Chasing Eggs in France 2023

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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Eating, Drinking, Chilling in Sables
October 5, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After 4 glorious days we are moving on today. Not a bad step count of over 50k but definately needed to offset the fantastic food. Big love for the local seafood which I've definately made the most of.
Now to pack Bobby-Claude up again and onto Nantes and back to a Rugby filled few days. It's just a short journey today, under 2 hours so a little sightseeing en route is likely to be on the cards.
Merci Les Sables D'Olonne! We will be back! 🏖Read more
TravelerSuperb! 😀 just fantastic 🤩 Ian likes oysters me not so much 😂 you will now be both rested. Bring on the game xxx
10/6/23Reply
TravelerWhat's not to like? C'est magnifique! 🐚
10/6/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Back to the Rugby!
Oct 6–9, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
You need a fair amount of kit when travelling and not being held by airline baggage restrictions the packing planning alone was a feat. Bag A has all we need for every stay, then there's a kitchen bag for self catering locations, a cool bag, kevs clothes bag, my clothes bag, shoe bag, laundry bag, top up bag. The only one left in the car every time so far being the coats bag. Thank you to the weather gods for that!
Car tertris is something I'm excelling at with distinction so far!
Before our trip my sister in law, Anne, told us she'd stayed in a town near Sables on a French exchange visit. So we drove through La Roche sur Yon to see if there were any sights we thought may bring back memories. The town was really busy but we managed to pull in on Bvd d'Angleterre and take a couple of photos.
Kev wanted to drive by some château, or is it châteaux? I'm not sure, we did though and the one in the pictures has a bit of recent history. The right hand turret as you look at it is original but the rest of the building was badly burnt. Sadly, a 78 year old man lost his life in the fire.It's currently being restored to its original state
So, to Nantes, and a straightforward check in at Resid Spa, where are back to çatering for ourselves, or dining out maybe.
We hadn't watched a France game out in a bar or at a big screen with the French fans yet and wanted to take in that atmosphere. So we headed for the Fan Village on the tram.
The French victorious 60 -7 but also magnanimous when Italy scored their only try in a very one sided game.
A great atmosphere with pockets of Welsh supporters also present as they play Georgia in Nantes the following day.
On that note, its 'home nations' Saturday with Wales, England, Ireland and Scotland all in action.
Time to dig out the roses from the clothes bags and head off to meet a good friend in the city....Read more
TravelerYou certainly have been very lucky with the weather, no need for a coat!🌞🌞 you are very organised 😀 with your many bags😁I bet it was a great atmosphere watching the game! Enjoy the game 👍🥳 xxx
10/7/23Reply
TravelerIt's a dream trip so far. Another lovely place you're staying at. You're packing lots in and that's just the food and wine. Should be a great day of rugby today, especially Ireland v Scotland.
10/7/23Reply
TravelerSo glad you're enjoying the travels, have you been tempted to book a tour yet? 😀
10/7/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
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Home nations Saturday
October 8, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Wales 43 - 19 Georgia
England 18 - 17 Samoa
Ireland 36 - 14 Scotland
A great day in Nantes, meeting our friend Neil who was off to the Wales game in Nantes. We watched that game in an Irish bar, the England v Samoa game at the fan village then the Ireland v Scotland game in the centre of town.
You couldn't move in some of the old town streets but the fans were brilliant at parting the waves to let Kev through the masses. We managed to find seats in a bar just on the outskirts of the masses and were looked after by more fantastic staff.
All nations mixed wonderfully. What an atmosphere!
We think a long weekend to Nantes is now high on the priorities! I have been here before, 42 years ago, but more about that in a few days.
Today is game day... off to watch Argentina v Japan and to meet more of their followers.Read more
TravelerNantes looks great! I bet the atmosphere was fantastic 🥳 you both look really well 🥰🥰 enjoy the game later xxx
10/8/23Reply
TravelerTravel is so good for the soul! I'm feeling healthier and happier! Xxx
10/8/23Reply
TravelerWhat a great day of rugby and what a great place to watch it. No wonder you feel so good.
10/8/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Argentina 39 - 27 Japan
October 8, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
The best game and atmosphere we've experienced live.
Incredible fans and the odd world class try or three!
Nantes has an old stadium so access was a bit 'sticking plaster' at times and the efficiency of Lyon wasn't replicated here. Access was through the main concentration of fans and the young girl leading us through wasn't the most assertive at creating a path through exuberant groups of supporters. Luckily I am!
My 'companion' seat was two blocks away so I stood behind Kev for the game, only challenged once and I wasn't in anyone's view. In fact many more companions were doing the same.
But let's not focus on that. Throughout our trip we've had many obstacles, it's often unfair but we find a way. We are good at that!
The match was a joy as it swung blue and red. Kev commenting at one point 'pass me a bowl of sushi, I'm Japanese' and as the play transferred to the Pumas 'pass me a bowl of corned beef, I'm Argentinian'! No apologies for stereotyping today!
My tears flowed as red and blue fans hugged and exchanged shirt, explaining the history of their jerseys as best they could to each other. The Japanses bow to all sides of the stadium was respectfully joined by the Argentinians. More tears.
Nantes continues to deliver and with 4 nights remaining in this wonderful country emotions are growing.
'Pass me the cheese please, I'm French'Read more
TravelerYou are both very good at getting over obstacles! 😀 don't mess with Sam 😆 Glad you enjoyed the live game! 🇦🇷 you seem to have been away for ages! What a great experience you are having 🇫🇷 xxxx
10/9/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Goodbye to Nantes
October 9, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
After a full on Rugby weekend we took the opportunity to visit the Dukes chateau in the centre of town.
Well worth a visit! Especially as Kev was very happy to add another chateau visit to his list!
The lovely Japanese girl is Yumiko. We were crammed onto the tram back into Nantes centre with her after the Rugby yesterday. She came rushing over to us in the chateau, what a coincidence!

