Day 86. 19.6.23.

Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany to Metz, France.

Due to the heat we decided not to look around Freiburg Im Breisgau and instead headed towards Metz. It was a choice of hiding in the shade or travelling in the heat to somewhere a little cooler north.

It was very warm in the van, every now and again a breeze blew in through the windows but it was warm not cold.

We stopped a few times for refreshments and breaks. We had opted for the non toll route so that the journey was a little more interesting. It’s strange crossing borders as, most probably during stages of history, the borders have moved and place names are like the country you just left. I.e. going into France across the Alsace region, lots of the towns are very Germanic in name.

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We circumvented Strasbourg (sounds Austrian to me), Nancy and then arrived in Metz, a new place for us.

Google had its usual fun with us and took us round a couple of times before we ignored it and then found the camping signs! It was a little too hot under the collar for those fun and games.

The campsite has an Aire right outside, it’s €17 with no services or shade in the Aire, or €27 on the campsite, grass pitch, lovely shading trees, restaurant and all washing facilities. We definitely plumbed for the shade and we were right to do so as it’s a fab little site. Not only is it beside the river Moselle, it’s also right on the edge of Metz old town and within minutes of walking you are in the Place de le Comedie which includes the theatre, some bars and a restaurant.

We sat around until about 8pm and then took a walk.

Crossing another part of the river we came to a smart looking bar and restaurant so stopped for dinner. We ordered a sharing plate for starters. When it came our eyes popped out of our heads! Flippin Eck! How were we going to eat this AND the main we had ordered each .

Well, though we did make a good attempt some of the delicious slices of meat got packed into Meg’s tub. We had some lovely rosé wine too. While we were waiting for our main the staff started packing the tables up. How rude we thought. Then, one came over to tell us it was going to rain in 5 mins and it was ok to take Meg inside .

The mains came and my goodness, we had indeed over ordered. I had a burger with Roquefort cheese and fries, Gareth had duck breast with honey and goats cheese, accompanied by saute potatoes . We were beat. It was all delicious, the bun was left and half the burger and duck breast went into Meg’s tub. Needless to say she was a very happy dog in the morning .

It was still raining when we left the restaurant, but that did not bother any of us, it was the best thing, walking in the cool rain.

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