Seltz
We had a free park picked out for today, but when we arrived three of the spots were occupied by cars. So in some haste John booked us into a camping car place a Sletz. Slets in on the French side of the boarder between France and Germany. The River Rhine being the boarder. The heat was intense and even though we were beside a lake swimming was prohibited. We could see a beach in the distance but it was part of a campsite, and by the time it was cool enough to go around and investigate, the camp site office was closed. We had to make do with a paddle/wash in the river.
We met an interesting couple called Ralph and Sylvia from Germany. Spent some time chatting to them. Turns out they lost their son at the age of 21, so we made a connection with them. They have been living on the road full time for 5 years. We exchanged emails and they said they would look us up when they come to ireland. We had a late start the following day and had a French pizza for brunch at the cafe at the entrance to the site.
Strasbourg.
We headed to a park just outside Strasbourg. Strange because it was on the German side but Strasbourg city was French. Apparently had changed hand a number of times over the years.
It was 10 or 15 min walk from the park to the tram (Green line D) which would take us straight into the centre of Strasbourg. We went early and had breakfast in town. John wanted to get an Orange sim card, so he brought a passport. Found an Orange shop but they didn’t do pay as you go so had to go to a Tobacco shop. Lorraine found a market and had a wander around. We visited the cathedral which was impressive but everything was very close to it, We then walked to the old town, built on the river and it was beautiful. The city was very busy. We went to the same cafe and ordered two drinks and watched the world go bay before getting the tram back. Different story this time. The police boarded the tram at the border and insisted on seeing ID. John had his passport but Lorraine had nothing. We got away with a warning this time. Later we had to do a journey on the tram just across the boarder to do some laundry. Same thing on return the police boarded the tram, but we had the passports this time but weren’t asked. A young lad at the laundry, spoke very good English and explained that they were after illegal immigrants. He also suggested our next stop.
Eguisheim
We arrived here about 11:00am and made some breakfast. We decided to wait until it cooled down to explore the town. John wanted to get the sim in the wifi going, but that was tricky. Worked in the phone but not in the router??? The internet wasn’t to bad so update the blog. Weather still warmish about 28Degrees but rain forecast for tomorrow. The reviews said this sparkup was expensive 23 euro/24 hours, but the town was lovely. Electric was included but of course it wasn’t working. (The Germans wouldn’t get that wrong) there was a man out checking tickets and testing the electric supply in Strasbourg.
We were out sitting under the sunshade when six or so RV’s pulled up. The were all together, Chinese. Doing a road trip china to Europe and back over six months. Had an interesting few conversations with google translate, brilliant.
When it cooled down we went for a walk through the town, some really quaint houses. I think it was a wine making town. Great atmosphere. We sat in a square beside a fountain and watched the storks on near by roofs. Counted around 10.
Chevillion-sur-Huillard
This was a free Parkup behind a Church, apart from the bell ringing every hour or so and a cockerel making its presence felt, it was a quiet night. When we woke the following morning there were three van is the carpark
We were able to try our new chairs, which I have to admit are a game changer, very comfortable and possible to have a wee sleep in.
Veigne
Tonights park was a Camping car aire, so I was able to book it and be sure to get a spot. We had a long drive today and stoped at a carpark adjacent to McDonald for breakfast. Actually its a while since we had breakfast they were becoming more of a brunch these days. Lovely wee place and we found a pitch in the corner under the shade of a tree. What’s that noise, sounds remarkably like the mating call of the frog. Indeed it was coming from the field beside us. Turns out there is a nice wee municipal outdoor pool right beside us. 2 euro each. Now an outdoor pool in Europe is a far cry from an outdoor pool back home. It was not that big but very refreshing. We thought we might like to stay here another night, it was a very relaxing place and in view of the several day driving was a welcome change.
Bardeaux
The Aire was on the outskirts of Bordeaux, we arrived on a Sunday so things were quiet. No problems getting the barrier open. Went for a walk to the lake in the evening. Monday was Bastille day. We had decided to get ready early and head into Bordeaux. The office was open and we bought a 24hour transport pass. The guy in the office spoke great English and gave us some go pointers and directions. We had to walk 600mts to the bus stop then take the 29 bus to the terminus. We then go an A tram to Bordeaux. Unfortunately the transport was on a holiday schedule, so a bit harder and more time consuming.
All went well and we arrived at Bordeaux. Initially we were both very disappointed. The place was run down and just not nice. But as we moved towards the more tourist places it picked up considerably. Bastille day was probably not the best time to visit as many places were closed for the holiday. We noticed a parade square getting ready for something later that night, but unfortunately we couldn’t stay for it.
We got up on Tuesday morning, did our services and were on our way to the next park. Not a long drive.
Bardeaux
Blaye
It was a short drive to Blaye and we had two Aires to pick from. We opted for the Chateau Marquis de Vauban. It is a well known Vineyard with parking amount the vines. The girl at reception told us there was a wine tasting at 17:30hrs. It was very good and well attended buy the various vans. There seemed to be a split between English and French. We had read yesterday that Bardeaux was once English and the guys story tonight explained why. Something to do with a queen getting married a second time and giving it to her husband who became king.
We didn’t realise this was the same vineyard that Jim & Geraldine visited as well. We took Jims recommendation and walked into town to Le Petit Port restaurant for tea. John had steak and Lorraine duck. On the way home we bumped into a couple who we recognised from the tasting earlier. Turns out they were Dutch, with very good English.
