Mon 28th
After 2 great weeks together we went our separate ways – C & L
heading for Verdun, we were Belgium bound as we were planning to be in Brussels
on Fri or Sat to stay with Tina’s cousin Ian. The weather had broken – cloudy
and a bit of rain. A good driving day. We parked up for the night at Nisramont
right by the Barrage D’Ourthe in the Ardennes region. Nice complex but it looked a bit unkempt. The
walk around the lake was a bit lacking in views of even the lake. Trees, trees
and even more trees.
Nisramont aire
BBQ - but too damp for us to use!
Tues 29th
Rain overnight so a bit of a damp start as we headed for Charville –
Meziere just over the border in France. Did I mention how appalling the Belgian
roads are? As bad as the Italian ones at least. Shame as the route through the
Ardennes into France was very picturesque passing through some lovely villages
on the river.
Once into France the
villages were greyer and a bit shabby. This was possibly to the large amount of
industry based on metal working. The
aire at Bogny Sur Meuse was rated as “beautiful setting” in the All the Aires
France guide book so we arrived to be rather disappointed. The aire was right
on the river –good. The views were okish of old tatty buildings on the valley
side opposite but the very noisy main road on the other bank and rumbling
factory unit directly behind us made us move on.
Next aire was 12km south in
Charville – mezieres. Good decision as it had a nice setting by a marina. We
got the last free slot beside a French van that had a large bird cage on the
dashboard with a lovely parrot inside. Different. We walked into the centre of town to find
that the very elegant Place Duval had been transformed into a summer beach area
of sorts. Lots of activities for the kids and adults.
the summer beach
huge marionette clock
Weds 30th
We introduced ourselves to the owners of the other Carthago on the
aire, owned by Norman & Marion a lovely pair of fellow Scots. Our trip felt
very tiny when they told us that they had sold up years ago and had been
fulltiming for 12 years!! I hope I have got the numbers correct. Their van was
much bigger than ours and contained all their worldly possessions. I liked the
compact twin tub washing machine stored in what was the gas cylinder locker.
After a cup of tea and a chat with them we waved goodbye and headed north into
Belgium. What a lovely couple who were a
pleasure to meet.
Charville aire
Norman & marion
First we stopped for lunch at Nismes to investigate this lovely little town. The recently developed gardens behind the town hall were amazing.
Nismes town hall
funky bridge
lovely landscaping
Our hour drive took us to the Lacs L’ eau D’heure a series of lakes created in the 70’s by hydropower. now offer a whole range of leisure activities from sailing
to golf. The aire was at lac de l’eau d’ heure the largest of the lakes with
the huge Plate Taille dam close by. Interesting to be in a really busy carpark
that emptied at night apart from the 17 motorhomes.
great cycle paths
aire in the distance
Lovely quiet night with sunshine to greet us. After brekkie we
cycled around the lakes on the excellent cycle path. The shade provided on some
of the paths was welcomed by Tina. They really have organized the lakes well with
watersports such as jetskiing and water skiing given their own lakes to use
which avoids the usual conflicts. The facilities at each lake are very good
with clubhouses and cafes. The main lake where we were also has on the northern
end a classy holiday village with modern eco friendly chalets. Definitely different
from Butlins. A very relaxing place with lots to do and see.
dare to be different?
No comments:
Post a Comment