Post It from Camping Municipal Robinson, Bourges, Centre, France. Saturday 8th November, 2014.

After another cold night, 5ºC, we had a lovely bright and sunny day to make the 125 mile journey to Bourges. We had chosen this site after reading some notes from Val from the Caravan Club forum and we thought it may be a good overnight stay because of its proximity to the centre of the town and we would have some time to visit there. We also took Val’s suggestion and used the A71 toll motorway to avoid Clermont Ferrand which was a problem on our way south due to road works and deviations. It only cost us 2.10€ to exit at Riom. 

The campsite is of moderate size and has hard pitches as well as grass ones so for us it was perfect. The facilities were simple and once again spotlessly clean but a little cooler than we would have liked. However the evening temperatures were not as cold and as I type it is only 12ºC outside at 8:00 p.m. It was dearer than I expected at 23€ a night but that did include a charge for Smokee. It was the first time we had ever been charged for our cat and the young lady on reception also asked for his pet passport, so he got registered as well!                               

We arrived mid-afternoon so set off on foot into the historical centre of Bourges which took around 10 minutes. We came across a drumming band that we followed as they marched to the square by the old Hotel du Ville and adjacent the Cathedral of St Etienne, both of which are impressive buildings. There was also a stage set for a band and they played music in the meantime. Apparently it was something to do with the people who do not have apartments? 

We walked down the main shopping street before returning up the Rue Bourbonnoux which has many very old timber framed houses dating back to just after the great fire of the Magdalene in 1487. It gave Sharon a chance to shop and we even bought a very unusual candle holder for our home. The town was busy with people and they were getting ready for Christmas with the lights and decoration. We just had enough time left to have a glass of wine listening to the music by the Cathedral before returning to give Smokee his tea! 

We could have easily spent two or more nights here to see what was on offer. Our campsite had only a handful of people staying but on our way back we passed the Aire du Camping car where you could stay for free for up to 48 hours, no facilities though, and it looked pretty full. We even had free Wi-Fi so hopefully I will manage to post my recent stories tonight. 

Regards, Roy