Monday 28 August 2017

Travelling South

Thursday saw us set off on our long awaited and much needed holiday to the South of France. Slightly different car loading as unfortunately my wheelchair is with us too.

As always Brittany Ferries were superb, making sure we were on a wide isle and near the lift when we boarded Mont St Michel. It was our first time on this particular ship, a little different to the Normandie as the bunk beds in our cabin were hidden in the ceiling !!

Cocktails on board Mont St Michel
After a smooth crossing, a good night's rest in the Ibis at Ouistreham along with an equally good breakfast we set off south.

As I've mentioned in previous posts we don't zoom down the motorways in one blast but use both autoroutes and Nationale roads seeing more if France as we go. Our meander included a lovely picnic on the banks of the River Cher in the Loire Valley.

Picnic in the Loire 
Our overnight stop was at Montluçon, we used this stop last year and being so impressed with the restaurant we stayed again. Not the restaurant at the Ibis hotel but at the service station next door - I wish they were all like this! We're staying here again on our way home.
Starters and wine - four courses including wine and coffee
14.20 euro
Saturday was mainly motorway and I'm pleased to say we headed in the right direction: not because of route confusion, but conjestion. It was the end of the french holidays and everyone was travelling north, such queues!


This part of our journey took us over the stunning Millau Viaduct and past the magnificent rocks in the Tarn.
Millau Viaduct
Taken from the car as we approached - stunning

Amazing rock formations
Being as we arrived a little early for our hotel we did the only natural thing to do .... visit a vinyard! Domaine les Yeuses Syrah Les Espices is a wine we enjoy from Majestic, the domaine is just a few miles from our hotel so we called by, part took in a degustation and of course purchased a few for home.


Love this artwork

Avenue of olives leading to the domaine

Very popular brand here - in all
the restauarants
Our hotel is lovely, set back from the road with just 5 bedroom it is a typical french house. A fabulous staircase which I am proud to say I am managing although slowly, great terrace for breakfast and most importantly a superb room.

Our beautiful room

Les Palmiers
We have five days here in which to enjoy the 30+ temperatures, the strange glowing thing in the sky, the fresh oysters and mussels grown here and the local wine which includes my favourite, Picpoul de Pinet. Holidaying is quite a challenge but so far we're doing it with style!

Etang de Thau

1 comment:

Julie said...

It looks beautiful Clare, enjoy!
xx