With fewer warm sunny days, coupled with evenings now drawing in more quickly, many sites close their doors on 15th September. Go into hibernation for the autumn and winter months. Consequently, the lack of open camp sites means beggars (us) can’t be choosers.
Mrs S prefers hot showers, hot wash-up water and enclosed warm and draught-free sanitaire blocks. (can’t say I blame her) None of which are necessarily a priority for French site owners, when in general, summer temperatures are in the high twenties or thirties. Who wants a hot shower when you’ve got a sweat on?
Despite an online indication of still being open until 1st October, our first port of call is closed. It’s 4.30pm. We still have plenty of time to find an alternative. Which we do. Fortunately only 7k further up the same road.
At Camping Le Pontillou, we’re thankful to be welcomed on site by Thierry and his wife. A two man (read person) team with twenty-one pitches and eighteen mobile homes on offer. We believe they are equally thankful to receive another customer. Immediately doubling today’s income.
With sanitaire walls that don’t reach the roof, and doors that don’t reach the floor, the cool evening air is given free access. Refreshes those parts usually reserved only for drinkers of Heineken beer. As a consequence, shower time is like watching a very old silent movie, where all the characters are whirling around at normal plus a half speed.
Earlier, our day’s amusement is a visit to another château. An ideal way to break the journey for an hour or two, with an interesting leg stretch. The tiny commune of Biron has been dwarfed since medieval times by its namesake castle.
It’s almost a village in itself and has hosted film crews for many a film and series.
Looks great – so much more interesting than some French chateau I remember.
I seem to have missed so much of this safari over the last few weeks, so now is the time for me to catch up on your journey!