Saturday 5 Jan – St Maure de Touraine to Beau Soleil (Bordeaux)

St Maure de Touraine to Beau Soleil - 193 miles

Jamie had us up just before the alarm, wanting to go out into another not quite so cold morning, a little overcast but dry. With just minimum servicing after breakfast we were again away earlier than usual but were now actively looking for water tank replenishment as well as fuel, which however wasn't so urgent. We tried a couple of places for water but the first was out of order and the second down an impossibly (for us) narrow street so we decided to leave it for now with another plan in mind.

The day brightened as we went further south until sunglasses were needed! At lunchtime we by chance found an Auchan hypermarket so availed ourselves of some cheap (€1.33 pl = £1.23) diesel then parked up for lunch.

Reviewing our route it was apparent that we would be around Bordeaux around 4.00 pm, our regular stopping time and Colin and Tina were booked in to a campsite just south of the city. Needing water and hot showers we decided to give it a try so set TomTom up and found our way to Beau Soleil camping and caravanning site, which is about 10km south of Bordeaux and one of only a few open at this time of year. Fortunately they had space for us but, unfortunately, they told us our friends had put back their booking by one week and were not there.

Directed to a nice spacious pitch in the late afternoon sun, we settled in, refilling the water tank and plugging in to some nice 10 amp electricity. A quick cuppa then showers before tea and a quiet evening listening to Radio 2 via the excellent free WiFi

We managed to contact our friends to learn Tina had suffered a minor accident but they hoped to continue next week.

WE STAYED AT Beau Soleil Camping and Caravanning, at Gradignan just south of Bordeaux. All facilities including free WiFi, we paid €21.50 for 2 people, dog and 10 amp hookup. Small restaurant nearby (closed on our visit) bus terminus 100m along the road for Bordeaux.