Awoke after a rather sleepless night due to non-working air conditioning. Windows were open so insects attacked but most ended up smudged on bedroom ceiling thanks to me losing my temper and swinging my shirt around. Checked out and started our long plod home this time via Le Mans which is the halfway point to Le Havre. Super pain au raisin from roadside boulangerie (man, I am going to miss these) and collected baguettes for lunch. Weather super, so top off ...

Today we decided to leave our comfortable hotel in La Rochelle and drive across the spectacular bridge connecting the mainland to the Isle De Ré. So after grabbing our usual breakfast of a pain au raisin and a coffee, we walked around this interesting and historic town in the splendid sunshine. Having seen what we could, we wandered back to the hotel, packed, paid and left. Hairy drive through narrow French streets until We got to motorway and amazing bridge. I...

Pretty journey to La Rochelle though weather was unpredictable. Heavy shower followed by bright sunshine. On our way we stopped a Fouras, which is a thin isthmus of land that gave interesting views of the Bay of Biscay including several forts, one of them being the infamous Fort Boyard. Finally reached Rochelle and checked into compact but airy room in the Old Port. Headed for a drink on the quayside of La Rochelle. Suprisingly lively with street performers that...

Woke late after an amazing sleeping the giant bed with the giant plasma screen. Weather still on and off and mostly off. Checked out and friendly chap gave us the the low down of what to do in 4 hours. To be honest, we could stay here a month we love it so much. Visited the cathedral and opera house which is dinky but has a full programme. Worshipped at the Apple store then walked around the river front as the weather improved. The place de bourse was lively with...

Up late and checkout for our drive to Toulouse. Weather ghastly though cheered by a wonderful croissant and coffee at a roadside patisserie. Arrive and park in Toulouse. All very civilised! We park underground right in the centre. Wonderful cosmopolitan town. Lots of young people as it is a university town. Wonderful churches including Saint Sernin which had great 12th century frescoes and swooping arches. Also Les Jacobins which had an amazing single line of col...