On the north coast of Spain we found this spot near A Coruña for overnight
I was especially happy with a night there, look at the Pokémon!
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Cudillero; the free parking at the port is a fabulous spot
from here we could walk across a small bridge into the village.
There is a fishmongers on the corner with a bar/restaurant, which is called Casa Julio,
above it. We had a monster sea bass cooked divinely with garlic and salad. What a find! No-one else there either.
Next were several unremarkable overnight stops until we got to Chateau Larcher. We're in France now. A very long diversion on very narrow roads found us at the aire. Very pleasant. I took a walk alone to explore and came across a large graveyard. I was followed in by a somewhat sinister looking guy so wasn't much at ease. I was fascinated by a tower in the middle. It turned out to be a Lantern for the dead dating from the 13th Century. It had a hollow in the side with a chain passing through it. I'd have taken photos but...
I found this on the internet.
Also the information that the chain was used to haul a lamp to the top of the tower to provide light for the dead. How strange! Allegedly, there are about 30 of these towers in this area.
At Ballon, we found the Donjon.
It's a very battered castle with a drawbridge and portcullis. Built in 1005 by the Earl of Maine but has had many 'owners'.
That posh topiary doesn't really look right? Nice garden though with a green tunnel ending in a fabulous view over the countryside.
Next, northwards to Fécamp. That's the home of Benedictine.
Did you know that this liquor is flavoured with 27 flowers, berries, roots, herbs and spices? Then it is triple distilled.
Somewhat expensive too.
Look at the shop!
And so, we continued to Calais, pausing for a bit of stock and filling with diesel at €1 a litre before the tunnel home.
So, while this trip didn't run on Plan A, we had a good time and would like to return to Portugal next time.
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