My French Holiday Journal 2014

Last week, I was in sunny France, staying in a gorgeous gite (for details, click here) in the Mayenne district. Here are some extracts from my travel journal:

Saturday 2nd August 2014

After an early arrival in France (6:45 am), we set off from Ouistreham on our journey to Laval, stopping at a wonderful town, Domfront, perched high on the crest of a hill. The approach to Domfront is very impressive with the medieval town dominating the landscape over the bocage. 

Our second stop was at Jublains which is a little village on the site of an old Roman town where you can wander around the remains of a fortress, amphitheatre, temple and baths. The museum is well worth a visit and has a great interactive display which my boys loved.

Sunday 3rd August 2014

Even though it wasn't a long drive to our gite yesterday, we decided to take it easy with a local day out to the town of Laval and some time chilling at home. The gite is in a wonderful location and the owners are so friendly. We have two sheep and two donkeys in the adjoining field as well as a small fishing lake. There is nothing nicer than lying on the deck with a glass of wine and watching the lizards darting around. It is rural bliss! 

Monday 4th August 2014

A long, tortuous journey to the Zoo de la Fleche, after following just about every tractor in the area, but it was worth even the €80 family entrance fee just to see the polar bear, the hippos and the white tigers! 

Tuesday 5th August 2014

We hired a Bateau Electrique at Chateau Gontier this morning, with strict instructions (en Francais) on which arches to steer the boat through. Nothing quite like messing about on the river and spotting potential holiday homes along the way!

Wednesday 6th August 2014

I somehow got roped into going on the High Ropes which were local to Laval, because my 16 year old didn't want to go on by himself!! But, as usual, I did enjoy it - although (luckily) there are no photos because my husband took my other son off to play football. It is always an exhilarating activity even though every muscle in my body ached for days after!

Thursday 7th August 2014

France is brilliant for Velo-Rail, which is like a cart which has been adapted to cycle on old railway lines. We went to our nearest one at St Loup de Gast which although is relatively short, has an amazing section over a viaduct. 

Friday 8th August 2014

Our final day in France, and we were looking forward to seeing some old friends in the afternoon who live in Holland but were holidaying nearby. We had a great tour of the local Chateau in Laval in the morning by a local guide for just €2 each.

Hope you are having a good summer too.

Love Mrs Jones x