Arcachon

I only remember coming here as an 8 or 9 year old on one of my family’s camping trips, I didn’t remember anything else other than a big beach. Well, after another three hour journey, down mostly motorways that are so less crowded than the UK’s, we dropped our stuff off at the charming little L’Ostrei hotel over a restaurant near the port and walked.

The town has huge beaches wrapped around from its Atlantic front to its Arachon Bay frontage, with calmer seas. Kath excited by swimming the latter. All manner of boats charge up & down the bay, creating a buzzing nautical feel complemented by a huge harbour. And near the harbour lie …. yep, fish restaurants. Ate in the local port bistro last night, superb, & booked into The Kraken (Kath’s choice) tonight.Before that we have to charge the car, swim loads, book the next hotel in the next town. I know, arduous.

Our last night’s sleep was awful, so hot. Despite our hopes to save the planet, we might turn on the air conditioning tonight. There have been weather warnings over the last two days, apparently the temperatures through western Europe are running up to 10 degrees higher than the norm. This has meant we have been enjoying late 20’s degrees, mostly with hazy blue skies. Fab. Had some rain & thunder the last three days, so not all paradise.

The next day’s morning is spent car charging – only 22 Kw/hr chargers available in this city & the one we used charges at only 6 or 7 Kw/hr. We used the opportunity to visit La Dune de Pilar, Europe’s biggest sand dune. And it is huge.

Dinner in Kraken, an aspiring Michelin-style restaurant, where the food was superb until the Gourmand dessert arrived, each element proving they need a dessert chef in their kitchen. Tried to use the bedroom’s air conditioning this time, but had to turn it off as it was leaking. In the morning the owner informed it was a brand new system, never been used before so thanks for telling him. Two bad sleep nights, then. And away …… to the Dordogne, as Chris wants to see what all the fuss is about, even though it’s heading north west.

Perigueux