Developments at Super U

It's hard to realise that the fire at our Super U occurred in September 2022. There has been much talk and deliberation since, with one possible site rejected on conservation grounds. So back to the drawing board and the new store is now being constructed on the old site.

20th September 2025

Fencing marking out the plot of the new store.

16th November

The last demolition (for now)...

...and tearing up the old car park.

At last, an idea of how it will look, the new store will be nearer to the road to Longeville, the car park (covered by solar panels) where the present temporary store is.

March 2026. Next step, the big boys move in...

...drilling very deep for the foundations...

...and working in atrocious conditions.

April 2026 and we have a New York skyline...

...the building's structure taking form.

In all this access to the store has been a nightmare. I dread to think what it will be like in the summer!

More in a future post.

La Chaume & les Puits d'Enfer

 We still get around once all the tourists have gone home.

La Chaume is on the other side of the waterway to the port at Les Sables d'Olonne...

...and we love the 'trompe l'oeils' up by the church.

Looking back on Les Sables...

...where the single-handed round the world boat race (Vendée Globe) begins and ends every four years.

There were waves going over the sea defences, but that didn't stop some people.

Moving onto Les Puits d'Enfer, always spectacular when there are good waves...

...particularly when it's nearly sunset.

A short video to show the power of the sea.

Beach walks

Back to my daily walk routine, often on the beach of course.

This yacht was beached in a storm whilst we were away. Sadly the owner has since died and no-one is taking responsibility, so we have a new feature near the jetty.

The storms have eaten away a fair amount of sand.

Just look at the sand in the wind. Thankfully I had my back to it.

Another day and there's a lone surfer on 'our' beach.

Sadly not my photo but I wish I'd seen these wild boar having a paddle.

What a difference a day makes: rain over l'Île de Ré one day...

...and a clear horizon the next.

We've had some rough seas too...

...with waves breaking over the approach to the jetty.

Don't worry, I kept well away!

Lego, mobilhomes & a birthday

The number of Lego models I've made in the past with children & grandchildren, this is the first time I've had one of my own (and I loved it).

It's not just any model...

...but Concorde!

It certainly kept me quiet as the longer nights drew in.

Finished. Merci beaucoup, Matt!

Mid-October and there's activity at la Baie d'Aunis campsite.

A line of mobilhomes (a nicer term than static caravans in my opinion).

All that's left is the decking.

Mid-March and more activity, this time on les Mogettes roundabout...

...and it's all done by remote control.

Entry by La Paillote...

...a very tight squeeze.

We were lucky to be in La Tranche for Sacha's 11th birthday.

Cynthia had gone to town for the birthday boy.

It's time to blow out the candles, Sacha's cousin Gionny watching on.

I think the two Mamies have other plans!

Odds & ends to finish our UK visit

You know you like blog posts with an assortment of photos so here we go!

Firstly it looked like we were being attacked by aliens when I was walking down to Shipley to meet my mate Murray for a couple of drinks.

Our big mate Steve:  'It's Grim Up North' or 'Fresh from the North'. You choose!

Valley Parade, Bradford City FC's ground. Sacred to some, eh Matt?

Look what Philippe found! These cèpes (porcini) were enormous...

...now dried and ready for the winter. We even got a jar for us!

We were lucky enough to help Nadine's old uni mates Catherine & Adam celebrate their wedding.

Open your eyes, I said to Alfie...

...and he did!

The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, marking our farewell after visiting three countries of the British Isles.