Awakening to a beautiful sunrise on the southern tip of France , we knew we had a long day ahead of us, at least 580 km North, to the town of Beaune, deep into the Burgundy region of France, with the Lyon tunnels to negotiate, no mean feat.  But, with the staple breakfast of pain au chocolate and a croissant inside us, we were in good spirits as we left the pine lined campsite at la tour fondue.  With only autoroute FM (107.1) to keep us company on our journey North, we heard tales of traffic jams and problems on all the main routes over France, apart from the Route du Soleil, which was ours. Tom Tom said we would arrive at 15:00, Reg and we knew differently!, at 17:15 we arrived at a camping aire, which we had seen the last time we visited Beaune (although last time we stayed in a fine hotel!).

As we pulled in to the site, which is no more than a car park with facilities such as water and electricity, no more than 4 other motorhomes and a few tourist buses awaiting the return of their clients were with us. Since the dispenser refused our cards, we were without water and electric hook ups, so we took a spot in the middle of the car park, away from the other vans, after all, we are self sufficient ! We chose this site, not for its beauty, but for its convenience since it is but only 5 minutes walk from the beautiful walled city of Beaune, with virtually full ramparts surrounding this ancient city.  The wisteria, in full bloom, filled the air with a beautiful scent as we walked into the main square.

A couple of drinks and a visit to a restaurant, found us sat next to an agricultural representative from a precision crop drill manufacturer, Vaderstadt.  His wife was less than pleased that other agricultural types had found their way into her Friday evening, as we discussed the good quality of the crops in the region and how  the French sugar Beet and sunflower crop planting had been completed whilst maize drilling were also nearing completion.  His wife seemed to turn to the bottle of red wine and played with George, which it seemed pleased everyone.

The short walk back to the aire, was equally pleasant, this time fuelled by a steak and a carafe of white wine, but as we turned the corner, the aire was now filled with twin axles caravans and transit vans….the travellers had arrived !  Back in the UK , this would fill us with trepidation as we feared for our wheels and certainly the bicycles on the back.   As we walked past one group, a glance into thier caravan, revealed a full size washing watching, a seperate tumble dryer and a chest freezer, and I though we had overpacked with 3 pairs of jeans !

So far, the car park is quiet but I suspect it will become a bit more raucous as the evening gets going.