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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
  • Away... Again
  • Shurms travels
  • Away... Again
  • Shurms travels

Chasing Eggs in France 2023

France with Bobby-Claude, our trusty Chariot.
A tour of France during the Rugby World Cup 2023, taking in a few of the matches and the sights and tastes of France. Läs mer
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  • Resans start
    21 september 2023
    Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Let the games begin!

    8 september 2023, England ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    It seems right to preface our trip today, as we sit in our garden, 1st Friday beer just opened.
    The 8th September 2023, the opening day of the RWC.

    Planning for this trip started during our RWC 2015 trip around England and Wales. Previously a little ambivalent towards rugby (Sam), emotions got the better of me before the first game had started! The RWC 2015 opening ceremony paid tribute to the origins of rugby, focusing on William Webb-Ellis's rule break during a game of football to create a new game. It's widely publisised that the Webb-Ellis theory is a romantic myth, but you come to your own conclusion.
    By the time our trip had finished we were looking to future tournament finals. Japan 2019 was deemed too complex with the added challenges of travelling with a disability. So, on 14th November 2017, when France pipped South Africa and Ireland to the upright we had the bones of a trip.
    The preparation, imagination and trepidation of planning a trip is often excluded from travel yarns in this Insta age. We jump to the final page when a great deal of joy comes from the creating, the research, talking through plans with friends who drop in golden detour nuggets. Our stops are a blend of finely arranged days, right down to bus times and menu choices made; through to 'it'll be reet' visits where we will take the days as they come.
    We will share the route before we leave these shores, a couple of weeks from now, and we hope you enjoy following our trip around France.

    And now we are ready, the bags are yet to be packed but the itinerary, carefully woven around game days is created and printed.

    Let the games begin!    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    5

    En route a France

    21 september 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Certainly beats a Motorway Services!
    Lunch in the very quaint village of Chacombe. Very nice food at The George and Dragon too. 😇🐲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
    Onto Folkestone 👉

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Folkestone at last

    21–22 sep. 2023, England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Things peaked at Chacombe.
    Sat nav said 2 1/2 hours to Folkestone but the m25 had different ideas.
    2 hours to go 4 miles wasn't funny.
    Anyway, we are here, barman put on the rugby, the hosts v Namibia, beer is not touching the sides and the first people we meet in the bar are from Lancaster and also heading to Lille for the Chile game!
    Thai meal out for them, Stella Artois for us.
    See you in the morning at Le Shuttle! 🚆    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Arrived in the lovely Lille suburbs

    22–25 sep. 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Arrived in our lovely little Gites in Flequieres.
    Crossing under the sea was as seamless as usual and driving on the right has been remastered with only one petit faux pas! 🤭
    Raining in Dunkirk so didn't mooch but did take in the Museum dedicated to Operation Dynamo in WW2. Very thought provoking.
    Our first supermarche provisions shop had the usual ooooo, look at this, look at that, look at the price of wine, what the f#*k is that? Always a good experience, this time enhanced with the checkout girl reversing Kev back down the checkout ailse to a wider exit spot!
    And now we are relaxing with beer and wine, one of Kevs all time favourite beers I may add, Kwak.
    We're watching Argentina v Samoa in this sweet little Gite which reminds us both very much of our house in Spain...
    There was always beer and wine on offer there too!    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    211How many French men does it take to get Kev in a taxi?