One more place left to stay in France... back on the road with more French tunes to add to the car playlistRead more
TravelerNantes looks beautiful. Another place to add to our list.
10/10/23Reply
TravelerJust stunning 😊😊 what a coincidence Indeed!! Xxxx
10/10/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Twin Town
October 9, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
I said in an earlier update that I'd been to Nantes before but I think I misjudged timings slightly.
Every year a group of students took a trip to Ancenis, Kirkham's twin Town, which sits on the Loire River, in Vendee region. I expect this exchange business happens across the lands. For two weeks they stay with the French family of a similar aged student to be immersed in French living. The students then travel on mass, French and English, back to Kirkham for the reverse experience.
1982, when I had just finished my penultimate year at Carr Hill High School was my year.
The village we live in now, Croston, is twinned with another town, further down the Loire, Azay le Rideau and whilst time restraints meant we couldn't visit this time we did manage to get to Ancenis en route to our next stop, Dol de Bretagne.
I couldn't really forget the imposing bridge but the rest of the town was quite alien. I was really hoping for a sight I'd remember but it wasn't to be. I did then start to wonder what became of Isabel, my exchange friend, her little sister Miriam and her lovely parents. Maybe I'll contact the twinning committee and see what we can do?
And as for Azay le Rideau, we will just add that to the list of reasons to return 🇫🇷Read more
TravelerIt would be lovely if you could contact her 😊 xxx
10/10/23Reply
TravelerI can't recall her surname, think it was Tomlin or Thomin.... I'd expect the twinning committee to have records. I've found an email address. It was Kirkham / Ancenis 50th anniversary as Twin Town this year! X
10/10/23Reply
TravelerWas it really 😊....... yes definitely email them 🤞🍀xxx
10/10/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
A first, and a last
Oct 9–12, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 15 °C
Our very first eurocamp experience, and our last of 8 stopovers over the Channel.

We were unsure what to expect and after chatting with some seasoned eurocampers we were told that this site, Domaine les Ormes is a good one in terms of activities, spaciousness and cleanliness. It didn't disappoint.
After a three hour drive and stops at the chateau in Nantes and the detour to Ancenis it was 7pm as we turned off the road and into the site. I was tired and just ready to relax.
Between me and a glass of red stood the check in though and I was expecting something lengthy, rules, regulations, etc
I approached the reception desk ready with my 8th practiced intro 'bon soir' 'parle la francaise en petit peu' on the tip of my tongue. But, before I could speak.
'Mrs Shurmer? Where've you travelled from love? I bet yer ready to chill out'. The lovely Diane hailed from Chorley and knew our village, our street even, really well. Scenes aren't always the way we set them in our minds are they?
So a lovely few days were had and we managed a little ride out to the nearest market town, Dol de Bretagne. Very pretty with lots of timber framed houses and quite a history.
We also managed to get Kev in the water in the dome, the indoor pool facility at the site. Only a few cuts and bruises were sustained and now I have my very own Tarzan!Read more
TravelerSam you’re so good at storytelling, I’ve really enjoyed your updates ♥️
10/12/23Reply
TravelerYes, I second Michelle; your blog has been both informative and entertaining. We're going to miss it when you return home. It's like Judith Calmers meets Tarzan.
10/12/23Reply
TravelerDol de Bretagne looks really pretty! We have really enjoyed your daily blogs too 😊 we will miss them! Kev you definitely are Tarzan 🌴💪the pool and campsite are amazing ! Definitely somewhere we would love to stay 😊👍France do things so well 🇫🇷 xxxx Ian meant Judith Chalmers 😆
10/12/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Tale of the unexpected
October 10, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
We've sampled some amazing food, wine and beer whilst on this journey.
Special runners up prizes:
Eating chez Shurms - Rillettes de poulet on fresh bread, Kwak beer, blue cheese bbq burgers, toasted cheese.
Eating out: Sables seafood, caramel au beurre sal with madelleines, chicken kebab galette (yes, they are a league above over here), Rose blush, yes please!
But we really didn't expect to experience the most wonderful cuisine at what really is a holiday camp. A great one though, and we will post another footprint on that subject!
The wonderful golf club house restaurant here at Les Ormes drew more ooos, mmmms, ohhhs than anything tasted previously. Even the mushroom ravioli starter was a big hit. So here's a cheers to the best red I've ever tasted, perfect filet steak, delicious pork and desserts that blow your mind. Thank you le club.

