DAY 10: MONTALIVET-LES-BAINS - ANDERNOS-LES-BAINS: 92km

MONDAY 8 JUNE

I woke up at 7am when the alarm went off. I was a bit disappointed as I had hoped I would wake up before it so that I could take the opportunity of sitting up in bed reading and appreciate the sea view. I was even more disappointed to note it was raining. I was so glad we had decided not to camp and although it was a grotty town we had actually enjoyed our stay as we had had a good meal the evening before and everyone in the town seemed very friendly.

Montalivet did not look any better in the morning




We ate breakfast watching the rain bounce off the tandem




We couldn't delay any longer - we would just have to get wet

Having started out in heavy rain it soon turned to drizzle. However the weather was extremely unpredictable and the strong wind was bringing with it some heavy showers. In between the showers though we were too hot with our waterproofs on.

Yet another waterproofs on/off stop




We followed the pine forest track all morning - it was getting boring

We decided to aim for lunch at Hourtin (41km) and then depending on what the weather was doing either stay in Hourtin as the campsite there looked very nice (at least it did on their website) or carry on to Andernos where we had a rest day planned anyway. As we hadn't had a rest day on the Ille D'Oleron we were a day in hand so could be quite flexible.

When we arrived at Hourtin Port the sun was trying to come out




Shame about the weather - we could've had a swim




The sun was almost out by the time we sat down for lunch

Although Hourtin Port was very nice (it was a shame we hadn't been able to make it the night before) there wasn't really anything there apart from the lake and as it wasn't beach weather we decided it wasn't worth staying there for the afternoon (the campsite did look nice though) and we would cycle on to Andernos and maybe have two rest days there instead. We would remember Hourtin Port for another trip though, as although it was only very small it had a nice feel to it.

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After lunch what started as a good surfaced forest track...




...turned into soft sand which was hard work




and in places we sunk and came to an abrupt stop




It was lovely to get back on to tarmac




even if it did take us through more pine forests




The cycle path to Le Porge was well signed

It had turned into a sunny afternoon - although we were still cycling into a headwind

We had seen enough of pine forests though




After a short afternoon coffee and cake stop...




...we then followed the piste all the way to Andernos

We were under a bit of pressure as the campsite shut at 6pm so we put everything into the last part of the day's ride. It had come out quite hot which was unexpected as the forecast hadn't been that good.

As we approached the town I knew I would like Andernos




Now I could see why!




What a lovely site - I may even enjoy camping here!

We were warned against choosing a sea view pitch and were shown pictures of tents floating in the sea but we decided that our tent should be strong enough to withstand the gale that was blowing in off the sea and we would take the risk. We spent a lot of time trying to work out where we would be most sheltered before we pitched.

We chose as much of a hollow as we could - the view was worth the risk

As the campsite was further out of town than we would have preferred we were delighted to be told that there was a restaurant only 5 minutes walk away through some nice suburban streets.

L'Etoile was very friendly and the food was good

I particularly enjoyed the unusual cheese with paprika which is a speciality of Ain

Going back to the tent wasn't that bad - the location made up for having to camp

I was looking forward to our time here