Normandy

First stop after Paris was Chartres, a very sleepy spot with a massive gothic cathedral. We entered Normandy and the very pretty farming countryside of Pays du Auge. Camembert and nearby Vimoutiers, known of course for the cheeses were also very quiet. The campsite was in the grounds of  the amazing Chateau de Martragny. Do the inheritors of such an estate need to subsidize the upkeep costs? I made a mean cassolet and we watched TV series on the computer as we do on nights we don't go out.The next few nights we spent in Arromache and Omaha beach, visiting the D day beaches and museums.On Friday we wanted to stay in Deauville,the Victorian spa and casino beach town favoured by Parisians but it was so busy with long weekenders, we headed on to Honfleur and loved it. Honfleur is everything we love about traveling in Europe. The campsite is less than 500m walk from the town centre which is picture postcard cute, with old timber frame buildings and narrow pedestrianised lanes. Theres a  church,  a square,  a market, a central marina, plenty of excellent restaurants and a local bar with live Blues and Rock music on weekends. Ever a bar with rugby channels until some silly soccer match took precident over the Bokke vs Argentina. We traveled North to Rouen and on to the Somme Estuary. Le Parc du Marquenterre is a lovely wetland and bird sanctuary, which kept us busy for a day. It was great to get out the old binoculars and bird book. We suddenly missed SA and realised how amazing our wildlife and outdoor oppurtunities are in Africa compared to ANYWHERE in the world! The port cities of North Western France aren't that captivating, but we did find a campsite near Boulogne with a great sea view from Homer. Lille has an interesting modern art museum.