Thursday July 6, Fontet

Our overnight view

As often happens, we have ended up at a completely different destination to where we thought we were going when we left this morning. We were out near the west coast and were looking forward to spending time on the Atlantic and Ian in particular had seen a very nice harbour to the North which looked very promising. We headed off anticipating pottering around some fishing ports and sitting beside the coast. But we soon realised that was not going to be possible.

The road north up the coast towards Arcachon followed the coast, but there were sand dunes beside the roads that blocked any views of the ocean and the only parking areas had height restrictions that only allowed cars to park. We were feeling very unloved! We soon realised that we are now getting into holiday season as there were so many tourists around. The towns were really very modern beach side resorts, not at all where we wanted to be. Had found an Aire in Arcachon so thought we would park there for lunch and go for a walk around the harbour, but we took one look at it and with rubbish bins overflowing and some dubious looking people there we very soon drove on. This was a really busy area and not a place we wanted to be.

Drive by shot - still can't believe all these amazing house we pass.

Round-a-bouts are often amazing landscape designs.
Loved this one with its tree shape of flowersl 
Wonder how they keep it watered.

We were starting to rethink, so found a place where we could stop, and over lunch we came to the conclusion that we really didn’t want to be in this area and decided to head east again. Bonnie and Cliff, the New Zealander’s we met earlier had mentioned a great Aire at Fontet on the Canal du Garonne just out of Bordeaux. Put the co-ordinates into Jilly and set off and before long we were back in the real France again, smaller villages, wonderful old buildings and an air of tranuility.

Had a slight hiccup when the road was closed and we ended up travelling along much smaller roads in the heart of the French countryside. Lots of fields of sunflowers and maize and barley being harvested. It was a really nice drive. A very pleasant Aire beside a tranquil marina and for €10 a night we have a great spot under some trees and electricity is included. It will bliss tonight to be able to sleep with the aircon on!

And next to us, Jill and Paul, another English couple who have just spent 3 days here, enjoying riding along the canal in both directions. Had a very enjoyable evening sitting outside in very balmy air, chatting with Jill and Paul. It was 10.30 before we headed inside, it was just getting dark.

Tranquility at the marina.