Day 778 (Saturday) 27^th July 2019

Thoroughly enjoyed a lie in till 9.30 this morning – he did bite me at about 6am but I went straight back to sleep. We had planned on spending the day on the beach today but Huw looked at the weather forecast and it warned us of a storm coming this afternoon. We had also planned to go to Monaco on the boat this evening with Iain and Nancy to watch the world fireworks competition so that won’t be happening either. This is the first full day off I’ve had in ages and it was a non-starter! I sunbathed on the balcony for a few hours and at around 2pm the clouds gathered and drove me indoors. It was still really hot and sticky but no sunshine but these photos are very dramatic.

  

 

Here are the next three places that The Local France recommends we visit

Haute-Saône, eastern France

Territoire de Belfort’s neighbour to the west is another perfect escape to the French countryside.

While you’re there visit beautiful medieval Pesmes (see below), voted France’s

favourite village in 2016.

 

Meuse, eastern France

This department that gets its name from the river that runs through it. 

Meuse has no big cities but plenty of history, offering a perfect balance of countryside and culture.
Take in a re-enactment of the Battle of Verdun, which was the longest battle of World War One and took place in the woods and hills around Verdun. Or just visit the impressive memorial and museum.

Photo: AFP

Mayenne, north western France

Just three hours from Paris by car, this peaceful department has two of France’s regional natural parks a short drive away: Normandie-Maine and the Perche.

So if you want to leave the capital but don’t fancy heading to the busy beaches of the south, this is a great alternative for nature lovers.

Tripadvisor ranks the Musee Robert Tatin at La Maison des Champs and the historic town of Lassay les Chateaux (see pic below) as two of the top attractions in the area.

 

Photo: Olibach/Flickr