Les Andelys on the river Seine
Shock! Horror! I’ve left my digital camera behind and I’m kicking myself: How can I possibly write a travelling blog without pictures? Is it worth doing at all, I wonder? Well, luckily 21st century technology has given us mobile phones with in-built cameras, some of them very good and, between Adonis and I, I think we have captured some beautiful images, even though my laptop is refusing to upload mine, just my luck!
Our beautiful overnight stop at Escalles, Pas de Calais
We decided against stopping at Wissant aire on Friday night, as we weren’t very impressed with some motorhomers’ parking on our last day of the Easter holidays, causing mayhem with the buses, as quite a few vans did not respect the buses parking lanes and the whole thing seemed overcrowded. So, instead, we opted to stop at the bus/motorhome car park in Escalles, just a little up the road from Wissant and it turned out to be much more pleasant. We were the only ones there till about 9 o’clock and we enjoyed a lovely evening walk up the hill of Mont d’Hubert, which commands stunning views of both, Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, with Wissant in between. I think we’ll probably make this our future overnight stop before our crossing back to England on the Eurotunnel, even though it has no facilities at all.
The magnificent view from Mont d’ Hubert over Cap Blanc Nez , Cap Gris Nez and Wissant
Stunning sunset on Mont d’Hubert
Yesterday morning, we did our usual shopping at Auchan in Boulogne-sur-Mer (J. 31 of A16), topped up with diesel and followed the motorway all the way to Beauvais (₤23), which meant we were there for just after 1 pm, including ½ hour coffee stop on the way.
View from car park & Motorhome aire at Beauvais with Cathedral in centre
We stayed at the free motorhome aire (N49º 25.455′ E002º 04.810′) with adjacent car park which overlooks the cathedral and with steps down into town. The view from these steps is quite impressive and this seems like a popular place for people to pose and take pictures of the town and cathedral below, as we did too.
Beauvais Cathedral
Front of Beauvais Cathedral
We had a quick look inside St Étienne church, where a wedding was about to take place, and then we carried on into town for a beer and a walk to the cathedral and the Galerie Nationale de la Tapisserie, which has the same stature as Gobelins and Aubusson and where you can see tapestries being made. Both places well worth a visit and free of charge. We also enjoyed a walk through the rose garden near St Étienne Church, even though is was raining at that point.
The impressive aisle inside Cathedral
This morning we followed the D927 straight south to Auvers-sur-Oise, where we stopped for about 90 minutes to enjoy la Irisiade or Iris/Flower Festival at the Château, which was absolutely lovely with some unusual and amazing flower arrangements all around the château’s gardens and we were particularly impressed with the school children’s efforts and the melon carvings and table-top flower dressings for special occasions: absolutely stunning!
The Chateau at Auvers-sur-Oise
The gardens at Chateau d ‘Auvers-sur-Oise
I must mention the horrible road leading to the campsite at Auvers-sur-Oise. We knew the campsite would be shut, but were hoping to park outside, which we did, but the road is in desperate need of repair and not one we would like to travel on again.
Artist at work on the flower festival/Irisiade. Painting on plastic
Children’s work for the Flower Festival
La Fleurbelle: A bin covered in flowers. I love this idea!
Stunning table flower arrangements
Amazing Melon Carvings
Street Art too!
After battling with the traffic to get out of town and through Pontoise, we had an easy drive to Les Andelys on the N14, D14 and D125, so we were here for 1.30 pm and lunch was a bit later than usual.
The lovely L’Ile des Trois Rois camping: Chateau Gaillar above our motorhome
L’Ile des Trois Rois camping is just as lovely as it’s always been and I always feel happy to be here. The staff are very nice, helpful and friendly and the views of Château Gaillard beautiful and almost surreal, especially at night when it’s lit. We have pitch No 14, as the receptionist recommended it for fishing and Adonis is very happy with his ‘swim’. Let’s hope he catches something…
our generous pitch No 14
I love to walk around this campsite and photograph the mobile homes’ gardens, as the owners seem to take great pride in adorning them with beautiful flower displays, tubs and sculptures. I could easily make this my home. We have booked for 3 days, but we might squeeze another one in if we can.
Chateau Gaillard and excercise area at l’Ile des Trois Rois Camping
Bridge over the river Seine at Les Andelys and l’Ile des Trois Rois Camping on left
Some elaborate garden display at l’Ile des Trois Rois Camping right by the River Seine
recycled boot!