    England 71 - 0 Chile

    23 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Our first Rugby game off British soil.
    England fans friendly and in great spirits.
    The people of Lille welcomed us all and were so helpful.
    The Chileans were absolutely incredible. Sort of a shame we didn't get to see them celebrate any points.
    They sang and danced until the very end.    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    11

    Lille Citadelle

    24 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Had a right ģood post breakfast natter with our Gite neighbours, the Teesiders and the Cornish before heading back into Lille to explore the beautiful Citadelle.
    Perfect weather today, low 20s with a gentle breeze and a cornflower sky.
    We headed to O Scotland bar for Scotland v Tonga and bar snacks. Seems Lord Farquard is actually a West Ham fan and can be seen around Lille's bars this weekend 🤣
    Moving onto Champagne region tomorrow, Villenauxe le Grande. Just for one night, not sure Kev trusted me in that area of France for any longer 🥂🍾🥂
    Lille has been fabulous, can highly recommend this beautiful town for sightseeing, walks, food and bars. We also highly rate our Gite, Gites du Frêne https://gitesdufrene.fr/ and would love to return. A chilled little haven, just the job!    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    21

    A night in Villenauxe la Grande

    25 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Another super friendly host and a stay in a mill on the outskirts of the village, Moulin de Cutesson.
    Delicious food in the recommended restaurant, Le Flaubert.
    Some photos of the village and our short stay...

    We are now on our way to Dijon through the Champagne vineyards.    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    1

    Lille to Villenauxe la Grande

    25–26 sep. 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We said our goodbyes and set off south to Villenauxe. As we were only half an hour from Belgium we took a detour across the border. Kev wanted waffles 🧇 but couldn't find a purveyor of waffles within 'the border region'!
    Setting the sat navigation to 'no tolls' is great. Not only do we save wine tokens, we skirted the Somme region and stopped at memorials to those lost in the first and second world wars.
    Spotted a chateau from miles away and did a short detour which didn't disappoint. Still warm here so stopped for an orangina, Laurent, the bar owner was chatty and when we complimented his lovely little bar he enquired if we wanted to buy it... bit far to travel to Horwich for my office days and although AXA offices are everywhere, I didn't spot one up by the chateau!
    Long 4 hour drive on unfamiliar roads (without the stops) but really worth it!
    Just the one night in Villenauxe, we will focus on this gorgeous village tomorrow.
    Now for food.... night all 🍾    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    One for you Mave 💙

    Champagne region

    26 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    What a great drive!
    The last time we drove through France we were en route to a new life in Spain. We chose fast routes which now appears to be a big mistake. The choice to take D roads has paid off.
    Today the stunning Champagne region delivered in barrels!
    A couple of years ago we drove through a concentration of Scottish distilleries and the windows open, the smell of malt whiskey was heavy in the air. Same went for today, we may as well had our heads in a bucket of Champagne! Unique experiences!
    And now, we've arrived in Dijon, both a little tired. Me, we've covered more than average miles over the last two days. And Kev, that's what MS does to him. He slept while I listened to French radio, his snoring only made me turn it up once 😄. MS fatigue will be helped with a good night's sleep so bed by 9pm and praying for mostly unbroken rest.
    Night all, Dijon updates will follow!    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Two nights in Dijon

    26 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Our first central city stay. Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region.
    Hotel des Ducs (The Dukes) has a different feel after the last two 'home' stays. It is efficient, clean and the breakfasts are delicious. Organic Dijon Apple and Cherry juice at breakfast is a winner.
    The city centre is pedestrianised but there are cobbles in places which is always a bit of a challenge.
    I'll post a separate footprint, with photos, of our visits to the Museums, Beaux-Arts and the Natural History. I didn't get bored in either which is a minor miracle!
    Here are some around the city of Moutarde and Cassis and the hotel.    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    J'arrive en Lyon!

    28–30 sep. 2023, Frankrike ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Safe and sound in Lyon.
    Bit of a culture shock after the the small cities, towns and villages to be on a multi lane motorway heading into the city centre!
    But we are here, parked up in a snug underground carpark space attached to the Airbnb.
    And, the Rugby well and truly returns here. We are in the Malting pot for tonight's game and tomorrow, we head to the stadium for New Zealand v Italy.    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    A woman's work is never done!

    28 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Determined to be packing the car back up tomorrow without dirty laundry so up and at it this morning.

    Last night we found the tram stop, worked out how to buy a ticket (over a beer in a nearby bar), headed a few stops down the line and found a cracking bar, the Malting Pot. Soon joined by the Scots on tour who were en route from their game in Nice to their next in Lille.

