Bordeaux

A beautiful sunrise this morning. Yes, we were up early enough to see it. The palm trees silhouettes against the rays of the slowly rising sun.

The vines lost in the glare. Today we were off to Bordeaux to Camping du Lac. Yes, a proper campsite! Bordeaux has no aire for the vans and it is certainly not a sutable place to leave Marge parked up whilst we go off exploring. Right team Hampton let's go. First shopping. Aldi was just a few minutes drive away. Perfect. We were able to buy some fresh produce to top us up for the next few days. 

The drive to Bordeaux took us through wine country. Vines stretched as far as the eye could see like a regiment of soldiers. Soon though we were thrown into the fast lane finding ourselves on the ring road around Bordeaux. Speed up Marge, the lorry drivers will not be happy if you dawdle. Just before noon we arrived at the campsite. Forty euros paid for a two night stay we found our pitch. Luxury, a large area under the trees, electricity, our own personal water tap. This was the first time we'd paid for an overnight stay since we left home. So you could say each night has cost us two euros. Bargain! We were more than happy to pay. We like Bordeaux and have stayed at this site three times before whilst cycle camping. It is close to the centre of the city by bike and Marge is safe here, so we're all happy.

 We have a view of one of the lakes. Our neighbours are mostly German. The couple next to us have a huge van.

The man opened the door of his garage (the cupboard that runs under the back of the van) and low and behold we could see his washing machine running. Don't look Marge. We haven't the room. Tomorrow though we will make use of the laundry facilities on the site. Heaven. a day off from hand washing. 

As we prepared to go out a French couple couldn't decide where to park their van. Should they drive in to the space or reverse. Hey, watch out you nearly hit Marge! They didn't like their pitch so wandered around looking at all the others. John changing in to his cycling clothes said, 'If I stand here naked singing the "Hokey Cokey" (a song our grandson Elliot has taught him) do you think it'll frighten them away'. Frighten them, more likely traumatise them! Thanks Marge. It worked they moved a little further behind us. 

It took us a thirty minutes to cycle in to the heart of the city along a well marked cycle route. As we passed by the pine trees we could see many tents pitched. This is a common sight in French cities so it did not surprise us. Later we noticed there were quite a lot of Syrians around begging.

Down by the river Gironde we saw the river cruise ships moored up. One of them was the Viking cruise boat we'd seen yesterday at Blaye.

We cycled along the river front and then into the town in search of cake. Two large slabs of chocolate cakes purchased we sat in a square in the afternoon sunshine. The area was busy. We love Bordeaux. Its architecture, people, river, art, history and at that moment cake.

A few pigeons shuffled around our feet hoping for a few crumbs. You must be joking! Exploring the narrow streets we found ourselves outside the cathedral.

 

An imposing gothic edifice. Beautiful. We both went inside, separately not wanting to leave our bicycles unattended even with the lock on. The majestic grandeur of the interior dominated by a huge pipe organ was beautiful. 

Just as we left the cathedral a few drops of rain began to fall. Angela was glad she'd had the foresight to pack our waterproof trousers. Quick, let's return to Marge. The cold stinging rain was unpleasant. We couldn't believe four days ago we were wearing shorts and T-shirts. But hey, we are on our holidays and as far as the weather goes you have to go with it. Fortunately the rain began to ease. The tyres of our bicycles cut a path through the rivers of primrose yellow pollen that fell onto the wet path from the flowering pine trees that overhung. 

Back at the campsite we could hear the call of the bull frogs in the nearby lake. We know we'll be able to hear them through the night. I hope not. Tell them we'll eat their legs. Be kind Marge.