Loire and Brittany

Earlier in the year, we visited France. We went to the Lorie Valley, Guerande, Brittany and Normandy, all very pretty! We first camped on the Cher, a tributary of the Loire, at Chenonceaux near Tours. We then spent a couple of days in the Guerande region, and then a week in Concarneau on the Breton coast. Then a quick visit to Normandy and then home. The wine tastings were among our favourites, but we actually loved everything about it, and can't wait to go back someday.

Best start early: French aperitifs on the boat from Portsmouth

Needed fortification for the windy crossing

No decision is easy

Our first glimpse of Mont Saint-Michel

The coast reminded us of Ireland

First treats on firm ground

Little Alfa mingling with the locals

Chenonceau-Palace close to our camp site 

Alex Salmond fly-by

With classical music playing in the gardens, this is quite en experience

First galettes - nothing wrong with pancakes for lunch

Sunset a la PJs

Kelsey's favourite part of the palace was the kitchen

But the gardens were also alright, once the stomach was taken care of

Last shot before the rain

This is the actual Loire, with Amboise in the background

Finger food in Amboise

Young lady with roses

Middle-aged man with sunburn 

Treats at Clisson, a lovely village which hosted the metal festival Hell Fest during our visit

Our next camp site, by a lake

We missed our sailboat

Sailing made good

'Our' beach at Concarneau

French pensioners around us could not believe we were old enough to be married.

Kelsey's favourite place, the farmers' market

Richard's favourite drink, Breton cidre

Richard at his grumpy best

Bucolic scene

Did I say 'grumpy best'?

More beach

Narrow streets of Mont Saint-Michel

The twelve stars have a different place here

Mt. S-M dwarfed

And again

Time to sail home.