Our alarm wakes us at 5:15 in the morning, the \u2018fastcraft\u2019 departs at 07:30 and we need to be there in Portsmouth 45 minutes earlier. Its raining at home. We don\u2019t make the 45 minutes earlier bit, and we\u2019re second to last to board. No-one told me that I\u2019d have to reverse onto the damn boat!.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three hours and a bit later, at 11:30 local time, we drive off at Cherbourg and its raining here too; we head for some cheap French diesel. We stop in St Maire Eglise for fuel, we should have stopped for a look around as this is one of those towns that was a key objective on the first day of the Normandy invasion, but its still raining and we\u2019re in a hurry. The prices are marked up as \u20ac1.12 per litre and the exchange rate is 1.16 so its less than \u00a31 per litre, brilliant.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have no idea where we will spend the first night, but are heading down towards a camp site called St Jean sur Mayenne, which is just north of Laval. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had to stop for 30 minutes or so and get off the road in Domfront to allow a local cycling event through – it wasn\u2019t the Tour de France but it gave us a welcome break anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strangely for Domfront, it had stopped raining (our previous visits here have generally been in the wet).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We arrive at St Jean at around 5pm and load up with fresh water then find an \u2018emplacement\u2019, plug in the electricity and get the table, chairs and BBQ out for dinner. The damn fridge alarm sounded all the way down there; every couple of minutes 33 beeps – the only way to drown out the noise was to drive faster and turn the music up. The good news was that all the Hobgoblin, King Goblin and Hobgoblin Gold were still nice and chilled, as was the food.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We decided to \u2018google\u2019 how to sort the fridge out, and after a very short while figuring out how to enable the mobile broadband to work while roaming we had some ideas on what to do. I didn\u2019t want to switch the fridge off for obvious reasons – warm beer, stinky cheese etc. We found that disconnecting the fridge light & door switch connector stopped the alarm and had no adverse effect on the fridge operating, phew.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now it\u2019s time to relax. Our pitch is nice and level with plenty of space, its not too far to the toilet & shower block and there are sinks for washing up, we\u2019ll not have to use our \u2018van facilities at all!.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parked up at St Jean<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Monday 11th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After relaxing in the sunshine in the morning we got <\/span>active and cycled to Andouille, which seemed to be the biggest local village\u2026it was uphill a lot, which caused Fiona some sweary moments. On driving in Andouille, we found\u2026it was closed! The Boulangerie had skipped off for their annual holidays,BUT there was a bank with ATM, so we got some cash.There was a Butchers shop- closed of course- and there was a whole cow\/ horse? carcass just being delivered- avert your eyes, vegetarians! We then cycled up the Mayenne tow path to Montflours in search of somewhere to buy fresh food. Its Monday – it looks like all local shops are closed on Monday, thankfully we have brought just enough food with us. Its also a bit grey to start with, but it soon warms up nicely.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday 12th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The shops are now open in St Jean. I say \u2018shops\u2019, but I really mean the boulangerie (bakery) as its the only shop, however, as its a short walk from the campsite it allowed us to have fresh croissants for breakfast. We cycled to La <\/span>Guingette restaurant at Montflours, <\/span>on the Mayenne towpath where we had a four course lunch for \u20ac12 and that includes a carafe of wine. We had discovered La Guingette last year, so knew how good it would be.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$
La Guinguette along the Mayenne river<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
No rain again, I\u2019m starting to like it here, but we have decided to move further south for the sun and wine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wednesday 13th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We pack up and move off, first to the \u2018service area\u2019 where we empty the toilet, dump our waste water and <\/span>then dump our fresh water to lighten the load and then head south to Chinon. On the way we call in at a supermarket and stock up on fresh food and a couple of bottles of wine. Bugger, we end up driving through Saumur centre. There are height restrictions (we\u2019re just within them!) <\/span>and a great number of really narrow roads, but thankfully I only clip one kerb, however the stress levels are at maximum.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
On arrival at Chinon we book into the L\u2019ille d’Auger campsite right across the river Vienne from the fortress and within about 5 minutes walk of the town centre, ideal. A quick bike ride to the Super U supermarket, looking for an extension lead for the electric hook up, instead we bought a mini laundry line, and kitchen rolls. No extension leads suitable for us.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday 14th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We wandered around into town in the morning, going to the weekly market, in the company of Wendy and Mick, who we\u2019d met the previous evening. They are quite new to MH holidays, though they are planning a trip to New Zealand soon, hiring a MH there. We also caught the tail end of a band, matching through the town centre, for 14th July..We warned Wendy and Mick about M. Sausicce, who had ripped us off a few years ago, with his wares..sure enough he was there again..after the market, we indulged in coffees whilst people watching in the main square. Back to the campsite, just in time to see Wendy and Mick leave, en route for home. Our afternoon was spent cycling the vineyards of Cravant and Panzoult in the summer sunshine. I think we cycled about 20 miles, as far as <\/span>L\u2019ille Bouchard, the real purpose of the ride was to identify those vineyards where we might buy some local produce, but most of them seem to be closed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Bastille Day, only they don\u2019t call it that, they call it National Day, but its still a good excuse to have a damn good fireworks display just outside the campsite. A fabulous Spectacle, with music, set against the backdrop of the Forteresse. Enjoyed by hundreds of people, for free. Its a real pity some repugnant God instructed a twisted believer to spoil it for so many people in Nice during the evening celebrations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday 15th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another hot day and another cycle ride, we attempted to leave Chinon a different way, but we didn\u2019t see cycling signs and the road was busy, so we instead did the Cravant route again. As we were getting ready to go to our favourite Chinon restaurant in the evening,a couple of Brits popped over to see us- they were fellow Hymer owners. We show them around Elsie, and they were mightily impressed, apparently. