Only about 36 miles to drive today to our next stop, a return visit to Charleville Mezieres which we visited in 2012. Easy drive as usual although there was a bit of city driving as we got nearer to the aire. Satnav guided us accurately of course and we were soon parked up. The aire is overlooking the marina which once again was completely devoid of any boats!
I took Lucy to stretch her legs then we walked over the footbridge to town. We were heading for the main square which is very impressive. Lynda wanted to buy some tea towels of all things as she only brought two with us and headed for the tourist information office hoping, for some reason, that they might sell them. All she bought was a CM t shirt for me (11 euros) and a plastic placemat showing views of the town.
We had had a look round the square and were getting a bit peckish. Lynda suggested we get lunch out today so we chose a busy looking restaurant and found a table for two. We were lucky to get a table it seems as just a few minutes later there were people queing. We both ordered the hamburger maison with frites and salade, followed by creme brule. Quite polite service but there didn't seem to be any English spoken, they were all rushing about quite a bit trying to serve the customers. Really enjoyed our home made burgers etc. We had a two course meal each plus I had two beers, Lynda had a Pepsi and a glass of rose wine and the bill came to 42.10 euros which was okay I suppose.
Back on site we got the chairs out and sat at the back of the van. Its not just very sunny today but actually hot. We said hello to the pleasant, English speaking, Dutch couple one side of us. We spent a couple of hours chatting to our other neighbours Roger and Jill from Herefordshire (was it Leadbury??).
Its always nice to chat to other Brit motorhomers on our travels and hear about what they have been up to, where they are going etc. An added bonus was I got to sample a glass of Roger's red wine - cheers Roger!
Last time we were here I vaguely remember a local Frenchman who walks down the aire every day to chat to the visitors. We said hello to him again today and told him we might see him again tomorrow.
When the started to fade it was getting chilly so we retreated to inside the van for the evening. Bread a cheese for tea, what surprise.
The aire is full up now and there have been a couple of hopefuls arriving aiming to get a space. Several of them ended up in the pleasant looking campsite just the other side of the fence.
Couple of en route photos first:
Lynda likes to think she is good at taking these photos.
Didn't expect that in France - a show of Morgan (British!) sports cars.
Our lunch, burger and chips, very nice.
Come on Lynda, eat up - plenty left.
My CM t shirt.
Thats the campsite next to the aire. Closes on 1st October apparently.
Marina empty again.
Our neighbours Roger and Jill. If you two are reading this send a comment and let us know what you are up to.
29th September.
What a difference a day makes. I took Lucy out while Lynda finished her fourth (!) cup of tea in bed. The sky is very grey today and we weren't surprised to hear the sound of rain on the van roof. We have done very well for weather on this trip so we can't complain about the odd shower altough as I type this at midday its still raining. We were brave and walked into town for another look round. This being monday most of the shops are closed so in the end we just went to the bakers for 'proper' pain au raisen and to the Carrefour supermarket for a few supplies and goodies.
On our way back to the aire we called in at the campsite office to ask about wifi. Last time we were here Lynda tells me we paid a couple of euros and used the wifi in the lounge area provided on the campsite. This time alas the young man insisted that wifi was only for those staying on the site.
What a difference, CM on a damp and drizzly day.
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