I flew the red-eye with the Mr and the Nephew from Abu Dhabi to Geneva. Following a little drinky and a 1am meal in the Etihad Lounge, we boarded and promptly laid ourselves down upon four seats apiece. It is a rare moment indeed when one can 'honestly' say that one preferred to fly cattle-class {economy} on an international flight!
After saying our farewells to the Nephew whom was travelling to Lyon via the train, the Mr and I made the call to organise the little beast {leased directly through the manufacturer to non-EU citizens, thereby negating EU taxes} that was to be our chariot for the next forty-two days. We exited Geneva airport on the French side and hit the road at the absurdly early hour of 8am. Weaving through the lovely alpine region that spans the French-Swiss border, our first challenge was to source some fuel for the car - an ironic conundrum for people who reside in the Arab Emirates :) The cost was outrageous at approximately 4.5 times the cost in the Dhab!
After about three hours on the road, our destination looming, we decided that our first meal would be a picnic. Following a five minute stop in Carrefour that quickly became an extended excursion, we paid for our goodies and were eventually back on the road.
Last time we were in France, we travelled at speed via the Autoroute. 'Never again' we swore and were beginning to see what we had previously missed! Although the route was at times narrow and little faster than 50km per hour, we were having a marvellous time! Through small gaps between village buildings, I could make out some greenery that meandered pleasantly downwards towards the main road upon which we were travelling. The Mr and I decided to turn down the next available lane and were delighted to discover that the village was surrounded by vineyards.
We eventually relaxed and stopped hiding the wine each time a harvester or tractor drove by. The locals were friendly and always returned our wave with a flick of the hand and a smile on their weather-worn faces. Once we were through our goodies, we reluctantly packed up and proceeded along the road a little way to the village of Autun. Our chatteau for the evening was Les Ursulines.
We were looking forward to our menu for the evening as the Chatteau, although a little run-down {on the inside, more so than outside} was celebrated for its food. The food however, delicious as it was, was outdone by the graciousness of each patron within the restaurant. Upon entry we were greeted with a polite 'bonsoir' by each and every one of our fellow diners. How welcoming! How charming! How FRENCH!!! Following our three-course meal, we set off to explore the cobble-stoned village with a beautiful cathedral at its centre.
The next morning we continued our journey via the croix rouge, that overlooked Autun.
Our position was such that we were convinced that it would make an adequate launch site for flying. Sure enough, we eventually spotted the windsock tucked in just below the tree line :) Another reminder that my superpower of choice would be the ability to fly!
Back on the road, winding our way through villages and rolling, green pastures, we stopped for déjeuner in a bistrot by the Canal lateral a la Loire. At this stage in our trip, I was committed to a dietary and exercise regime, therefore I enjoyed a garden salad with my glass of red, while the Mr leapt straight in and enjoyed escargot followed by a grilled steak!
We continued along the canal for some time until the water was replaced by open fields and eventually covered in by the forest. Through the forest we trundled until we happened upon Le Manoir de la Foret, north of Blois. It was très romantique! There we were tucked away in a stately manor, hidden amongst the trees with the rain falling softly around our v-e-r-y PINK room ;) My poor Mr was quite beside himself, particularly as he discovered how delighted I was with the décor. Nevermind . . . He was softened up with a glass of Crémant and agreed to photograph our view, if not the interior!
In the evening, we enjoyed another delicious menu for dinner, followed by a quiet and peaceful sleep. The next morning we checked out and began the final leg to our Northern destination - Monpatry, Normandie . . .
