Paul & Lauren’s Travels

In the town of Thiers we happened across Couterllerie Lane, the historical location of Coutellerie Lane, where the coutellerie still made here supplies 70% of the French market.  We found the Museum of Knifes were we were able to see the history and the Artisans at work.

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We were greatly looking forward to seeing the vineyards and tasting the wine of the Loire Valley.  Our favourite find was the “Domaine Du Closel, Chateau Des Vaults” in Anjou.  It was a beautiful place.  The Family dog took us on a V.I.P tour of the vineyard.  He even stopped at the gate and barked till we opened it.
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The Loire river curves its way through the Loire valley.  Chateau’s, houses and vineyards nestled around the Loire.  We found a camp site on the river. There was even a restaurant in walking distance (driving for us).

Paul enjoyed being behind the wheel of a car (although driving on the opposite side of the road was freaky).  I navigated our week’s tour around France (Paul was quite impressed).

It was lovely to be able to camp in the county.  To wake to the sound of rosters in the morning was a savored contrast to the city life.

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You’re not a king without a castle and France has no shortage of such lovely buildings, this one we found in the very scenic town of Saumur. This particular castle is one the oldest and best preserved medieval castles in France, or least that’s what the locals tell us, situated on the Loire river you could easily spend a week at a town like this.

On our way through the con try side, we discovered a farm which the owners have a section on their properity for camping.  It was beautiful and quiet with the exception of the cows.  After we woke up in the morning we decided to have our breakfast of Baguette and cheese by the pond.  The farm dog was friendly until he smelt the cheese.  He went wild for the stuff.  He tried to snach the cheese and Paul had to fend off the dog from me with my cane.  It was a bit touch and go but we made it (with out getting bitten).  He decided that a another pair of campers was more interesting.  But the view was lovely.

After a good hit of fresh sea air and some quality seafood we have now headed inland in pursuit of the Loire Valley.  Each day we pass through endless scenic countryside where farmers are growing wheat, rape seed, corn and raising dairy cattle. The country roads regulary pass through gorgeous little towns, each with their own style and sense of history. Vendors on the roadside are selling cheese, wine, cider and preserves and everywhere you can buy gorgeous baguettes and every other kind of goodie one could imagine. This is not the kind of place you want to be without a camera.

At last we are on the open road and out of the cities! So where do you go when you can go anywhere at all? To the seaside of course! We took a hard left out of Paris (not mentioning an hour of wrong turns) and headed for Normandy and the English Channel. We bought a small tent and an inflatable matress on route as we were not originally planning to go camping, but it seemed like the most economical option. Our first stop was at Dieppe. We watched the sunset over the channel at we hobbled over the stoney beach to get a feel for some salt water and sea breeze; talk about magical! The next day we came across a nearby town Quiberville where fishermen were unloading their catch of fresh mussels, clams and stingray; naturally we headed to the nearest restaurant for a lunch of fresh mussels which was amazing!

Another must see sight of Paris.  The current theme here is that the iconic sights are even more spectacular that what we expected.   You can’t top that!  Or we could…
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