Homeward Bound

French Roads

When we are in another country we do try to "go native"as much as we can. But given the length of journey in front of us we decided to go for the "full English" option offered by our host. Having looked at the B&B details that we had downloaded prior to  the trip, it seemed there was no extra cost for this service..... Wrong! Having consumed said breakfast and paying the bill it seemed that an extra 24 Euro was now required. The first time we thought we'd been had during our trip, and it took another Brit to do it. But as true Brits ourselves we didn't make a fuss and paid up and went on our way. But that particular B&B will not be getting any recommendations from us......so there!

Having a navigation nightmare in Rouen last time we were over here we decided to make our way back to the tunnel via Caen, this would be a longer route, but we were in no real hurry and it had two big pluses, 1 we would get another go at the magnificent Pont de Normndie and 2 we wouldn't spend hours lost  and going round and round Rouen's one way system. I still have the vapors about the place, one day I'll go back and face my demons, but just not  today.

The first hour and a half or so of our journey was spent touring through the beautiful Normandy countryside. I've never seen so many dead straight, empty roads. It's like driving in England thirty years ago, but without your car breaking down every few miles obviously. Though we did wonder quite where Declan was taking us every now and then we stuck with him and just followed the road.

Pont de Normandie

Going up

 The Pont de Normandie is quite a sight, you can't help but be impressed. In fact one day I would like some-one else to drive me over so I can get a better look. It spans the Seine between Le Havre and Honfleur, and even on a murky day like this one was it looked great.

Apparently there's even a cycle and  foot path as well which I found surprising.


 It's a pretty steep climb up and over but I would pay good money for the experience, oh come to think of it I did.

The rest of the journey was pretty uneventful, just lots of well surfaced, uncrowded  motorways, just like England...Not. We did have one diversion off coarse, by taking a wrong exit but Declan came good and soon had us back on the rails.
We arrived at Calais with enough time to take in City Europe and all it's delights. So stocked up with wine beer and this evenings dinner we set off to find the terminal. This proved to be Declan's downfall, he was totally bewildered. So we had to turn him off and us the signage. What a come down. 
So I totally blame Declan for missing the VERY LARGE STOP sign and thus incurring the wrath of, I must say,over zealous gendarme. Ooops.

Well that was it. We are now home and stacked with information and dreams. The house has been on the market for a week and a half and we've had six viewings so far, not bad.
As soon as we get a buyer we will be back to France to view more places and if any of these are still available we will have a second look mat those.

Watch this space.