Blogs from Laon, Picardy, France, Europe

What an absolutely super town, or city really as Laon has a cathedral. To make our day even better the sun was back in full and we had a glorious blue sky all day long. Fantastic. Smart Arse was more than happy to take us up the very steep hill into town which is built on a high ridge with views across the valley below in all directions. We found a car park on the edge of the ramparts which still almost surround the old city. It seems that parking in the city is free which was a pleasant surprise. The main street was festooned with multi-coloured balloons. It looked amazing. So much more impressive than the tradional bunting used in most places. I've seen photos which show that Laon in other years had a display ... read more

We loved Sedan . We loved Laon too. What could you not like about the town? Gabby had crawled her way up a serpentine road which eventually brought us out at the top of Laon next to the walls and in a purpose built free aire for 6 motorhomes. We could stay the night for free but to be fair this was more an aire for a day visit rather than one for staying the night. It was a touch too close to the road and would have been less than peaceful. Although we can now park almost anywhere we are never keen to be this close to the cars rushing by us. We had climbed from the plain below from the A26. Laon always looked interesting as we passed by on our way to somewhere ... read more

Breakfast was lovely this morning and after having our fill, mum had to book our ferry ride to England so Em and I played for a while outside, exploring the nearby creek and old barn. We then headed off to our next place – a real French Chateau! Through the rolling green landscape of France, we wound our way down some tiny single lane back roads to the chateau. Amazing!! This was the real deal with immaculate landscaped gardens, full silver service and beautifully furnished and maintained buildings. True to the “family friendly” tag on the website, there was even a games room for kids with board games, cards and playstation and wii for the bigger kids. We parked our car beside a very nice red porsche and checked in where we got welcome drinks served ... read more

Last night's dinner was, as predicted, pleasant enough but overpriced. The cheeseboard was, however, sensational. We did get four courses for the money though neither of us could finish the crème brulee. Today was the first cool and not very sunny ride since we left the UK back in early June. It was cool enough to wear gloves, the first time I have worn riding gloves since Italy on the way out. I have learnt that after almost 4 weeks of sweating into leathers that any clothes worn under them are no longer fit for wearing afterwards. I am going to need to find a way of getting the leathers smelling like leather again and not of four weeks of stale sweat. Hilary's jacket, on the other hand, no longer smells musty - it's been worn ... read more

Tuesday 1st October, 2008 The plan today was to move from Saint Quentin to Compiegne. The journey was a little longer than we have been completing, we filled up with petrol first thing, only our second time since arriving. Drove through all the minor roads, which we prefer to do, you get to see the sights that way, rather than just hammering along the main roads. Stopped at a French Military Cemetery at Cambronne-Les- Ribecourt 2100+ mainly second world war. Laid out in circles, very few flowers. Our first planned stop was the Chateau de Compiegne, which Pat had found in the guide books. A Royal / Imperial Palace. We arrived when it was closed for lunch, so popped across the road to Les Accordialles, the Madame was very much in charge of the place and ... read more