So here we are, in France after an interesting first day. We spent the night at a friend’s apartment near the coast and left early for the Eurotunnel. Number plate recognition worked and we were sent through to the pet centre to have Polly’s papers checked. Unfortunately our vet had messed up the form (for which we had paid £135) so we were almost sent back home to get the form re-done. Luckily, the lady at the desk was more than helpful and told us just to cross out the wrong section. She stamped the papers and we were through!

Car straight onto the train with a good strong coffee and a bacon roll. Au revoir UK and bienvenu France. Thirty five minutes crossing and into Auchan for bread and cheese.

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The autoroute was very quiet and we pushed on to Reims arriving in good time to have a rest and then find a restaurant for the evening. We found a local place, showed our double vaccination status and were seated. The waiter brought the menu and we chose a couple of dishes. We asked the waiter for the wine menu. No wine said the waiter, we serve halal meat and no alcohol. We nearly got up to go but the food looked good, so we bit the bullet and drank water and coke. The food was excellent but it needed a good bottle of wine to make it perfect. Hey ho. Back to the hotel and a proper drink to finish the evening.

Today we left Reims and drove to Beaune. Such a beautiful place. We had lunch opposite the Hospices de Beaune. A delicious meal WITH ALCOHOL this time! Salade de chèvre chaud for Ed and Œufs epoissé for me, accompanied by Affligem beer and a crisp rosé. Coffees and back on the road. We’re in Lyon tonight and on to Spain tomorrow.

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España mañana