Willows in France

Quite a long drive today as we have only 2 days left in which to travel to my cousins place in the south west. The weather is beautiful and we set off south again in the direction of Le Mans although a couple we met yesterday recommended a campsite in Sillé-le-Philippe which is just outside Le Mans and we decided to head there for our next stopover. The roads were clear and sat nav performed well today so we reached the Chateau de la Chanteloup camp at about 2.30 and booked our pitch. Yet again, a lovely spot by the lake and beautiful surroundings. An old Chateau that has been updated to accommodate touring vehicles in the grounds and has not spoiled the overall feel of a country home.  Jon tried a spot of carp fishing but they were not obliging and so he disappeared to watch England get defeated by Belgium, as did all the other Brits on site!

Having disembarked the ferry at 10pm last night and a unplanned trip around Dieppe in the dark we finally found the Aire for Motorhomes on the seafront and went to bed.  Awoke to brilliant blue skies and the baguette van outside! Had breakfast and walked along the prom before setting off south towards Rouen and our first planned stop at a campsite in Jumièges. Everything seemed to be going according to plan except we couldn’t find the site. Finally gave up and went for drink before asking at the tourist office for help! Were somewhat alarmed at the very haphazard fruit farm we arrived at and had paid €45 for (1st learning curve of the trip, do not book in advance via the internet) but settled in on the banks of the Seine and enjoyed a couple of hours in the sunshine watching our electricity unit being installed. Quite literally they dug the trench, ran the pipes, pulled the wires through and connected up to a new unit! Fab entertainment especially when the digger hit the tree...

Well, just one more day and we will be starting our new adventure with Harvey by crossing the channel and wending our way down through France. Mon dieu! Watch this space.....