Write Up Monty in Biarritz

[Monty]

Hi all
We're on holiday in France, caught the overnight ferry at Portsmouth on Friday night. Had a cabin so slept all the way over. Landed at Caen at 6am, then motored down to Messanges on Saturday. Traffic was heavy at Tours and Bordeaux, delayed our journey by over two hours. Reached here at 6pm, knackered. Should have stopped at a hotel and stayed overnight to break the journey. It rained all the way from Caen to Tours, after Tours bright sunshine so was able to do the last 150 miles with the top down. Most of the way we were able to cruise at 80mph, the autoroutes have plenty of stopping areas were you can take a break. Hope to post up a few pics later in the week.

Mike and Sandy

 

[Mint]

Good to hear from you two. At least you're there now and can chill out. Have a great holiday, look forward to the pics.

 

[Monty]

Yes, Dave, thanks, we are now chilled out, having just returned from an excellent meal, a glass of vin rouge and a stroll round the bay, just down the road in Vieux Boucau.
Mike & Sandy

 

[t-tony]

Enough. I'm jealous already, seriously though we hope you both have a great time and are looking forward to the photo's.

 

[metalmickey]

Hi
So good to hear that you are in Les Landes region. It is a long haul in one go, particularly if you hit Bordeaux at the wrong time. I used to drive from Caen to Contis, St Julien en Born (North of Vieux Boucau) in ten hours or so, virtually non stop in my Golf GTi.
Just love the area. L'aire de tranquil, le foret et l'ocean. Will do the trip again sometime soon in the Zed. I am looking forward to the pics. Will bring back many happy memories I am sure.
Have a great time.
Metal Mickey (Mike)

 

[Monty]

The sun shone brightly today, we watched the start of the Tour De France over a beer in the pub. Then we drove along the coast to St Giron Plage and lay on the beach most of the afternoon. On the way to St Giron, we stopped at Etang de Leon, a beautiful lake there where you can go sailing. We got 'Ol Whistler' out and had a brew. Going to a bull chasing festival tonight, more hurtful to the chasers than the bull!!
Mike

 

[Monty]

Hi all
Moved down the coast a bit to Bidart, just south of Biarritz on Friday, went to Bayonne today on the bus, Sandy and I got a free 24hour bus pass, the French recognise a distinguished gentleman when they see one, just as well, as the traffic was bumper to bumper, saw our first Z4 there today. They had a medieval market in the Cathedral square, met a chevalier who showed me his two handed sword, he had a huge real scar and glass eye, probably fighting the Anglais. Stopped off at the 'Grand Plage' in Biarritz, saw lots of Tom Cruise lookalikes, but not a film star in sight. Did see a white Rolls Corniche but that was a wedding car.

Metal Mickey, you mentioned Vieux Boucau, it was our favourite place, we visited it most days & had two or three evening meals there.

Having trouble with the pictures as the internet is so slow!!!!

Mike & Sandy

 

[t-tony]

Glad you two are having a great time, looking forward to your return, but only for the pictures. Not wishing your holiday over.

 

[Monty]

Thanks Tony, it doesn't seem possible that the first week has already gone, we are going to try the hairpins of Puerto de Ibaneta in the Pyrenees tomorrow and Sans Sebastian in Spain on Monday.
Mike & Sandy

 

[t-tony]

Great photo opportunities there. Enjoy. Going to be hot here next week ...... allegedly. Up to 30's mid week.

 

[Mint]

Bidart was where we used to go camping when the children were small. Great location, you could walk to down to the beach from the site. Sounds like you're having a great time. Enjoy the roads in the Pyrenees, hope they are as quiet as when we were there. Still another week of your hols left

 

[Monty]

The Pyrenees Aquitaine is quite different to the Pyrenees in your pictures Dave, intensive dairy farming and vineyards on the French side of the Border, thick deciduous forest on the Spanish side. The roads through the mountains are as windey, but still not much traffic. The trouble is, when you catch up to a slower car, there is not enough straight road to overtake. Lovely views, can't wait to share the photos.
Mike

 

[Mint]

I'm sure you'll enjoy the drive Mike - then onto a vineyard perhaps?