Royan Ferry
We rose at the crack of dawn (ish) and left Ile d’Oleron at 9am for an appointment with the Royan ferry at 11am. Well not an appointment actually….you just turn up, pay them 47 euros and they cart you over the Gironde estuary to the Médoc.
Cordouan Lighthouse
It is a 30 minute trip across the estuary and we passed the Cordouan Light, at the mouth of the Gironde. Started in 1584, this renaissance lighthouse, 7 km offshore, still functions.
Another Old Lighthouse
This is the 1860 Pointe de Grave lighthouse which marks the way in to Verdon sur Mer, the northernmost tip of the Médoc, where the ferry docks.
Aire at Hourtin Port
An hours driving bought us to this aire on Lake Hourtin, the largest natural lake in France. A little pricy at €10-50 per night but there are generous sized pitches and 12 electricity points if you park in the central area.
The Missus relaxing in the sun.
Cycle track
There are good cycle paths here and in the afternoon we pedalled west to Hourtin Plage, a small resort village on the Atlantic coast. The trip was enlivened by my crashing into the dog cart, when Nia and I both turned to look at an interesting shrine at the same time. With both feet locked in to my pedals I ended up full length on the deck. Luckily there was only a little superficial damage to my knees and hands…no modelling for me for a few days. The Krays were startled, but unscathed.
Hourtin Plage….The Beach
By this time the storm clouds were gathering in the west and we sped back a lot quicker than we came.
Hourtin Port
Beach at Hourtin Port
Sunset at Hourtin
Next Mavis?
I spotted this low tech motorhome on the early morning walk with the Krays on our last day. Neat, if maybe a little scary if the wind gets up.
Hourtin Port
There is a good walk by the port, peaceful in low season mode. There is one cafe which sells baguettes and croissants but all the other shops are shut.
Promenade
There is a pretty promenade out in to the lake.
Penny
Concentration
Penny was watching this guy fishing quietly at the mouth of the Port. He had no luck….no fish were harmed in the production of this blog.
The Port
First light
Lake Hourtin
I took some more shots with the lovely low eastern light then back to the motorhome (via the cafe) for a feast of crispy grilled bacon in baguettes before we set off south for Lake Biscarosse.
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
Travels with Mavis 
You will never get the replacement for Mavis 2 past Nia – there can’t possibly be room for a coffee machine, mind you, going up stairs to bed could be novel.x
Yes…and possibly tricky after a glass of vino blanco.
Brilliant, as always! Keep safe!
Yes, blog will continue in Aus! Just no Millie😒
Thanks.
Watch out for the wombats…
P and N
xx
Sorry about the collision,Peter. Is the germolene handy? Joe has just talked to A. He’s looking forward to a meal out with us next week, Oct. 1st. Take care. Love, Liz xx
Have a good meal.
Best wishes to you both.
P and N
xx
we saw one similar to the ‘Next Mavis’ over here earlier in the week – must be be catching on (or the same one!)
He’s moving quickly…must have the wind behind him…
It seems as though you are visiting the places we intended to go which is great for us as we can pick some valuable trips for the next time we try to do more of the Atlantic Coast. I knew riding a bike had health risks! Love to you both x
We have found some lovely aires here. Mavis has just planted herself at the Navarosse aire, looking out over the lac…parfait.
Some stunning photos Peter and the beach at Hourtin looks beautiful x
Yes…there a a lot of sandy beaches hereabouts.
xx