I am Linda and along with my husband Richard and our dog Oreo we enjoy our summers on the UK's canal system

Saturday 11 June 2016

France 2016 - Days 1 & 2

Thursday

Up at 5.45am and ready to leave by 6.30am.  A short hop to Portsmouth ferry port and then, after a not too long a wait, onto the ferry.  We had a very good crossing and before we knew where we were we were in Caen, or rather Ouisteram.  We went back to the car but then disaster struck!  As we drove off the ship I was just commenting on the lack of headroom when suddenly Richard leapt out of the car shouting!  The crew were only lowering the top deck on top of us!!!  It stopped but I couldn't get out of the car - terrified of what I would find.  I imagined a squashed caravan but thank goodness it was only a small bit of damage but enough, we feel, that the insurance company might write off the caravan as to mend that the side and roof will have to come off (again we think). The Captain came down and assured us that Brittany Ferries will pay for the damage but that's not the point!  It could have been so much worse so I'll stop moaning now!


The journey to Le Mans was uneventful (thank goodness).  I was terrified that something else would go wrong as we had already had our Wednesday night ferry crossing cancelled due to industrial action in Le Havre.  

Our site, Le Chateau de Chanteloup is lovely and we were soon sitting outside on our loungers looking at the chateau.



Friday

I slept really well and we didn't wake up till about 8.30am. A leisurely morning and then into Le Mans old town dates dates back to the Plantagenets.  We had lunch overlooking the market and then had a wander around, down to the river and then we were able to see the lovely old walls and houses.  I counted 105 steps to get back to the old town from the river.






The Cathederal de St. Julien wasn't as dark as some French cathedrals and had a lovely red stained glass windows but sadly the photos didn't come out. The organ was amazing.  



It was then a trip to the Le Mans 24 Heures Museum which we found extremely interesting. It was full of cars which had taken part in the race since its inception in 1923.  Here are just a few examples.






Back to the caravan where we sat outside until the rain began and boy did it rain!

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