Rivedoux is the perfect starting point for a day at La Rochelle. The bridge is toll-free for cyclists and the pistes cyclables enable a relaxed visit. No parking fee, no traffic jam. While the route along the shore is closed down for construction, the alternative is pretty okay as well. In the banlieus of La…

It is unusual for Hector to stay in one place for such a long time. Today, we move on and settle down in Rivedoux, the village right at the beginning of the island. Le Pont = the bridge is always in sight. My wonderful van yearns for the beach, and even though our campsite is…

Far from being spectacular, La Couarde sur Mer is charming and an excellent base for my stay on Île de Ré. The tiny center consists of a handful of shops, a church and the place des voisins sympas = square of pleasant neighbours. The square counts a carousel, a café and a salon de thé…

Another perfect day for a bike tour enfolds on Île de Ré. Today, Prince Harry (the currently unfolded foldable bicycle) aims for the far end of the island: Les Portes-en-Ré. Road signs, cafés, shops or any other trace of civilized diversion is rare in the north-east. Still, the typical white houses and small alleys are…

It has been a challenge to get used to >30°C, but with a bit of surfing here and a bit of siesta there, it was not that bad. In fact, summer temperatures start at 28°C only, so I have been more than happy in my first holiday week. However, this is about to change now.…

The past days have been filled with surfing and all the excitement about the progress I have made on the board. With life being all about balance, it now is time to lean back, relax, se reposer. Consequently, I hang around between Hector and the beach, with a chat here and there, with good books…

Waking up on holidays is fine in either way, but even more precious with Hector. I enjoy coffee in the morning sun with no dress code above suitable pyjamas. Coming along with the second coffee is some müsli with fresh fruits from one of the island’s markets, and after that glorious start, the day is…

Summer holidays are best with a beach. And with 30°C, sun, the sea. While Hector tries to play it cool, I soak in the first beach day, with a green-blue Atlantic Ocean at my feet and sand all over. If I were to spend weeks and weeks between pool and beach with nothing to do…

1.570 km. Thereof around 320 during our 4th day of driving, most of them through beautiful landscape and only few on autoroutes. It would be smart to make another stop-over at La Rochelle. Now that almost everything has re-opened, but before masses of foreign tourists make their way. Still, I feel more like arrival with…