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Wednesday we set off to Mont saint Michel on the coast, a trip of 70 miles, the roads were mostly deserted, very straight and clear, so we made good time. The awesome sight of the monastery appeared on the horizon like a magical fortress, exceeding our expectations. Parking was very organised, within a short walk, and then after a short wait with other tourist of all nationalities, into the grand entrance and finally into the main building. Map in hand we took in the magnificent cavernous hallways until reaching the atmospheric cloisters at the top. The view was amazing, the sun came out highlighting the golden archangel, the latest addition on top of the spire. We meandered through the crowded narrow street at the base of the monastery, found a typical French Creperie and sat looking out at the endless view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Onto St. Malo a short journey along the coast, parking up on the harbour front. The city is enclosed within the castle walls, we walked along the deserted beach and soaked up the sun. The city is quite large and bustling, on spotting a Guinness sign we were soon enjoying a thirst quenching traditional pint or two.
After a bit of retail therapy we checked out the restaurants, all of which display their menus outside relieving the need to decide after you've sat down. Another gastronomic experience….delightful!
At dusk we left St. Malo to return along the coast to re-visit Mont St. Michel which was now floodlit and could be seen for many miles as we journeyed back home.
Thursday...weather still wet we decided to travel south in search of some sun. Heading for Le Mans, we encountered some fierce storms but arrived in the city centre in sunshine. Parking in the underground car park we headed for the tourist information, obtained a walking tour map of old Le Mans, featuring yet another magnificent place of worship...the French are certainly true to their religion. Unusual for us we had lunch under the golden arches...McDonalds is the same all over the world.
On the road again, through another storm, arriving late afternoon in Samur on the Loire Valley. We caught the last tourist train around the city taking in the sites of the castle, River Loire and many visitor attractions….to explore later. Once off the train we walked up to the castle which sits proudly overlooking the Loire Valley. Another restaurant to sample, I was tempted to the snails, which were memorable….Lyne had pate au championion, mushroom pate...a local delicacy..followed by veal. The meal held us in good stead for a relaxing contented drive home, along a deserted highway yet again, England was a thousand miles away from our thoughts.
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