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday 16th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hot again. On the spur of the moment we decide to move on and head up towards Saumur stopping at a supermarket for provisions and to try and get a 16Amp extension for the van as ours is not long enough. Fiona managed to twist her ankle <\/span>while jumping out of the van and is in a lot of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back on the road we drove up from Saumur towards Gennes, which is a nice scenic route that we found a few years back. The route follows the Loire river on its south bank. I really don\u2019t remember the roads being this narrow, stress levels are rising again\u2026.thankfully the roads are quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we enter Gennes we see a camping site sign and decide to take a look. If it turns out to be rubbish then we\u2019ll keep moving towards Angers, but we don\u2019t need to. The site is lovely and quiet, its called \u2018Camping au bord de La Loire\u2019. We find a pitch with some shade, electric hookup and <\/span>easy access to the toilet\/shower block and settle in. The shade is welcome, the temperature is rising with 31C expected today. Warmed up (in the BBQ) tomatoes farcis for dinner, with the obligatory salad , pain, fromage etc. ..oh, and some vin rose and rouge. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fiona is still hobbling, I hope she recovers soon or I\u2019ll be out cycling by myself – situation normal, eh?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday 17th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ah, not a cloud in the sky today, hardly a breath of air and temperature forecast to be in the early 30\u2019s. There\u2019s no need to walk to the Boulangerie here, the baker\u2019s van comes around at 8.30am with croissants, pains au choc and baguettes for sale. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday in rural France, everything is going to be closed so its on the bikes today. Fiona has donned a stretchy ankle support thingy, and dosed up on Ibuprofen- what a trooper! We cycle a part of the \u2018Loire a Velo\u2019 route towards Angers, covering 15 miles before we stop at a small restaurant for lunch. Starter and dessert, soft drinks, no alcohol, perfect. The sun is scorching, there\u2019s no wind and not a cloud in the sky; it\u2019s sun factor 50 weather. The roads are very quiet and there are very many cyclists out, I really could stay here. In fact, we often point <\/span>houses we\u2019d love , en route. We were out for around 4 1\/2 hours, with 3 of those hours spent in the saddle and we covered a little over 30 miles in all.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One church stop for Fiona- a candle purchased and lit, for \u20ac1\u2026a beautiful stained glass door leads into the main church, which is also a welcome refuge from the baking heat outside. Home just after 5pm..Fiona could no longer resist the call of the laundry sinks\u2026laundry line? bike rack! Steak, baguette and salad for dinner. Oh, and there is probably some wine to finish off!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Saturday 9th July Off to France on the \u2018fastcraft\u2019 in the morning, I do hope the sea is calm. The damn fridge in the \u2018van is now sounding an alarm; let\u2019s hope it stops sometime soon – its probably something to do with me putting 2 bottles of ice in it in an attempt to … Continue reading “Holidays \u201916 – France – week 1”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1178"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5097,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178\/revisions\/5097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Parked up at St Jean<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Monday 11th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After relaxing in the sunshine in the morning we got <\/span>active and cycled to Andouille, which seemed to be the biggest local village\u2026it was uphill a lot, which caused Fiona some sweary moments. On driving in Andouille, we found\u2026it was closed! The Boulangerie had skipped off for their annual holidays,BUT there was a bank with ATM, so we got some cash.There was a Butchers shop- closed of course- and there was a whole cow\/ horse? carcass just being delivered- avert your eyes, vegetarians! We then cycled up the Mayenne tow path to Montflours in search of somewhere to buy fresh food. Its Monday – it looks like all local shops are closed on Monday, thankfully we have brought just enough food with us. Its also a bit grey to start with, but it soon warms up nicely.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tuesday 12th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The shops are now open in St Jean. I say \u2018shops\u2019, but I really mean the boulangerie (bakery) as its the only shop, however, as its a short walk from the campsite it allowed us to have fresh croissants for breakfast. We cycled to La <\/span>Guingette restaurant at Montflours, <\/span>on the Mayenne towpath where we had a four course lunch for \u20ac12 and that includes a carafe of wine. We had discovered La Guingette last year, so knew how good it would be.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"\"$
La Guinguette along the Mayenne river<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
