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| Une éolienne |
Last May when Greyrocks visited George and co near Confolens we were drenched and reduced to fishing out our warm clothes. They had only been in their new bungalow for a few weeks and the huge garden was untouched! What a difference a year makes! Now we could be accommodated for a couple of nights, the lawn is verdant and there are vestiges of the 1500 bluebells planted last year. And we could sit on the terrace in the sun! We didn't do much other than catch up, eat and drink; but we went to Lesterps as before for a great lunch, and en route stopped at a local landmark. Around George's hamlet are slogans decrying "éoliennes", and he asked if we knew what that was about. We didn't and could only think of harps, but they are wind turbines and they are springing up like mushrooms around the area, which is causing great controversy, especially as a test rig has been erected very close to neighbours. Near Lesterps one can get very close to some of the six or seven there and hear the weird sound of the rotation. A complicated issue! In good weather we also took a walk up the hill in St Germain for a view of the river (Vienne) and the whole town.
As planned we set off on the Friday heading south and spent the night just off the A20 in Montauban. We had a bit of an issue with the printed map and which exit to use, but got to the hotel early to be told there was no prospect of dining there as they had a coach party. Thus we went out on foot round a commercial zone designed for cars and found a mall that was brand new where we wiled away some time until Poivre Rouge opened with its Friday special of a seafood buffet. Then back to base, and next day a run south, round Toulouse and over to the Mediterranean coast to our final stopover of a week at Le Brasilia in Canet-en-Roussillon.
This was out tenth stay and we are usually there nearer to the beginning or end of their season, When we arrived there was glorious sunshine, and with it also being the half-term holiday in England and Wales it was very nearly full! We had one of the cheapest mobile homes, but were surrounded by expensive ones, and little modest Yvette was parked amongst vehicles with GB and D plates, most of which looked like they were designed to invade Poland! As
the week progressed Ruth became intrigued by the fact that 90 percent of the
German ones had the same crest. Mr Google identified it as that of Baden-Württemberg, which was having its
Pentecost School Holiday. So: not the most tranquil of times there -
particularly round the wonderful pools and in the bar of an evening - but good
fun and a seriously jolly atmosphere!
Greyrocks' first full day started sunny and we set off on bikes for Ruth's first such jolly in France for two years. She did well in the circumstances and we made it to our late lunch booking - described on TA! Whilst waiting we heard thunder, then saw lightning out at sea, and by dessert time there was torrential rain. Ruth said in her best French: "Tant pis! etc.. but you are open all afternoon aren't you?" only to be told they weren't and were about to close! The rain stopped and we got ready to ride back. Malheureusement, with wet pedals, wet sandals and a confidence crisis Ruth couldn't re-mount so wheeled the bike back alone! The weather was dodgy for the rest of the week, so we had a day out at the nearest big Carrefour buying wedding table covers, and a day in St Cyprien, and several rides together around the marina and along the promenade. Swimwear was not deployed at any point! But we did have a relaxing and comfortable time, and a last blast for four months of French food and lifestyle!
As planned we set off on the Friday heading south and spent the night just off the A20 in Montauban. We had a bit of an issue with the printed map and which exit to use, but got to the hotel early to be told there was no prospect of dining there as they had a coach party. Thus we went out on foot round a commercial zone designed for cars and found a mall that was brand new where we wiled away some time until Poivre Rouge opened with its Friday special of a seafood buffet. Then back to base, and next day a run south, round Toulouse and over to the Mediterranean coast to our final stopover of a week at Le Brasilia in Canet-en-Roussillon.
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| The best campsite in France? |
This was out tenth stay and we are usually there nearer to the beginning or end of their season, When we arrived there was glorious sunshine, and with it also being the half-term holiday in England and Wales it was very nearly full! We had one of the cheapest mobile homes, but were surrounded by expensive ones, and little modest Yvette was parked amongst vehicles with GB and D plates, most of which looked like they were designed to invade Poland! As
the week progressed Ruth became intrigued by the fact that 90 percent of the
German ones had the same crest. Mr Google identified it as that of Baden-Württemberg, which was having its
Pentecost School Holiday. So: not the most tranquil of times there -
particularly round the wonderful pools and in the bar of an evening - but good
fun and a seriously jolly atmosphere!Greyrocks' first full day started sunny and we set off on bikes for Ruth's first such jolly in France for two years. She did well in the circumstances and we made it to our late lunch booking - described on TA! Whilst waiting we heard thunder, then saw lightning out at sea, and by dessert time there was torrential rain. Ruth said in her best French: "Tant pis! etc.. but you are open all afternoon aren't you?" only to be told they weren't and were about to close! The rain stopped and we got ready to ride back. Malheureusement, with wet pedals, wet sandals and a confidence crisis Ruth couldn't re-mount so wheeled the bike back alone! The weather was dodgy for the rest of the week, so we had a day out at the nearest big Carrefour buying wedding table covers, and a day in St Cyprien, and several rides together around the marina and along the promenade. Swimwear was not deployed at any point! But we did have a relaxing and comfortable time, and a last blast for four months of French food and lifestyle!
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