Trying to get to Hon Fleur - but failing

11.4.09 - Good Friday – Off to Camp Le Foret, Jumieges (near Rouen)

From Isques we had set our sights on a lovely, 3 star camp site (ie they supplied toilet paper – and internet – yoohoo!) in the forest called Camp Le Foret. It is about 1.5 hours away, in Jumieges which is part way to Hon Fleur (a popular seaside village that we wanted to see). We planned on booking into the camp site and then heading off to Hon Fleur – maybe for lunch.

We set our Tom Tom up, avoiding toll roads, which we discovered was another mistake. While avoiding the toll roads saves money, the roads are very narrow and difficult to navigate with a van. The Tom Tom sent us up every hill and down every dale – which while very picturesque countryside – took several hours longer than we thought. We were accompanied by another caravan so we must be on the right track. W eventually arrived at Camp Le Foret at about 4pm!

Oh no – the camp ground is closed for the Easter Holiday period – doesnt reopen for another 2 days (what sort of campsite closes for Easter!). The other caravan contained a french couple and their dog – none of which could speak English. After a lot of gestering and hand waving, it was agreed that we would follow then to another campsite – at least they could speak and read French so we should be fine – another lesson in motorhoming to come.

We followed the caravan down a very narrow winding road where the trees and bushes scraped both sides of their caravan and our motorhome (obviously their GPS avoided toll roads as well), down another “wrong” road where we both had to turn around – (not an easy maneuovre in caravan nor motorhome), then down another road to the ferry to get across the Seine – oh no, the ferry wouldnt take caravans or motorhomes! A bit more gestering and hand waving and we follow the french couple and dog down a few more roads to another section of the Seine to another ferry – and yes, he will let us on! I might mention that caravan driver must be practising from next Grand Prix – he drives at a great rate of knots – faster than any motorhome with Bob behind the wheel should drive!. We have difficulty keeping up but spot him in distance at regular turns. Off we go on the ferry across the river, onward and upward to Louviers – this looks lke a lovely french village. Through the town's narrow streets, up another winding, narrow road through the forest and voila – Campsite Bel Air and still open at 7pm – phew, made it!

That night, Bob and I decided we had had enough of driving, so we caught a “Jacky Taxi” down the mountain and back into Louvies for dinner. The young french taxi driver recommended a lovely little restaurant/bistro just out of town run by an Irishman(?) Well, it was worth the day long journey just for the meal – what an experience. It was a gorgeous little restaurant with fire burning and typical french faire. The little round chef (who, although no sign of an Irish accent(?), thankfully spoke English) deciphered the entire menu for us. We felt like a hearty meal with vegies so I ordered lamb chops and Bob the steak. Would you believe they cooked my huge lamb chops on the fire in front of us – they were absolutely delicious – one of the nicest meals we have had and washed down with a decent local red!

11.4.09 Saturday – Campsite Bel Air - Louviers

We decided to stay an extra night in Bel Air – so that we could do some washing (another story) and ground ourselves for the day (given our ordeal of the day before). The french campsite lady told us of “little road” (ie track) through forest that would take us into Louviers – so off we trecked for about half an hour through gorgeous forest to the pretty little town – but alas, not much happens in Louviers on Saturday night. We bought a cooked chook and headed back to the campsite for a baked dinner!

Again, communal toilets (complete with urinal in full view), push button showers – but goodo – a washing machine (although must be gold plated? €4 or $8 each wash!)

We learn over the next couple of days that washing takes about 3 to 4 days to dry during which time we find it difficult to maneouvre through lines of washing in van, jocks and socks on dashboard and jeans over seats. NB dry clothes in dryer next time.