really
Here’s Bertie hooked up at the camp site in Chinon, nice site and 5 mins walk to the town centre.
View across from just outside the camp site.
We take a bike ride to Fontevraux, very quiet roads and mostly flat except for a couple of bumps Denise walked it up – she didn’t have her e-bike so hats off for going the distance.
We reach Fontevraud abbey and town.
We take lunch in the town centre, we have visited the abbey before so we don’t do it again.
Interesting, these guys are making a business out of bike tours of the Loire
back to the camp site.
Lovely roads and lovely weather
Stunning for cycling.
This is the farm track alongside the river Vienne, close the the camp site now
very quiet road
This is me on a solo ride along the river, I make a stop at the cafe for the world’s smallest draught Leffe (0.15l)
We make a trip to the Domaine de la Noblaie vineyard for a tasting session and to smuggle some booty back home.
The chateau of Noblaie
His vineyards
The campsite in the early morning, you can see Chinon castle
Along the fantastic new cycle route from Chinon to Richeleu. It’s 20km long and Denise gets a reminder every km how she’s doing! The route is along the old railway and there are some fabulous old stations being restored.
Another fine chateau along the route
When we arrive at Richeleu station, there is a sportive just finishing.
We venture into the town centre, but just for a drink.
Richeleu station
Typical scenery along the cycle route
Another old station
We ate in our favourite restaurant in Chinon, Le chapeau rouge.
