Woke after a great nights sleep and went for breakfast that had been laid out grand style in communal style. Friendly French couple Bonjoured me and we had a stilted conversation that fizzled out quite quickly due to us not sharing a common language. Felt rather ashamed. Disappeared off to download Sunday papers onto iPad. Drove down to the foot of the village to look back at the chateau, then changed into shorts as the sun started to shine strongly. Headed bac...

Good night sleep at La Mare Aux Oiseaux. Overall a wonderful meal but room rather odd and quirky. Iron but no board, plastic cups. Nowhere to hang towel. Headed off in semi-rain to the start of our Loire run. Heading for the mouth of the Loire at St Nazaire, we banked the huge bridge arching over the inlet spying half built cruise ships as we crossed. Feeling the pinch from lack of underwear (not literally) we headed to the pretty seaside resort of Pornic and Ric...

Up early to update blog. Off to Mont Saint Michel today. Weather rather volatile so hood was mostly up. Before we went we headed into town to grab a coffee and croissant, then went to see the Bayeaux Tapestry which is actually an embroidery. It was actually very enjoyable and the audioguide really set the scene. It is just like a cartoon strip and very lightly done. Without editorial it was an honest portrayal of a pivotal period of England's history. An American...

Set off for our visit to the Normandy beaches and Bayeaux. We took a coastal route and realised quickly how beautiful French seaside resorts were, compared to British. I love Padstow for instance, but Honfleur knocked it into a cocked hat. Beautiful and honest. Touristy but with intellect. We only stayed an hour but could have stayed a week. The seafood alone looked spectacular. On we went through other resorts of equal quality. Weather was changeable but mostly...

Awoke and packed car, skipping breakfast. Weather glorious again so hood off. Headed along Seine valley towards Rouen. Beautiful villages. Stopped for a croissant and coffee which seems our morning requirement. Went through Les Andeleys which is very pretty. Castle on hill built by Richard the Lionheart. Onwards to Rouen. Rouen full of beautiful churches and an odd cathedral with huge rusty iron spire looking at best like the Eiffel tower at worst like Blackpool ...