Eleanorgay

Hi Folks, it's me again, Thanks for the information about the ferries.  We will only be able to try out the Bretagne's restaurant for 'the full English' as we are booked for the morning crossing.  I am curious to see how the ship compares with  the Normandie - my preference over the M. S. M. every time! Thanks also, Thumper, for the advice re motorway around Alencon/Sees - you confirmed what I already suspected. Cheers,   Eleanor Gay (Touraine on Friday! [:D][:D][:D])

Hi Folks Can't comment on the above book as I haven't seen it, but there is a book on a similar subject called 'Watersteps Through France' by Bill and Laurel Cooper.  It is about a journey on a Dutch barge from the Somme to the Camargue and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cheers,  Eleanor Gay (Dept 37 and Southport) [8-|][8-|]

Hi Folks We are booked to travel Portsmouth to Caen next week and I notice that the vessel out is the Val de Loire, returning on the Bretagne.  Has anyone any info about either ship, restaurants etc? Also, has anyone found an easy way to get on the motorway before Alencon?  We came back at New Year and thought the trip via Haras du Pin seemed to be a long way round. Cheers, Eleanor Gay (Dept 37 and Southport)[8-|]

I logged in just to reply - something I hardly ever do - but had to tell you that I can't wait to read the next chapter!

The Royal Horticultural Society lists several gardens in central France in its membership booklet. You could try their website - www.rhs.org.uk - or ask friends if they are members, could you borrow the booklet. EleanorGay Dept 37 and Lancs

Just tried the Brittany ferries web site and found that it is now open for bookings up to end of March, 2005, so will be sorting my Christmas trip asap. I hope this may be helpful to anyone else who relies on this mode of crossing for any reason! EleanorGay Dept 37 and Lancs