25 July – A lovely drive out of the Bordeaux region to La Rochelle thru vineyards and farmland, mainly wheat and sunflowers. We found the “Aires” in La Rochelle but it was full. We had lunch, and eventually someone left and we got a site. It was just a short cycle into the old town and port. The harbour is guarded by 3 towers. As it was Sunday the streets were closed and there were many stalls mainly selling art, cafes and entertainment. Lots of people just milling around. We had a great wander around the harbour (many yachts) and the old town.

26 July – We drove about 150kms NE to the coastal area of Ile de Noirmoutier, which is an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. 150 kms does not seem far but as you slow down to 50 kmph for every town, about 3kms apart, it can take some time. The choice was either to just enjoy the towns and scenery or pay to travel on a toll road. The “Aires” we planned to stay at was closed so we ended up in a camp (expensive with sandy sloping sites) but there was a nice beach and I had a swim. The water was surprisingly warm. The air temperature is now much cooler, especially at night.

27 July – We drove into Brittany along some free motorways. What a difference. We drove 260kms in the same time as yesterdays 150kms. We stop for lunch at Vannes, easily finding a park. We off loaded the bikes and found the centre of the old town just around the corner. Amazing buildings, many made of huge wooden beams with plaster fill, some at very strange angles and slopes.
Travelled on to our planned “Aires” at Concarneau. We walked to the beach and had a swim and sunbathe. Later we rode our bikes along a path to the port and the town. At the end of the path we found the sign to say that it was for “pedestrians only”.
We sat at a bar and while the sun set, had wine and cheese, and watched the little ferry going back and forward to the old town. This town is on an island.

28 July – Back on motorways to Brest. This is where the Germans had the submarine pens during the war. Fascinating. The city was 80% destroyed during the war and has been rebuilt. A bit boring now.
We drove north to the coast and stayed a lovely “Aires” in a field, very near several beaches, at Portsall. This is a French holiday area with many beautiful homes and holiday baches. One of the main industries here is harvesting seaweed.
They seem to have huge tides as the whole harbour and beaches completely dry out.

29 July – We have decided to stay an extra day here as it is so nice. We walked down to a beach where we sat and had a read. The clouds eventually cleared but the tide was too far out for a swim. We biked to the village for bread at lunch time but all the shops were closed for 2 hours, including the supermarket. (we keep forgetting French hours of business) Back down to the same beach for the afternoon. The tide came in and we had a good swim. We cycled back to the village for dinner. We chose a restaurant overlooking the harbour. What a view! The meal was great. They do a menu for a fixed price at most restaurants. For 17 euro I had a scallop salad (entrée), a great (unknown) fish dish (main), and a tarte aux pomme. (dessert). Really great value!

30 July – A cloudy day. After a shop, we drove thru to a cheap camp near Roscoff. We had a great ride (10kms) thru the lovely villages and around some nice coastal estuaries and beaches.
Some random observations!!
1) Don’t throw away your cork screw wine openers – not a screw top in site here. We are into our second corkscrew!
2) If you are going to a wedding, you tie ribbon and lace around your car radio aerial until it blows or rots away.
3) Most campervans have a huge storage area (garage) under a double bed at the rear. - big enough for bikes and even a motor scooter.
4) Truckies all stop at a café or bar for lunch, parking in any available space.
5) You can park your car anywhere. Best place seems to be over a pedestrian crossing or double parked in a narrow street. “No Parking” lines are particularly popular.
6) Other drivers seem to have infinite patients for this practice.
7) There are more café/bars/restaurants then any other businesses.

31 July – We woke to rain/drizzle which continued until lunchtime. Probably the worst weather we have had so far. Our blood must have really thinned in the south as we now feel cold when it drops below 20 degrees. We had better harden up before we go to Scotland! We are in an “Aires” (with about 30 others) on a nice beach. We went for a great walk along the cliff tops. When we returned to “Lefty” a Boules (petanque) tournament was underway in front of the “Aires”. We watched for a couple of hours. Gosh they are good!! Everyone plays here. A great game as it only requires a dusty gravelled area.

1 August – We drove to St Malo where we had booked 4 nights in a camp, a good thing as the French seem to be taking their holidays and the camp is fully booked.
The day was cloudy again. We rode the 5kms to town. This is another beach/port with an old town surrounded by a wall. As it was Sunday the place was chocka. We will revisit here later when the crowds are less. The internet is playing up again. We had hoped to skype the kids but it is out of the question here.

2 August – In the morning we did domestic duties, laundry etc. The sun broke thru around lunchtime so we headed to the pool and spent a couple of hours in the sun and swimming. This camp is set in the grounds of an old Chateau. We biked to a neighbouring village but it was a bit of a disappointment.