Kyriad Chartres

Tres bien...<br><br>Drove down from Dover and pulled in at the Relais Beaucoeron Hotel and restaurant which is actually an upmarket truck stop. 10E for the nigh unless you dine in and then camping is free.<br><br>What value...for the grand total of 13E pp we were treated to a three course meal ...

... from Jean Mi's extensive wine cellar to aid in the conversation and laughter. <br><br>After dinner we all played darts until midnight, then went to bed full and exhausted and content. In the morning they gave us a large brunch with boiled eggs, more cheese, more breakfast breads and croissants. More chatting about the ways of life in our different worlds and sharing of photos. which Sylvie appreciated and commented ...

... suggestions).<br><br>Getting used to our GPS we discovered that at first we weren't that smart, and ended up turning off at the wrong exits several times. This required a bit of extra driving but eventually we arrived in Chartres, with its grand gothic Cathedral. We found a park by the river, locked up our luggage and then strolled through the quiet village streets. The locals were out strolling, walking their dogs or just standing and talking with their neighbours. Life seemed ...

... sign. Jack was driving behind a people carrier so he didn't see the signs but the car in front had gone down a road other cars aren't allowed down so the security bollard was down for him &amp; when we went over it it came back up onto our engine. After a whole lot of fuss &amp; commotion (passers by called the police!) the car was towed to a nearby garage. We've since ...

Once again I was away by 07:30 in a heavy fog that caused me to be grateful for the excellent lights on my bicycle. I shunned the scenic route - nothing to see! - and took a direct route that left the GPS totally confused as it tracked my progress across a completely blank screen: a new road had opened recently so was unknown to the software. But I trusted my map and guidance from a young man waiting at a bus stop and pushed on, with a brand new motorway to my right. (Drivers of ...

I rode out of Rouen along my own route to Louviers, in defiance of the GPS . The morning was cool and grey and leaving at 07.30 meant traffic was light going out of the city, but grew increasingly heavy as those less fortunate than me made their way into work. Once through Louviers I picked up a route following the River Eure that must be one of the most beautiful in France. By now the sun was shining and the sky a brilliant blue. For yet ...

... 10,875 square meters Height of south-west tower: 105 meters Height of north-west tower: 113 meters. 176 stained-glass windows We had a look around the town, and had lunch, and i had escargots for lunch. On the way there i we stopped so i could post my postcards so i had to test out my french as the lady spoke no english. so i hope they arrive ok.

... the elevators of Tour Eiffel and are hoping to climb Notre Dame as we get back in shape this week (taller than anything else we climbed 4 months ago). Anyway, we had a great Parisian morning splitting a baguette down the Camps Elysees. Jude got lost once, but I found him at the McDonalds. Just kidding, but we did think of Dad (and I kept my eyes open for any store that might sell chocolate, ice cream, and penguins so that I'd ...

Or final morning at the Chateau. We were the only ones there as it is the end of the month and people are heading home. The Comte told us a bit about himself. He and his wife moved back to the family birthplace in 2000 and restored the Chateau. They are basically there for seven months out of the year and then go on vacation for five months. He has livd previously in Chicago. His ...

... At first they were really nice and helpful, but by the time we got to the kings rooms, they were just too long per room. My favorite part of Versailles was the gardens. They're huge with a new fountain or statue behind every corner, and I didn't even see half of the gardens. For lunch Nessa and I sat at the bottom of the stairs and just relaxed and enjoyed the sun and breeze. Oh the statues, I absolutely loved the statues. They were so detailed and each one so ...