Into La Belle France

Friday 5 June We departed Freiburg and headed off into France crossing the border was not apparent only the change of language on the road signs!!
Arrived at Camping Les Bords de Loue Parcey temp high 70’s once we had set up we enjoyed a swim in the outside pool and then walked along the towpath of the river Loue where Barney enjoyed a swim too. Very peaceful site and plenty of space.

Saturday 6th June 2009 Heavy rain and thunderstorm overnight today we hitched up and headed further west Stopping overnight at Gien- Camping Touristique De Gien managed to get a pitch right on the banks of the Loire quite warm again but overcast. Found a lovely farm shop where we purchased some local made Goats cheese and flat peaches!! Again we are only here overnight

Sunday 7th June 2009 whilst preparing to hitch up a local shepherd drove his Goats and sheep along the bank of the Loire right through the Campsite all had bells and there were two dogs assisting . we left Gien again following a night of rain . we had a good journey and arrived at Camping Parc de Montsabert good large size hedged pitches in the grounds of Chateau Montsabert large swimming pool we plan to be here for a few days able to sit out and eat dinner

Monday 8th June 2009 we had a broken windscreen wiper so headed off to Angers - nearest Kia dealers however it was not as easy as we first expected as the drivers wiper is bigger and the replacement ones for the left hand drive caused some concern with the mechanics, their lack of English and our lack of French did not help but we drove away with a job done.
Shopped in town then came back to site and did some ironing weather wet again but warm though has brightened up for evening drinks!!!!!!!!!


Tuesday 9th June 2009 We visited the small town of Gennes which again is on the banks of the Loire en route we noted lots of Troglodytes - Caves - and also windmills we also visited St Mathurin sur Loire a pleasant rural French Village- unfortunately the weather has remained wet and windy with only occasional respite - enough for us to have a good walk along the river bank and for Barney to swim

Wednesday 10th June 2009 Off to Angers today and we were surprised to find such an interesting City We parked by the 13th Century Chateau / Fortress the gardens around it were laid out as in medieval times and also included space for pigs and Donkeys!! Our walk took us to Saint Maurice hill that are steps leading up to St Maurice Cathedral that is hung with stunning Tapestries. Continuing we found ourselves at the Place Sante-Croix and one of the oldest timber built houses in Angers - Adams House with its spectacular carvings unfortunately whilst having a late morning coffee the heavens opened again so headed back to base.

Thursday 11th June 2009 Weather dry and very hot spent the day leisurely around the site relaxing in the sunshine/shade. Had a long walk around the lanes after lunch - this is truly a lovely rural part of France. We found the vineyard Domaine De Montsabert so returned for the car and after tasting so of the wine purchased some direct from the Grower - This is Anjou country.
We are again enjoying the red squirrels which are around us on the caravan site
Back for a leisurely swim in the pool here, that is super, only 2 other people there! Bar B Q and scrabble ended a perfect leisurely day


Friday 12th June 2009 Off to the local butcher and then to supermarket to stock up another hot and sunny day following lunch at the van headed off to Brissac which has a big chateau we did not go in - no dogs; but enjoyed the town and the lovely flower displays. Enjoyed part of the tourist route De Anjou- so many vines everywhere, even growing on roundabouts. Went to Martigne Briand and stopped to look at the partially derelict Chateau. On the way back to base we passed several windmills - there is a lot of wheat also grown here also growing are fields and fields of Sunflowers- it must be spectacular when in bloom. Next to the campsite there are fields of Sweet Williams in full bloom evidently grown for seed; this is rural France and a part we would like to return too

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