So we've decided to move to the coast to try and find somewhere a little cooler. We stuck to our original route however and firstly had a look at Bergerac and its municipal site on the riverside. We didn't go in but it looked very nice so we’ll keep it in mind for a return trip.
Our next decision, of course, was which coast. Heading west we must eventually encounter Bordeaux and the Gironde, but do we go west or north? Taking a chance on it being quieter we went west onto the peninsular and after doing some research into possible places to stay, decided on Hourtin-Port, a waterside aire that seemed to offer what we were looking for.
Stopped for lunch at Branne, at a small riverside aire which would have been OK for an en-route stop but was not what we wanted.
Then the netbook gave up the ghost (too hot we think) and, horror of horrors, we had to use a map! We still had the Garmin satnav so programmed that to take us round Bordeaux, then up to Hourtin, carefully avoiding the weight-limited areas of which there were a few (we’re over 3.5 tonne). Using that and the “Aires” book we easily found the site, as had most of the population of France, Belgium, Germany and Holland it seemed! Fortunately it had been extended since it was last reported on and there were still some places left, though all the shady ones had been snaffled. Nevertheless we chose a nice spot with a bit of room to get the awning out and settled in.
Though the temperature was similar, there was a gentle sea breeze which made it much more pleasant, so we paid for 2 nights. We’ll investigate the area tomorrow.
As a footnote, we managed to get a TV satellite signal for the first time in ages and were delighted to witness, as it connected, William and Kate leaving hospital with their new baby.
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