Marian and myself after the car being
packed drove via the highways through Holland, Belgium into France.
Just north of Antwerp the traffic was horrific. One lane with trucks
who drove just a few metres apart which made it difficult to change
lanes. The further south we got the easier the traffic. We arrived
before everyone else in La Muette near Rouan. The B & B was fantastic.
An old apple juice factory transformed in to an B & B. The weather
discouraged making an exploratory walk. Next day everyone left the
same time but because I did want to see a bit from the countryside we
meandered through small villages after which we got completely lost.
The detour took a fair bit of time. When we finally figured out how to
get on the highway it was lunchtime. When we stopped at a restaurant
the village looked deserted including the restaurant. When we stepped
inside the place was chock a block. All work stops at 12.30 and
resumes 14.30 when it is eating and drinking time. There were plenty
of wine bottles on the table. After a very filling camembert sandwich
we were on our way again. Most of the highways are tollways. It gets
you there fast but is very uninteresting driving. After Nantes I took
a wrong turn which cost us more time. Without a GPS we would still be
driving around. We got to our destination 3 hours after the first one
got there. Everyone had already started happy hour and dinner was
cooked. The house we rented is an old farm house and modernised with a
shower and toilet. This was our accommodation for the next week. It is
in a two house village named Chateaulonge near La Roche Sur Yon in the
Vendee. The view is fantastic looking out over a lake.
First B &
B Inside rustic.
Next day relaxing. The weather also
discouraged outings. The meals are prepared on a roster system. Every
meal is a feast. Day three we visited the old holiday Home from Ket
and the grave side from Marius. Lunch in a restaurant. The spot where
the locals sat were all taken which was a pity but for €15 we had a
three course meal and two drinks. We dropped the rental money of at
the owners who live in an enormous villa with an enormous yard.
Day four. Went for a walk around one section of the lake. On the way
we picked 2 Kg blackberries. The afternoon was taken to make jam and
relax.
Day five was planned to visit some markets but the weather prevented
us from leaving early. This worked out very well for Susan as it was
her cooking day and this gave her time to prepare.
The weather cleared and we went for a drive to several villages to
visit the markets. A lot of crockery was purchased.
Toast on first day. Ket is
missing. One of the many evening meal sessions.
Day six. The day was started with a
scrumptious French breakfast. The weather let us down so we spend the
day playing cards and eating. Day seven. Still raining but we still
decided to head for the beach. The weather cleared and a beach walk
was on the menu. Back just in time for happy hour and more cooking.
All
the views from our lounge window.
As you can see we did not
starve to death.
One of the sunny spots this day.
Last day Chateaulonge. Beautiful weather
and the whole group made a walk around the lake. I declined to bake in
the sun and made another walk around the second lake. After another
"few" drinks the last evening meal. Everyone went early to bed because
we had to wake early. No one really slept well that night. Last
breakfast and cleaning up and we were on our way at 8.30. It is
freeway all day but luckily the GPS send us through Rouan. We decided
to do some sightseeing. A beautiful old inner city. A pity that the
cathedral was closed just on the day that we had to visit. The
cathedral is also in disrepair. You could see where big parts have
fallen off.
Downtown Rouan
Used to be an old farm house
Dining room
at B&B
Last view from the French landscape
Because of the few comfort stops we
arrived last at the B&B. An old farmhouse from what must have been a
very wealthy farmer. Only partly restored. We had a large comfortable
room with five beds in it. The "music" at night from five people was
melodious. Next day only 350KM We only made some comfort stops apart
from one where we made a detour to have a cup of coffee in a
restaurant where they also give you a shot glass of advocaat as a
bonus. From there on straight home. The traffic around Antwerp was
still horrific but we made it to Bakel where we left our suitcases in
good time and from there to Ket and Hemmo in Zalk near Zwolle. End
French experience.