No rain again, I\u2019m starting to like it here, but we have decided to move further south for the sun and wine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wednesday 13th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We pack up and move off, first to the \u2018service area\u2019 where we empty the toilet, dump our waste water and <\/span>then dump our fresh water to lighten the load and then head south to Chinon. On the way we call in at a supermarket and stock up on fresh food and a couple of bottles of wine. Bugger, we end up driving through Saumur centre. There are height restrictions (we\u2019re just within them!) <\/span>and a great number of really narrow roads, but thankfully I only clip one kerb, however the stress levels are at maximum.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
On arrival at Chinon we book into the L\u2019ille d’Auger campsite right across the river Vienne from the fortress and within about 5 minutes walk of the town centre, ideal. A quick bike ride to the Super U supermarket, looking for an extension lead for the electric hook up, instead we bought a mini laundry line, and kitchen rolls. No extension leads suitable for us.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thursday 14th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We wandered around into town in the morning, going to the weekly market, in the company of Wendy and Mick, who we\u2019d met the previous evening. They are quite new to MH holidays, though they are planning a trip to New Zealand soon, hiring a MH there. We also caught the tail end of a band, matching through the town centre, for 14th July..We warned Wendy and Mick about M. Sausicce, who had ripped us off a few years ago, with his wares..sure enough he was there again..after the market, we indulged in coffees whilst people watching in the main square. Back to the campsite, just in time to see Wendy and Mick leave, en route for home. Our afternoon was spent cycling the vineyards of Cravant and Panzoult in the summer sunshine. I think we cycled about 20 miles, as far as <\/span>L\u2019ille Bouchard, the real purpose of the ride was to identify those vineyards where we might buy some local produce, but most of them seem to be closed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Bastille Day, only they don\u2019t call it that, they call it National Day, but its still a good excuse to have a damn good fireworks display just outside the campsite. A fabulous Spectacle, with music, set against the backdrop of the Forteresse. Enjoyed by hundreds of people, for free. Its a real pity some repugnant God instructed a twisted believer to spoil it for so many people in Nice during the evening celebrations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday 15th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another hot day and another cycle ride, we attempted to leave Chinon a different way, but we didn\u2019t see cycling signs and the road was busy, so we instead did the Cravant route again. As we were getting ready to go to our favourite Chinon restaurant in the evening,a couple of Brits popped over to see us- they were fellow Hymer owners. We show them around Elsie, and they were mightily impressed, apparently. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday 16th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hot again. On the spur of the moment we decide to move on and head up towards Saumur stopping at a supermarket for provisions and to try and get a 16Amp extension for the van as ours is not long enough. Fiona managed to twist her ankle <\/span>while jumping out of the van and is in a lot of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back on the road we drove up from Saumur towards Gennes, which is a nice scenic route that we found a few years back. The route follows the Loire river on its south bank. I really don\u2019t remember the roads being this narrow, stress levels are rising again\u2026.thankfully the roads are quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we enter Gennes we see a camping site sign and decide to take a look. If it turns out to be rubbish then we\u2019ll keep moving towards Angers, but we don\u2019t need to. The site is lovely and quiet, its called \u2018Camping au bord de La Loire\u2019. We find a pitch with some shade, electric hookup and <\/span>easy access to the toilet\/shower block and settle in. The shade is welcome, the temperature is rising with 31C expected today. Warmed up (in the BBQ) tomatoes farcis for dinner, with the obligatory salad , pain, fromage etc. ..oh, and some vin rose and rouge. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fiona is still hobbling, I hope she recovers soon or I\u2019ll be out cycling by myself – situation normal, eh?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday 17th July<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ah, not a cloud in the sky today, hardly a breath of air and temperature forecast to be in the early 30\u2019s. There\u2019s no need to walk to the Boulangerie here, the baker\u2019s van comes around at 8.30am with croissants, pains au choc and baguettes for sale. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday in rural France, everything is going to be closed so its on the bikes today. Fiona has donned a stretchy ankle support thingy, and dosed up on Ibuprofen- what a trooper! We cycle a part of the \u2018Loire a Velo\u2019 route towards Angers, covering 15 miles before we stop at a small restaurant for lunch. Starter and dessert, soft drinks, no alcohol, perfect. The sun is scorching, there\u2019s no wind and not a cloud in the sky; it\u2019s sun factor 50 weather. The roads are very quiet and there are very many cyclists out, I really could stay here. In fact, we often point <\/span>houses we\u2019d love , en route. We were out for around 4 1\/2 hours, with 3 of those hours spent in the saddle and we covered a little over 30 miles in all.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One church stop for Fiona- a candle purchased and lit, for \u20ac1\u2026a beautiful stained glass door leads into the main church, which is also a welcome refuge from the baking heat outside. Home just after 5pm..Fiona could no longer resist the call of the laundry sinks\u2026laundry line? bike rack! Steak, baguette and salad for dinner. Oh, and there is probably some wine to finish off!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Saturday 9th July Off to France on the \u2018fastcraft\u2019 in the morning, I do hope the sea is calm. The damn fridge in the \u2018van is now sounding an alarm; let\u2019s hope it stops sometime soon – its probably something to do with me putting 2 bottles of ice in it in an attempt to … Continue reading “Holidays \u201916 – France – week 1”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1178"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5097,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1178\/revisions\/5097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldofwills.uk\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}