We had a nice campsite for our 2 day rest stopover . Managed to catch up on some shopping and had an interesting look at the old town centre . Was a major centre of confrontation/ war in the 1600’s when the Catholics were fighting the Huguenots ( Calvinist’s ? ) , think the Catholics won that one . The history of death and destruction within branches of Christianity over matters of doctrinal disagreement has a long and painful history , thankfully now we have stopped this sort of mayhem, we watch the Muslims still in full swing .

Did a little shopping for souvenirs, including my new French style tee

The highlight for me of our stay was the very pleasant evening we spent with Patrick and Maryse, a very kind French couple we first met somewhere on the trail on the Loire . That invited us to a “ French meal “ which was a real treat . Started with a lovely bottle of champagne and a succession of very delicious courses finishing with fine French cheeses. The meal was I suspect the norm for French eating , a slow unhurried eating style where the conversation and good company make for convivial company . We both enjoyed very much .

Patrick inviting us to meet him at the old market on the following morning and he gave us a great tour of the stalls . It’s where they normally secure all their food .

We left La Rochelle bright and early , after a patisserie & coffee stop and carefully negotiated a safe route out of La Rochelle and onto the road towards Rochefort, and then encountered a classic gondola bridge that crosses a large river , estuary . This is a very old structure that was built way back in the very early 1900’s . It was the only road link until the 1960’s . Basically a large platform that drives its cargo across the river . Apparently the only bridge of this type left in France , and it’s huge . Was built in the age of tall sailing ships that came up to the port of Rochefort

Finally camped night on night 29 at a campsite near Marennes .

Day 30 we cycled an incredibly stunning section of Atlantic coast with numerous beautiful groomed beaches a little like the Sydney Bondi beach coast . The brisk wind was at our backs and the kms wizzed by quickly .

Finally arrived at Royan , where a ferry service takes you across a 30 min crossing to Le Verdon sur Mer . Enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a restaurant before embarking the 2 pm crossing .

Camped at the Palace campground at Soulac sur – Mur . A light rain meant we pitched the fly shelter . Rained a little overnight .

Barb celebrating cracking the 1500 km mark in my wonderful birthday bash . Yes , Birthday bash . My unofficial celebration of my 70 th birthday happening soon . Bastille day to be precise .