DAY 4 – 09TH SEPTEMBER 2014

We awake to another thick foggy morning and it is still very foggy as we catch the shuttle plus walk the causeway to Mont. St Michel.  Suddenly the church spire is visible out of the mist.  Our guide Amelie is excellent providing a detailed and entertaining history of the building and occupation of this ediface on a rocky island outcrop, which commenced back in the 9th century.  The rocky island is strategically placed in the English Channel. The tides here go out approximately 16 klm, leaving a quicksand mud to protect the island.   The engineering of the supporting vaults which underpin the church is amazing, as there is only a limited rock base for a solid foundation.  The walls are 3metres thick in many places.

Dot was concerned about the steps climb to reach the top, but achieved it no problem.  The climb was mixture of walking up inclines and tackling stairs.   Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared to the Bishop of Avranches, inspiring him to build.

We are glad we went early, for as we leave circa 11.00am+, the place is being flooded with tour groups as well as individuals.  With many of the laneways less than 2metres wide, it will be very difficult to move.

After a quick baguette for lunch we travel through the countryside of the Loire Valley, through small stone villages and farms.  Corn crops are everywhere, plus some sunflowers.  Many of the small farms had a “herd”  of cows……possibly 3 or maybe 4,    anymore it was a “vast” .

Whilst travelling there was a birthday sing-song for Jaime [aged 78 today], followed by a Mr Bean video on his holiday trip to France….many of the Americans had not seen him before.

Around 5.00pm we arrive at an old chateau and winery, for a cheese and wine tasting,   The wine tasting was predominantly whites which they are famous for.  The Brut “bubbles” was pleasant, the Chenin fruity, but the red was just above a rose in colour and taste…disappointing. We were all presented with a bottle of their special bubbles before we left, then it is on to Amboise where we arrive around 7.30pm to settle in for 2 nights.