Sun sun sun here we come

[Norrimac]

18 Jan 25 Amboise France.
At last we managed to get away on our jaunt to Spain's med coast. Nothing booked just winging it so as long as we can service the van we will be fine.
Both ill from Christmas eve with colds (sure mine was man flu) unable to shake it off so delayed the ferry by a week.
Uneventful journey down to Newhaven but don't recommend the M25 on a Friday afternoon. Ever time I travel on the M25 I vow never to again but unless we go for a western channel crossing (in the winter?) there is no realistic alternative.
After reading recommendations for the Newhaven crossing decided to give it a go. Good price and the 'superior' cabin was as good as most hotels we've stayed in.
Managed a few hours sleep but we misunderstood the docking times so the staff were hammering on our door telling us we were holding up half the lower deck from disembarking as we were up against the ramp. (If you were behind us - sorry).
0°C when we got off with freezing mist then it went down to -1°C as we headed South. Missed the snow falling but a light sprinkling across the fields as we got further on. It was warmer at home than in north central France.
5am is a good time to traverse Rouen, I don't know where Google maps actually took us but we made it without seeing a low bridge.
Miserable cold damp/wet journey south to Amboise but the redeeming feature is a free municipal motorhome parking area (no services) within easy walking distance to town. Just us and another van on a space for at least 20.
You may have read that the heater in a ducato is poor and I can confirm that it is abysmal. Cranked right up and blower on full it just about kept the worst of the cold off. Can understand why some peeps have a thick curtain blocking off the cab area but ours is only a pvc. It was so cold in the back i was worried the dump valve would empty our fresh water.
Amboise is a major tourist attraction with it's massive chateau built by Charles (the something or other) but in the cold and damp it looses some of its charm. Since it's our first day we decided to treat ourselves to lunch and whilst it was good €70 for 2 courses and a half carafe it certainly was not cheap. The days of a plate du jour seem long gone but then the kids keep telling me I'm living in the past.
Onwards and downward tomorrow but the weather forecast looks no better for a few days

I have NEVER had a good meal in France.

They generally dump any old crap on a plate and serve it with a flourish.

"It's French so it's great!!!"

Last time we drove through we didn't even stop for a coffee. (Which they also can't make...)

You'll get your 'Plat du Jour' almost anywhere in Spain (AKA 'Menu del Día') for about 10€ a head.

(Then you'll never want to eat ANYTHING in France ever again.)

Hot Tip: the best 'Menu del Día' you'll get in Spain is in little bars and restaurants in industrial estates.

On the map look for directions to 'Poligono Industrial'.

Most towns have them and the food is plentiful and bloody good. (Wine included!)

Norm.

(Registered Hispanophile and equally registered France-ophobe.)

 

[Figaro]

As is ours when Andy cranks it up I’m toastie in my wheelchair except for the draught coming through the skylight. Even though it’s shut it is awful when travelling- always wear my hat !!

Sounds like the skylight has permanent ventilation, there are motorhome specific skylights that seal properly.

 

[Jay L]

What a wonderful thread! Thank you berni109, have great travels.

 

[Deepingvet]

I can’t understand why people who go to the East coast of Spain and live north of Watford gap don’t use Harwich to the Hook…overall the journey is probably 1 hour longer, a million times easier, no London, no M25 and no Paris…and in the end probably works out quicker…

 

[berni109]

Deepingvet probably right but from sw midlands it's a broad as it is long.

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[berni109]

Wed 12 Feb 2mls
Moved from where we initially parked yesterday.With hindsight should have stayed where we were. There were tow away notices everywhere as they are setting up the annual fiesta site over a huge area. Asked (good old Google translate) an official looking bloke who said fine to stay for a night and a few other vans were there.
Headed just down the river a touch to stockauto site which does seem very secure. €15 for not very much ambiance water dump and a not too clean shower. At least crocks shield you from verrucas or what ever else was lurking in there.
Seville - what can one say it's a big city for sure. Did the main sights and had a spot of lunch in the old market. 17000 steps.
Fancied a cake as we were walking back and what I thought should be an apple pastry turned out to be ham and cheese.

The external wall of the Alcazar morrish fortress. Fortunately the queue to get in was so long we gave that a miss.

Half of the Plaza de Espana. Very impressive monumental building that was only built in 1929.

Metropol parasol in the shopping area.
On the way back to the van we passed last night's spot and those that we there with us had been joined by another 20 vans.