Friday 25 March

As expected, it rained during the night and it was still raining, though not particularly heavy however it was a lot warmer. After breakfast we decided on a quick drive round the island, just to see the sights. As expected a very seasidey place that was just about getting ready to open for the season, probably this weekend at Easter.

Crossing back over the bridge we decided that, as the weather was set to be miserable here for a few days, we may as well push on north so a quick re-programme of the netbook and we set out. Although it's Good Friday the roads were remarkably busy with commercial traffic and all the shops and many businesses were open. Not having been able to service the van we called at another service point – they're everywhere and well marked. Eventually the rain petered out and we started to glimpse the sun as we paused in an Aldi carpark for fresh baguette straight from the oven for lunch.

We hadn't decided on a destination for tonight, planning simply to stop when we were ready. As the day wore on it became apparent that Angers was a likely candidate until we missed a turn – but as often is the case this caused us to take a minor road which was in fact a “Tourist” route along the River Loire towards Anger. The book showed numerous aires but one stood out, and which we'd used before, at Bouchemaine which was just the other side of Angers, so TomTom was instructed.

Like many aires in France, once free places have started to charge and others have increased their charges, often substantially. Admittedly facilities have improved and often electricity is now included but when you don't need it having to pay extra grates a little. Nevertheless this is a lovely spot, right on the banks of the Loire and a short walk along the river to a nice village. And the sun was shining so chairs out and enjoy the rest of the afternoon with a cuppa.

So endeth the day