We picked up a rental car this morning in Paris and set out for the Normandy coast. I suppose we shouldn't really have been surprised when the car we had requested wasn't available - a middle sized automatic. Instead we were upgraded, but not to a Lamborghini or anything, just a manual Opel wagon. Size wise it is like a Commodore, so there is heaps of room but a it's bit more awkward for the little narrow streets common over here.
Being Sunday, traffic was reasonably light and we made it without incident out of Paris to Chateau Gaillard, Les Andelys, Fresne l'Areveque, Rouen, and La Riviere Saint-Saveur where we are staying. The Paris Peripherique or ring road was only a little clogged up, often it is a massive traffic jam.
A lovely view the white cliffs of the Seine from Chateau Gaillard, including French picnicers.
Rouen has a new church amongst all the ancient ones. This oddly shaped church is build on the site where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431. It's shape is intended to evoke the flames rising. Although built in the 1970's it still includes a collection of mediaeval stained glass salvaged from an older church. Magnificent.
Aren't GPS's great! It would have been much trickier without one (thanks M&K.) You just listen to the nice patient voice and do as you are told. Although even the GPS got mixed up briefly in the completely wacky little streets in the middle of Rouen.
Our digs are nice. A little country hotel down a long drive with a genuinely friendly hostess.
There is a small view of the Pont du Normandie from the hotel, although they modestly haven't used that in their advertising. This pont is a huge suspension bridge, spanning the mouth of the Seine. Tomorrow we might pay the 9 euro toll just for the sheer fun of driving across! Wow!
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