Tim & Ruth's holiday in France 2019

Day 21  Mon 5.8.18 We had been told that Bourges was a nice place to see and worth a visit, so we detoured off the main route home to have a "look-see". Our campsite for the night had been in the centre of Bourges, so it was just a 20 minute walk, and we were there. A beautiful place, with medieval streets and buildings in one part of town. Bourges The cathedral had some wonderful stained glass windows. Bourges cathedral stained glass windows But, there was no one about! One of my assertions is that NOBODY lives in France!  One can go to any town, and see houses all shuttered up, and not find a soul walking around, or shopping, or going about their business!  It's unbelievable!  Maybe it's because it's the holiday season of France while we are there, and they have all gone to the coast? Eventually at about 11 am, we found a cafe open and had a cup of tea there.  Even the cafe umbrellas were not put up! waiting for our cup of tea! fro...

Day 20    Sat 3.8.19 One reason for coming this way was to see Oradour sur Glane.   The German Nazi SS came through the town, ransacked it, and annihilated 642 inhabitants on 10 June 1944.  That was just 4 days after the D-Day landings. Oradour sur Glane The French have left the town un-restored, as a tribute and reminder for future generations.    Oradour sur Glane It was harrowing reading the story of what happened.   Buildings have been left derelict, with machinery and cars left abandoned, to emphasise what happened that day.   Sure, some it it was placed very well, for maximum effect.   But still it was an atrocity that should not be forgotten.   It was a moving experience to visit the town. One of the most poignant things was to see a recovered trumpet valve section on display in the museum part.   Other articles too, were on display to give one a sense of the pointlessness of it all. H...

Day 19    Fri 2.8.19 Left our and its over crowded wash block.   We were up and out early to catch the mountain rack-driven train to le Puy de Dome, an extinct volcano!  We tried booking on line to save 10%, but it was such a palaver that in the end we just turned up early and caught the train up to the top.   15 Bucks each.  Well, 14 for me, as I’m old now.   A spectacular 20 minute ride to the top.  A glorious day so the scenery was superb.  It was worth every penny.   Le Puy de Dome (1500 metres) It was possible to walk up, but it would have taken about 2 hours.  The train was the clear winner!   "Life is like a mountain railway" At the top there was a temple to Mercury, which had been re-sited from somewhere else.  Also a telecoms setup that took my attention (obviously).   And there were scores of people queueing up to do paragliding, from the top.  It was great up there. ...

Day 18  1.8.19 Gorges du Tarn!  Wow! After leaving our van step-up behind on the campsite, we drove from Les Vignes up the Gorges du Tarn to St Enimie. Gorges du Tarn What a splendidly spectacular ride it was!  At one point the road went under an overhanging rock which had a viewing platform jutting out even further into the gorge!  Marvellous! We stopped at St Enimie for lunch. Tried to park in the area reserved for “BUS”, but immediately got moved on by the local gendarme.  The other campers who were there before also got the wrath of the gendarmerie! We parked slightly out of town, and went in search of lunch.  The main cafes were on the street overlooking the gorge, so we looked behind at smaller places.  A good idea, because we got the most amazing lunch at a very reasonable price.  It was more than ample, and we tucked in. Waddling back to the van was a bit of a struggle but we made it, and then headed for Ispanac before ...

Day 17   Wed 31.7.19 On our way to the slow return home.  Our target destination was the Gorges du Tarn. Not a long drive, just over an hour and we were at the southern end of Gorges du Tarn.  The approach was over big, rolling hills.   We passed under the Millau bridge.  A superb bit of engineering. I stopped the van to take a picture of the suspension bridge, and as I walked into a nearby field locusts started jumping all over the place as I walked!    Locust Then the scenery turned more rugged, and we found ourselves on a winding road next to the river Tarn.   Stopped off for lunch at an unknown place right next to the Tarn, before finally stopping at Camping Terrados, Les Vignes on a 3 star campsite, for 20 Euros.   Not posh, but adequate.   Our pitch was right next to the river.  By that I mean 20 metres away.  A short slide down the bank and one could be in the river, -...

Day 16   Tue 30.7.19 We left our hosts, Brian & Marianne with a tinge of sadness.  They had been such good hosts.  A steady, gentle drive through miles and miles of unspoilt countryside.  It one good thing about France, - they have back roads that run for miles without much traffic.  Drove to Plaisance in the Tarn valley and camped in the municipal site there.  Cheap as chips, but very welcoming, and easy going.  When I asked which pitch we should use, the gracious manageress (about my age) said, "ou vous voulez" - wherever you want. When I asked when she wanted paying, she wasn't worried so long as I paid before I left.You could be forgiven for believing that the Tour de France is the French national sport.  Or even rugby.  But I need to tell you that throughout France a more popular sport has poll position. It's the game of boules!  And while I waited patiently for dinner to be served, I was treated to the thrill of the loc...