Sunday May 14, Bernardswiller, France


Farewell Germany
Hello France

I can’t remember when I started dreaming of travelling in France, but it has been many, many years ago, and today we have finally arrived….and if first impressions count it is everything I ever dreamed of.
We had a sunny departure from Germany, passing by the fields of “Spargel” (white asparagus) and strawberries which are grown in this area. We crossed the Rhine which is on the border and spotted a viewing platform over a lock where a large ship was passing through. Stopped to have a look and met a French couple, Dominic and Cecilia and had a great chat, they spoke very good English. They were so helpful and suggested a very scenic route through the Alsace to Obernai – which they know well as they live in this area. We were most grateful to have this “local knowledge”.
Dominic and Cecilia
The colours of France
As it is Mother’s Day in NZ Ian said he would take me out for lunch so on Dominic and Cecilia’s advice we headed for Ribeauville. As we found last year, coming into a new country always takes a while getting used to the different signage which causes a little bit of grief with the navigator!! As stores are all shut on Sundays we still have not got a good map of France which did cause a few issues, but we made it.
Spotted an Aire (the French equivalent to a Stellplatz, where Motorhomes can park overnight) right in town so parked there. Sadly, it started to rain so got the umbrellas up and set off. The wonderful characterful buildings lined the street into the centre, I just had to keep pinching myself that we were really in France. There were many eating places all with their menus displayed. Found one that looked nice and we could sit outside under a waterproof cover. Fun looking through the menu but managed okay and ended up with a really nice lunch.
Happy Mother's Day
Spotted these in a shop window...YUM
We then meandered north on the wine route, although think we got ourselves lost a few times. We passed through really beautiful villages then up into the hills through the vines with castles higher up in the hills.
Even though it is not far from Germany, the architecture is just so different, with a style all of its own. We decided to stop in a village on the outskirts of Obernai, which we have heard is a very beautiful town, and will explore tomorrow. I had found a winery in the French Passion list that offered free overnight camping, just what we needed. Surprisingly we did pop in and have a tasting and bought a bottle of local wine for the evening…very nice!
I walked into the village and wandered the streets, the age of the buildings still amazes me. It’s great to be in France!
The old town of Bernardswiller



Walking back to the van had a chat with Francois who was picking flowers from the roadside.

Comments

Chris and Peter said…
Arrived in France and already enjoyed quite a few nice things. Good! And you are coping quite well with the bikes too! Great! We are deciding where to go as we are having a holiday week end of May. And wil take the bikes this time, much more fun!
Rainie said…
I'm enjoying France as much as you !! So nice to be exploring with out too much pressure of time.
Scotland book uploaded last night and went with your recommendation and ordered the upgraded paper!, 40% discount
Meg Lipscombe said…
Hi Chris and Peter, well 4 days in France now and starting to "settle in". The weather has become so warm, so quickly, acclimatising to it!
The bikes are going well, learning using bike routes etc, but just loving the freedom it is giving us..Where do you think you might head for your holiday?
Meg Lipscombe said…
Hi Rainie, do hope you are as happy with the paper as I am. Well we are really getting a taste of summer now with temperatures in the high 20's but with no humidity it is very nice. Taking ages to do things like the supermarket shopping as having to try and learn what the words mean. Glad you are enjoying travelling with us.