On Wednesday 4th April we left Kerry and Gareth's and got on a ferry in Dover.
We shortly arrived at Calais and got on our way.
We soon arrived at the attractive northern french town of Cassel and parked on the town's aire. Here's a view of the town centre.
Ann appears to pass judgement on the stature of the local hero Marshal Foch who led the french forces round here in the futile mass slaughter of the first world war just under 100 years ago.
Apparently there were many windmills in Cassel until recently. This is the last remaining.
On Thursday 5th April we left Cassel and travelled south east to Laon passing many many first world war military cemetaries which serve as a reminder of the absolute futility of it all. I don't think anyone really knows what the war was about or how many millions died.
Laon has a very impressive cathedral - here's a view inside. We spent the night in a car park in the centre of town with a very nice view and no parking chrges!
We took this picture as we were leaving Laon on Friday 6th April showing it's location on a high ridge above the plains.
South from Laon we came into the Champagne region - there were vinyards everywhere.
We stayed Friday night at the aire in Ay which by a strange coincidence is twinned with Newton Abbot!
The Aire at Ay from the other side of the canal
On Saturday 7th April we continued south to Froncles in the valley of the Marne. Good walk between the river Marne and the champagne to burgundy canal.
We stayed at the aire at Froncles and for the first time in France paid for our accommodation 1.50 euros!
Today Sunday 8th April we continued south to the beautiful walled town of Langres. Here's Ann on the town walls. We're parked here in the free car park next to the tourist office and I'm using their excellent wifi for this post. Sorry not to have posted earlier but this is the fist decent wifi I've found!
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