We made our way towards the I’le de Rhé, leaving Switzerland behind and driving west through France. Our friends Heather and John just happened to be travelling back to the UK at that time and our paths crossed perfectly for a stopover together at a site just north of Macon (Camping Champ d’Été, Base de Loisirs). It was so good to have a catch up. We had a lovely meal together and shared a bottle of wine or two.

Then it was heading west again and in a few days we arrived at Camping Le Bel Air, La Flotte, I’le de Rhé. This is one of our favourite camping sites and that’s why we chose it for James & Melissa to come and visit us for 10 days. It’s a wonderful place for a holiday.
We had a couple of days to get organised and set up ready for their arrival. Even enough time for Andy to test out the hammock! We had a beautiful pitch just across from the swimming pool.

We picked them up from the airport in the motorhome and were soon over the bridge and back on site. All settled in and a glass of wine or beer in hand. We hired bikes for the week for James and Melissa. There are cycle paths everywhere on the island and lots of places to see. The following day we cycled along the coast and ended up at a beautiful beach bar and restaurant La Cible on Le Plage de la Cible.

The beach was beautiful white sand after a lovely cold beer we cycled back to camp. It was easy to get into the habit of afternoon dips in the pool and just chilling. The sun was shining and it was holiday time.

The next day we cycled from La Flotte to St.-Martin-de-Ré. This little port town is surrounded by 17th century star shaped ramparts and has a harbour full of cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces. It also had a lovely market to wander along. Melissa made a purchase of a jar of rum ba ba’s after tasting them and finding them delicious.

We picked up food from the market for dinner that evening. Back at camp after swims and showers James and Melissa decided to go and taste a few cocktails at the bar before dinner. They thoroughly enjoyed them but James felt a little cheated as every one he chose were short drinks and Melissa’s were all long ones!

Friday 5th July was decided by all to be a chill day. A day by the pool, reading, swimming, eating and drinking. A little bit of exercise with a game of boules. Everyone enjoyed the relax that day.

The next day was Melissa’s birthday and she had brought cards with her from family and friends back home. We all gave her gifts and cards at breakfast along with a glass of Buck’s Fizz. I’m sure she had a lovely day and in the evening we all went for a meal down by the seafront in La Flotte. James was the most adventurous amongst us, ordering Steak tartare! He ate it all too!

We spent the next few days by the pool or the motorhome. Trips to the supermarket that was just a stroll through the woods behind the site. Bike rides around the island.
One of these bike rides took us to La Couarde-sur-mer as there was a lovely market that day in the town. It was a hot day and the ride was quite a long one so we stopped for a rest and shared a lovely cool bottle of white wine. James had a beer too. It’s always good to wander around the local food market even if you don’t need anything!

One morning Melissa and myself went for a bike ride into La Flotte to the food market. We bought bread, croissants and 3 different saucisson along with fresh salad and fruit. It is always good to have a local market close by.

Time passes so quickly when you are enjoying yourselves and departure day for James and Melissa was soon upon us. They flew home from La Rochelle.

We had a couple more days at the site and then we began our journey back to the UK.
Our first night we stayed on a lovely site by a river and the following day we were on our way to Honfleur. We arrived around midday and found the large motorhome aire on the edge of town. We were lucky and managed to find a place to park, there were so many motorhomes. It was a very short walk into The Vieux Bassin (old harbour) area. The place was very busy as this was 14th July and that is Bastille Day.
We found a place to watch the festivities. Young sailors trying to reach the flag at the end of a greasy pole, then falling into the water from a great height.

It’s a lovely harbour lined with 16th to 18th century town houses. Restaurants, bars and small shops in lovely old streets.
The evening finished with a big firework display.

The next day we headed over the water to the Uk ready for a summer adventure.
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

Take care, Carol & Andy.