Touring France in a motorhome October 18th/19th Day Fifty two and Fifty three

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October 18^th and 19th Days fifty-two and fifty-three

What is there to do in Nantes in France?

La Rochelle! How utterly disappointing! Lousy car parking for motorhomes. We couldn’t find one which didn’t have a height barrier on it. The P and R car park looked distinctly dodgy. Be lucky if your motorhome was still there when you got back. After an hour trying to find a space, we gave up. By the way be careful because much of the city centre is a no-go area for motorhomes now but few signs tell you that! We call in at a supermarket and the Decathalon and leave. Their loss!

Nantes proves to be much better and we made a good call deciding to come here instead. The municipal site on the outskirts of the city is lovely with level pitches under trees, all close to several blocks of modern facilities. Our nearest neighbour is a converted coach. Seriously! A monster of a motorhome but very well done! One small point to note – there are taps on every pitch but you need a push fitting adapter from reception to get a hose to fit!

Immediately outside the site gates is the tram stop. Fifteen minutes later, the modern tram has whisked you into the very centre of the city.

Nantes does not disappoint as we find out next morning. Number 2 green tramline down to ‘commerce’ stop in the centre of the city and a short walk to the tourist information office. Follow the green line on the pavement – it will take you there. Seriously, follow the green line! It takes you to all the tourist attractions across the city. What a simple and phenomenally clever idea to guide tourists! Every city should have a green line – it just makes sense for tourists, locals and local businesses!

Outside the tourist office we visit the Chateau immediately opposite. You can walk the ramparts for free and get good views over part of the city. But don’t stay there too long for there are some great delights elsewhere. Go in search of the Elephant!

We discovered it by accident. We chose a café down by the river by accident and whilst drinking our coffees, a 10m high elephant walked past us spraying water! We aren’t going to say much more here otherwise it will spoil it for you. Go search out the machines! They are amazing. Climb the steel tree branch. Visit the carousel. Lose an hour or two marvelling at mechanical marvels!

Back off the island and having strolled the main shopping area, we are heading back to the site. But we have run into a problem. Our tram has been stopped and we have been thrown off it barely a mile up the road. A huge 3000 strong demonstration about falling living standards is taking place in front of us. Side streets are packed with riot police waiting around, just in case things kick off a little. It all seems fairly peaceful and good natured to us though. Anyway, we have to walk a mile and a half back up the tram tracks to catch a tram further up the line. The exercise does us good. Nantes has been fantastic.