    A huge and busy day awaits, heading into the centre and have a few sights planned, hope to get through as many as we can before heading to the stadium this evening. 9pm ko, New Zealand v Italy.
    Forza Italia! 🇮🇹    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Lyon, Fun on the Funicular

    29 september 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After putting my washing out on the maiden and tucking into our new favourite breakfast, Rilletes on fresh bread, for breakfast we headed into the sprawling city.
    The city's trams are very accessible but the aging metro, less so. A sizeable gap meant we needed to find assistance to get Dickie on board. Dickie hasn't seen such manhandling!!! 😳 but without a full inspection he seems to have survived OK.
    First stop was the fan village. Baking hot temperatures in the cocoon of Place Bellecour but well organised. Nearly joined the queue to join the Gendarme instead of the queue for berets! 🤣
    Next challenge was to walk through the muddle of All Black's outside all the bars to the funicular to the top of the city. Two attractions in one up on the Hill, the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere and the view of Mont Blanc and across the city. Oh, and a bar, first beer of the day was very welcome!
    On our return to terra firma (never a fan of heights) we had a well earned lunch in la rebublique where Kev managed to catch some Friday Ryder cup action.
    And, onto the Groupama stadium... bring on the game!    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
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    Very brief 'arrived in Limoges' post!

    30 sep.–2 okt. 2023, Frankrike ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    6 hour drive from Lyon to Limoges.
    Arrived at 6pm, the accessible ramp into our well researched hotel has broken down but they thought three steps would be ok with a mobility scooter!?!?
    However, the receptionist rang around and found us another hotel with accessible room availability.

    Back in the car, redirect, didn't cry despite being shattered (go me!)
    Unload the car, beer, pizza, beer, rugby, beer, and very soon...bed!

    Bon Soir tout le monde! Keep smiling, Keep shining! 🌞    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    111

    Morning in Limoges

    1 oktober 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Gorgeous town, great market!

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
    11

    More Limoges

    2 oktober 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    After a couple of wines in the market we continued our walk / roll around this beautiful town.
    The Irlandais bar came highly recommended by the lovely Emma, receptionist at our saviour Hotel, the campanile.
    We've stayed at this chain in the UK and found them to be functional but here they are a step up, the restaurant, gardens and bar areas are really welcoming spaces.
    Anyway, irlandais, if you go to Limoges, get it on your list, great staff, great atmosphere, great food, accessible toilets.    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Time out for a 2nd honeymoon break

    2–6 okt. 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Relaxation for 4 nights in Les Sables D'Olonne
    Hotel faultless so far, last night's beer and bruschetta in the hotel bar was really welcome after the long drive from Limoges / Oradour.
    Breakfast and a walk along the sea edge awaits.Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023
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    First full day in Sables

    3 oktober 2023, Frankrike ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Just can't stop smiling. Such a lovely day, walking, eating, the odd vin or two.

    Totally relaxed, this is the day the shoulders dropped two inches, we saw the local sights. We had such genuine and friendly service. We watched the sunset. We ate incredible food. Meats and cheeses at lunch, filet cooked to perfection for dinner (Kev) and Lobster ceasar salad (Sam). No photos of that, busy tucking in!
    Tomorrow we plan to make the most of the spa facilities at the hotel and drop the shoulders another inch!    Läs mer

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  • Chasing Eggs in France 2023

    Lazy days

    5 oktober 2023, Frankrike ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    The thing with lazy days when doing a blog is there's not so much to talk about. Today I'll probably spend most of the day back in the jacuzzi, or lying on my sunbed watching the ebb and flow of the Atlantic in the Bay of Biscay. And after a few days break the rughy is back tonight!
    And with 2000 well driven kilometres behind us, it's been a well deserved break for Sam!
    Have a good Thursday folks ! 😎😎    Läs mer

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