Farewell Bretagne...en route home via Royan

Although the sky was often cloudy while we were in Bretagne we did have some pretty nice sun breaks and that meant that we were all on the beach gathering all sorts of treasures from the sea!
Across from our Pierre et Vacances bungalow

there was a long boardwalk which meant we could stroll along even if the waves were beating up on the shore (which they were most of the time).

Anton and Maya set off along the shore during this particular sunny moment heading to the rocks of granite on the beach at the end of the boardwalk.

 We could see a little red roofed tower in the distance which to me looked like a lighthouse. Also, in the water was a very brave swimmer!!!!

Lots of sea shells and great little rocks were collected in the nooks and crannies of the granite boulders. By the end of the walk all of our pockets were bulging with treasures to bring home to Carpentras.

Along the return walk on the boardwalk a friendly dog smiled down on us from a balcony. We called out "hi Sheeva" and the dog wagged its tail!

Some "follow the leader" on the way back before we went to meet Nini.

These brilliant ice plants were blooming along the way...almost hurts your eyes to look at the vibrant color. A very nice contrast to the dark granite rocks and bleached wood.

This is an evening view from our window out to the ocean...this came after a very heavy downpour.

We left early in the morning and decided to take the route via Bordeaux and stop in Royan where the temperature was warmer and the beach less rocky.

We found this incredible and affordable place to stay called the Hotel Family Golf (?) we are up on the balcony of our room.

We set off to the beach right away.

 It was windy but just enough so out came the kite.

We spent the rest of the afternoon running in and out of the waves...here is a beach "still life"...

We all slept like logs and met the sunrise ready to head home. About a six-seven hour drive.

This collection of snail sculptures was in a roundabout on the way to Bordeaux.

We also passed by several windmills and once again began to see vineyards.

After Toulouse this marvelous view of Carcassonne came into view. I took this photo from the back seat of a moving car on the autoroute and I think it could be called "stunt photography!!"

Carcassonne has always been a mystery place for me. In high school I had a French text with the story of a boy named Alain Charpentier who lived in Carcassonne and it has stayed with me all these years! I don't even think I much LIKED French at the time!

We were happy to arrive back home...what a long drive but also a great time to spend together. It was a good road trip!