I'm bloody starving now! 😫 fire up the Barby for the last time in 2023!Read more
TravelerOmg you are making me so jealous 😋😋 French cuisine is just the best 🇫🇷 xxxxx
10/11/23Reply
TravelerI love mushroom ravioli!
10/11/23Reply
TravelerThat looks like French cuisine at it's best. Very jealous of you both. Knocks the take-away kebab we had into the proverbial cocked hat.
10/11/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Completing the travel loop
October 12, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
With a pre dawn alarm set we were prepared for a long day.
Final pack, lift and load (where did all that wine come from?!) Mopped the Lodge on my way out and our final french leg, a journey of 40 minutes in Bobby-Claude to St Malo begins.
We started this trip with a decent sized playlist and that grew as events were backdropped with songs. If you've been following the rugby you maybe heard this crowd favourite. https://youtu.be/atgEDPX-uX4?si=JQYRS2SWCWnbvH-t
It's a song from the 1970s that's been picked up by the rugby crowds. Had to do a little research but we found it and it'll forever be the soundtrack tune to our trip.
As we drove through the misty roads of Brittany we sang along, also commenting that we had arrived in mist, we were heading home in mist with a massive block of perfect, yet unseasonably hot weather wall to wall in the middle.

Boarding The Bretagne was straight forward and passengers were few. There was no issue getting a space in seating areas or restaurants. Since leaving UK soil we had driven 1996.4km,
We felt sad leaving port but decided to enjoy the 9 hour crossing as part of the experience. A surprisingly decent lunch followed by a surprisingly deep snooze. No luck on the music bingo I'm sad to report but bingo is a game of luck whereas a quiz requires skill, tenacity and quick thinking. To reward our outstanding victory we got a certificate and a Brittany Ferries sun visor, blue, so automatically mine.
And now, remember DRIVE ON THE LEFT, DRIVE ON THE LEFT! The sun was setting as we arrived and the sat nav showed a 4 hour drive ahead. We had decided to stopover in Portsmouth on the last ferry journey there and we both said we would rather've just taken the hit and headed home. Our 4 hour journey turned into a much longer and more tiresome one though after the M6 was closed and a detour through Staffordshire was needed. This plus sections of roadworks one after another held us back. Driving in France is an absolute dream compared to this.

And so, less than an hour into Friday morning, ended an 18.5 hour day of travel. Back home, overnight essentials unpacked, water and bed.
One more footprint to come xRead more
TravelerYou have both certainly packed loads in 😀 you have covered so many miles!! You can certainly tell when you hit home soil that the roadworks are roads are a nightmare!! A love a long crossing ⛴ people watching and the entertainment is great 👍xx
10/13/23Reply
TravelerOur roads are so overcrowded Susan! Give me French roads any day! Xxx
10/13/23Reply
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Chasing Eggs in France 2023
Merci Beaucoup!
October 12, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Thank you to you, the penguin followers. Hope you've enjoyed following our trip. We are so glad we did this, it'll serve as a lasting reminder of the trip. We'll definitely do it again although we'll wait for something more interesting and far flung than tonight's trip to Leyland to pick up a Chinese for two!
We also return from France with a list of reasons to go back, mainly because we wanted to fit so much more in at every stage of the trip.

Bobby-Claude is fully unpacked now and we are a few washes in.

And last but certainly not least, Thank you Kev, my favourite travel companion. You've had to adapt over the last few years and it means some adventures aren't possible, but despite the many challenges you face, some visible, some not, you never fail to focus on what you CAN do.
Your positivity despite adversity brings me buckets of happiness, self determination and pride.
You're also really very funny to have around and there's no-one else I'd prefer to drink a bucks flat with! 😉
Together - Australia 2027? 🏉🥂🇦🇺Read more
TravelerDefinitely Oz 2027 for you two. Nothing is beyond you. Although don’t think Bobby-Claude will manage to go there.😂
10/16/23Reply
Traveler🤣 no, I don't think so! Best start saving for us!
10/16/23Reply
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Trip end
October 12, 2023