This morning dawns cold, but that's a good thing as it signals clear, bright sky. We have a leisurely morning then set off in sunshine along the coast through Piriac sur Mer and Mesquer then through St Molf, Asserac, Camoel leaving the marais behind as we join the main road towards Sarzeau. It's a pretty run all the way through wooded farmland until we reach the car park at Chateau Suscinio. We have lunch before visiting the chateau. Suscinio started in the 1...

Early this morning a few cars pulled into the car park and a tractor passed our isolated parking spot. By the time we are up their drivers are returning, scrambling down the embankment with bags of shellfish. Later the tractor returns having been right out on the flats at low tide. The day is much brighter than yesterday as we set off over the Marais towards St Nazaire, pausing for a quick shop at Bourgneuf en Retz. Although the trees have turned mostly brown...

As is the pattern, lots of rain in the night. Ali and Grete visit the boulangerie then go to see the ostriches before we set off. Or try to set off. The heavy rain on wet grass makes the field slippery and although Nick gets Mary*Lou off with no problems it's a different story for Nick and Grete's van which cannot get any traction. As they are trying with mats and pushing to and fro, a lorry stops outside. It is the farm owner who goes around to his shed, ret...

Lots more rain in the night and early morning but it clears after breakfast and we head into town. Bright sky and sunshine create fabulous reflections of the recently sandblasted tower across the harbour. We cross the swing bridge and reach the edge of the harbour we know well from past visits. La Rochelle lives up to its nickname of White City today, the pale stone buildings standing out in sunshine. Although it is late November many of the bars and restaura...

The red sky last night brought no shepherd's delight, only a morning of heavy rain and grey sky. We decide there's no point moving yet but Ali and Grete put on coats and wander around the town. Fouras has a ruined headland fort, a long fine beach and a pleasant woodland walking area. Many of the houses are typical French spa-town style; tiled fronts, stained glass, ornate plasterwork and witch's-hat turrets. It must be a lively place in summer but today is em...