Amiens to Mery sur Seine

Saturday April 25th

• starting miles           50063
• temperature              14
• weather                     wet/cloudy
• time                           11.15

We left Amiens in the rain and headed west towards Roye (pronounced like the king) Maybe it was the rain but it was not as impressive as i remember it. Maybe this is not such a good idea?

 However Noyon Cathedral and its associated surrounding buildings was impressive indeed. Despite the rain it was 27C inside the van as we enjoyed coffee and a sandwich whilst watching the world go by.

PM to Soissons via Cuts, Blerancourt and the steep and winding D6. Stopped at Aldi to stock up - everything is closed in rural France on a Sunday. Brief exploratory forays in each town but nowhere looks good in the rain. Even picture perfect Sezanne was lost in the drizzle.

fuel:   67l      €76

The countryside changes from the rolling hills of the coastline to the vast flatness of the Pas de Calais to the gently rolling slopes of Champagne. the soil is light coloured and chalky. 

Just as we were thinking of finding a campsite near Troyes we were passing through the idyllic little village of Mery sur Seine and there it was the perfect wild camping spot by the river Seine. 

We weren't the only ones who thought so and we shared our spot with three other camping cars and several local fishermen. 

Pauline noted that it was the best find to date - picturesque and with a fabulous evening sky. It is only 1 or 2 degrees too cool to sit outside in comfort. 

There was a magnificent thunder and lightning storm overnight but we were cosily tucked up in Hermione Hymer.

Site cost :                              €000

Miles travelled:                        153