Roady's Roamings

The weather was not looking good for a cycle to St Malo. So we moved to Dinan. The aire under the bridge is very expensive up to 7 pm then it seem to be free. The charges for the parking is rather complex, €0.50 for 30 minutes for the first 2 hours and then €0.80 for 30 mins thereafter. We stopped at the free aire in Lanvalley,  this a 11 minutes cycle ride to the old centre of Dinan. The town itself is very charming with many medieval building and streets, with the accompanying bars and restaurants and many small shops. The weather broke and we had a wet cycle back to the van.

We cycled to Cancale today, a 27 km round trip. The port at Cancale is famous for it Oyster farming. So we had to try them. 12 oysters for €6 ready shucked with half a lemon. Delicious. The return trip was via Point de Grouin. A view point but not that exciting.

Our first real campsite in France this trip. It's also a fortnight since we left home so quite a bit of washing to do but with the big washing and drying machines on these sites it only takes an hour. The site is very near the beach so a wander along that filled in the wait. Rain due this evening, so planning for the next few days this evening.

Arrived at the aire at noon. Near the centre of Beauvoir a small town south of the Mont. Lunch and a cycle recce. We are an mains hookup for the first time in a fortnight so it's haircut time for us the evening. Good day. Cycled to the cycle park and walked across the cuseway to the Mont. Very impressive. A lot of tourists and a few tat shops but enjoyable. Back to the aire via the local restaurant for Moules sauce Camembert and a couple of glasses of wine.

Better than we expected it to be. It has the Caen ferry terminal, but it does not spoil the area unlike Dover et al. There are only 3 crossings per day so obviously not as busy. A cycle along the coast was quite surprising. There are a lot of large beach front houses, some look like small Chateaux and others half timbered with a few modern houses. Mont Saint Michelle tomorrow.

Set off from Ètretat after breakfast and headed for Honfleur. We are stopping at the aire next to the harbour. Honfleur is well worth a visit. Beautiful harbour and a wealth of small shops selling local produce. Cafés and bars everywhere especial around the old harbour.

Aire just outside of Ètretat. Glorious sunshine.  Off for a recce on the bikes. This aire is limited to 24 hours so we need to move on tomorrow. Back from the recce. Lovely small town and stoney beach. Loads of bars and restaurants. Very picturesque views of cliffs.

Cycled into town via the lighthouse. Market day I  the old town centre, very interesting.  We found a return cycle route that took us road the estuary by the marina. Good weather. Showers in the van and off to Etretat tomorrow.

A quick cycle around the town to get the lay of the land.

First stop in France.

At Canterbury New Dover Road park and ride. £3 for the night. Free water, waste disposal, grey water and CDP. The parking includes the bus into Canterbury. Dover ferry tomorrow.

On our way south to Dover via Bell Brook Farm and Canterbury Park and ride. Foggy morning at Bell Brook Farm, an interesting little C&CC CS. Grass with EHU   if required. Water and CDP. Handy for the M40. £10 pn. £2 EHU.