Île de Ré: Last day (Ars-en-Ré)

As I wrote on my Facebook post, stop sniggering at the back!
Car all packed (including bikes securely mounted) so our last day is spent touring on four wheels rather than two.

Leaving the campsite they’ve had a huge delivery of bikes to hire. That will take some organisation.

First stop: Ars-en-Ré and a walk up the water channel towards the sea…

…but we weren’t alone. This heron was concentrating on his takeaway lunch…

…but the butterfly was happy to be photographed.

A short walk to the town centre and l’Église-Saint-Étienne’s highly original black & white steeple…

…and a look at other interesting architecture. La Tour de Sénéchal restaurant…

…named after this nearby beautiful turret.

Île de Ré: Bicycle adventures (2)

Continuing our cycling trek, next stop La Flotte

This is the bar where we had a drink with good friends Sue & Paul and Gina & Ian a couple of years ago. They’re dying to come back. Fingers crossed it won’t be too long from now.

We didn’t know La Flotte before our last visit...

 

...but it’s definitely on our itinerary now.

Cycling on to La Couarde-sur-Mer...

...we were very impressed by its atmosphere. Another place to revisit.

Not far away was Loix. If you zoom on this photo you can make out the bridge from La Rochelle to the island between the two trees.

This building caught our eye: le Fort du Grouin, a building (now privately owned) which replaced an 18th century defense fort

A short walk round the headland, evidence of fishing activity (we think oysters)

Île de Ré: Bicycle adventures (1)

And yes, for all you purists out there it IS an electric bike, perfect for this comparative novice!

Not only showing where we set off from but also giving the Starfish a bit of publicity with my t-shirt!

Arriving at our first destination, Saint-Martin-de-Ré with its beautiful old gateways

I took this photo for my sister Kate who loves learning odd French words & expressions

Although low tide there’s always plenty of water behind the locks

The archway in the central background is Monique’s cousins’ crêperie where we ate with our Bingley friends a couple of years ago

A look back over the old town with its church ruins watching over

The lovingly restored Ernest Cognacq Museum

Back on our bikes, but we spot a windmill in the distance. We couldn’t resist stopping.

It’s the Moulin de Bellerre, built before 1627...

... and the only windmill on the island with sails.

It finished working in 1922 and is now a private residence

Île de Ré: Le Bois-Plage

Recommended by Matt, Cynthia & Sacha after their recent visit we decided to take a short break on our local island, l’Île de Ré, less than an hour and a half from La Tranche.

Arrived in Le Bois-Plage and here we are exploring the local beach...

...not before an après-picnic coffee in the beach-bar though.

It was a little bit windy (it’s the full Atlantic on this side of the island) so a paddle had to do...

...but just look at the colour of the sea!

We explored a little further, along dune-friendly pathways...

...and this beautiful tree.

Wandering a little later we found ever-present emblematic hollyhocks that didn’t disappoint...

...and this beautiful building, which I am assured is on Flirting Alley (I didn’t stay long enough to find out).

Catch up time in La Tranche

Yes, another odds & ends post.

Red poppies are everywhere, and we love them!

We came back from ‘Er’s with basil seeds, and less than a week later we are very hopeful

‘Er also suggested we try planting garlic cloves directly into soil: again look, less than a week later

Someone’s been busy finding a summer wardrobe...

...good choices, I’m sure you’ll agree.

On the other hand a selfie in the hammock in this hot weather also tells a story...

...as does Sacha in an empty Camping Baie d’Aunis swimming pool...

...or Papy with his Pastis in ours!

No Nad & Phil so we have to make do with Matt (drinks arrived shortly afterwards).

With 2000 steps more to do for my Fitbit challenge I fought off the thousands of midgies to bring you this beautiful photo. Can you see the new moon crescent?

A couple of days in Morbihan (3): Vannes, part two

We were very impressed by the ramparts: I don't know how we've missed them in the past!

Some sections date back to the Roman era

Impressive formal gardens...

...and a beautiful wash-house (‘lavoir’)...

...complete with a masked worker.

Back to the ramparts

Sorry, I can’t remember the significance of this giant chair...

...but this statue is dedicated to St Emilion who was born in Vannes, but now probably better known for the town to the east of Bordeaux and its wonderful wine.

The small harbour is how I remembered it...

...but I don’t remember a very tame cormorant...

...but I’m sure beer was consumed on previous occasions!