Driving Long Distances – Some Advice.

So we have just returned from France driving from Lancaster, England, down to Dover. From Calais we drove across to Brittany. Ten days driving around then back the way we came.

1604 miles later.

All very pleasant and a fantastic family holiday was had.

However, a day later on returning home I woke up with excruciatingly pain in my right upper arm.

I mean I could hardly lift my arm and when I did it screamed in agony.

Thinking I had slept on it funny I thought it would just settle. Oh no has it hell.

Then it dawned on me. I had spent the majority of the drive with my right arm rested on the window frame of the car door, the position of which was just above horizontal.

So my advice to anyone on a long drive who has a tendency to rest their arm on the door. Bloody well don’t – it sodden well hurts – eventually.

Lesson learned.

Chez Victor (Cancale) and the Cast of The Little Mermaid !

Chez Victor is a restaurant situated on the beach front of the little town of Cancale, Brittany, France, just on the corner next to the fresh oyster stalls.

We decided after our first visit to Cancale on our trip, that we would head back to the restaurant to have dinner, and wow we were not disappointed. The menu was extensive but as we were in the oyster capital of France we opted for a sea food platter. Advertised for two people it was evident that one between the four of us, plus a coupe of cheeky bowls of muscles, would be more than enough for us all.

We ordered and didn’t have a long wait for our food to arrive. It came out in a boat shaped tray filled with ice and seaweed and included the following: oysters, two different types, welks, langoustines, shrimp, king prawns, cockles and a huge crab.

The cast of Little Mermaid

It also came with a multitude of implements to eat it with, more like a surgeons set of instruments.

The Mess we Made

Muscles

The View

So to conclude, if you want to sample some of the best sea food in France and are not afraid to eat the entire cast of the Little Mermaid then head to Cancale and Chez Victor.

Domaine Des Ormes, Brittany, France

Situated just outside of Dol de Britagne, Domaine Des Ormes is a sprawling camping site which caters for a variety of needs from wooden tree house lodges to large static caravans and mobile homes. also in the grounds is a hotel and a golf course if that takes your fancy.

There are adequate resources on camp with a shop, bar and plenty to occupy old and not so old. The camp in recent years has totally upgraded the swimming facilities replacing an old outside pool with a fantastic dome structure housing different swimming areas, sides and access to a large outdoor swimming pool from the inside via some rapids. The complex is clean with no food or drink allowed which reduces the chance of swimming next to a slice of pizza or worse. The place has a Centre Parcs feel to it which is nice.

The camps location provides ease of driving to many of the local attractions such as Mont Saint Michel or Cancale. The local town of Dol de Britagne, has bars and local shops and a massive Super U supermarket where you can buy almost anything.

So like everything there are downsides, the bar is very expensive and in need of a refurb, Site reps for Canvas, who we booked through, were few and far between and something we have never had to do in the past, was provide a cleaning waiver of sixty euros, which is returned following inspection prior to leaving. Makes you wonder what states the caravans have been left in the past for them to require this. Animals!

If you want a child friendly camp for a family holiday or a base from where to explore Brittany then I can recommend Domaines Des Ormes.

St Malo

One of the few entrance to the old city

Just me and drink

Spire of the cathedral

Muscles

Moules

View of the harbour

Saint-Malo is a port city in Brittany, in France’s northwest. Tall granite walls surround the old town, which was once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king). The Saint-Malo Cathedral, in the center of the old town, is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles and features stained-glass windows depicting city history. Nearby is La Demeure de Corsaire, an 18th-century privateer’s house and museum (Google)

This is another great spot to visit whilst in Brittany. You can walk the ramparts around the old city, wander in and out of the shops and cafes that line the narrow streets.

We visited straight after being at Cancale (see previous blog) and still being in the mood for sea food we opted for Moules (Muscles) cooked in a cream sauce. I have to say they were quite yummy.

Saint Malo old town has plenty of parking available, be patient at the entrance to them, you will eventually be let in to find a park.

Again another fantastic Meander in the sun. Well worth a visit.

Cancale – Fresh Oysters

Tray of oysters

The family enjoying fizz and oysters

Me

Cancale lies along the coast to the east of Saint-Malo. It is a picturesque fishing port popular with visitors, many of whom are drawn by its reputation as the “oyster capital” of Brittany. Though a small town, it is well served by a large number of restaurants, many specialising in seafood. When not eating one can sit and watch the bustle of this busy little town. (Wiki)

• Cancale

Click the link for more info ⬆️

We visited this lovely little town a few years ago and this time around we were still not disappointed. Sitting in the sunshine, eating fresh oysters with a glass of fizz was quite magical. Even if the thought of it turns your stomach you will be surprised at how tasty they are as long as you try to forget what it is you are actually eating.

To get to the fresh oyster stalls, park up in one of the many car parks along the sea front, which are not expensive and head towards the pier, turn the corner by a rather fantastic restaurant, Chez Victor, and you will find the stalls. Make sure you do what everyone else does and sit on the steps of the beach and enjoy a platter of oysters. Make sure you throw your empty shells onto the beach with all of the others.

If that isn’t enough then head into one of the many restaurants and order some rather amazing looking platters of food or just a coffee or cider.

Once you’ve had your fill of fresh oysters or crab or whatever took your fancy, then head along the sea front and take in the shops that line the front.

All in all a fantastic Meander and a must do when you are in the area.