The open road

What a gorgeous day for driving!

Although given the sheer scale of France, even after two days of driving, we still had to resort to the toll roads, today, to get from Troyes to Calais in time for our crossing via the tunnel.

Which is not to say that we didn't have an enjoyable drive; coffee and pastries from Marie Blachère to set us up for our journey, plus lots of delightful scenery.

There was a slight delay to our crossing but we were back in the UK around 5pm. 

It's an unloved looking place through eyes fresh from the continent. I'd noticed the lack of litter in France, but was shocked to be reminded how prevalent it is back here. 

And then there's the state of the roads and... well, don't get me started. 

Anyway, we got to Mum's just after half-six, unpacked and freshened up, and then the three of us walked up to Pizza Express for dinner.