France September 2010

Start of the Trip

As usual, we travelled to our Dover CL, Lenacre Court Farm, where Mrs Broadley was as welcoming as ever. This site really provides the ideal start to crossing the channel. Arriving earlier than usual, we thought we would sample the delights of Dover and take advantage of our bus passes. We had forgotten how wild bus drivers can be, or is it a more recent phenomenon? I certainly wouldn't want to clip the kerb as often in the motorhome. Still, arriving safely, we enjoyed our walk up the pier and had a quick tour of the shops. The following morning we caught the 6 am ferry and had a brilliant crossing watching the dawn break. Using entirely N roads we made our way down smoothly to Chartres, arriving at Les Bords de l'Eure at around 3 pm. This is an attractive site set amongst trees located in the south east of the city. A lovely riverside footpath leads from the site through parkland all the way to the Cathedral.
The following morning we spent the day in Chartres. Following the fifteen minute walk into town, we enjoyed visiting the cathdral

and generally taking in the atmosphere of this lovely city.

It has to be said the riverside walk back to the site provided an added bonus to the day's outing.

The following morning we set off for Amboise where we had decided to spend a further two nights. The journey, again along the superb French N roads - why would anyone use the autoroute? - took us through much attractive scenery. First stop was Vendome, a beautiful old town with lovely fire displays depicting the musical tadition sof the town.

Vendome from the Bridge

We arrived at Amboise mid afternoon at a lovely municipal site positioned on I'le D'Or which is also the name of the site. We had a pleasant stroll into the town which was five minutes away across the bridge. The following day we again went into Amboise during the morning and thoroughly enjoyed the tourst walk around and above the chateau.

Following lunch, we returned to the site and cycled around the island. We thoroughly enjoyed watching a youngsters, highly competitive, football match. Impressed with the qulaity of play and obvious enthusiasm we quietly felt our age! We awoke in the morning to the sound of a hot air balloon taking off from the neighbouring field. This must be another photo opportunity.

Slightly later than planned we set off for Martel and Rocamadour.