Day 75, Monday 28/5:

We were told that the best time traffic wise to make our exit from La Baule would be just after midday. This meant we were able to have a very relaxed morning in. When we went to leave the apartment the lift had ceased to function, meaning we had to lug our luggage down seven flights of stairs. However, we set off for Carquefou at 2pm to return the keys to Jacques and Fanfa. The traffic was indeed light so we made it back in good time, saying our proper goodbyes to Jacques and Fanfa before continuing on to the final destination of our travels, St Corneille, a small village near Le Mans where we would stay for five nights with our friends Yyves and Evelyne. They live in a large converted schoolhouse, not dissimilar to Charles and Jacqueline’s in Belgium. We in fact stayed here for one night on my previous trip and I’m pleased to say that it was very recognisable. Serge and Annie, more friends who live in this village, arrived to have a pre-dinner aperitif with us in the backyard. Serge is an adventurous sort, flying light aircraft, driving scooters around the country and going for regular long distance bike rides. Today he had just returned from a 60km jaunt on his bike. Needless to say there was plenty to talk about. Serge and Annie left and we adjourned to Yyves and Evelyne’s excellent outdoor dining area, complete with barbecue, cooktop and fridge, so all of the cooking can be done outside, without the need to venture indoors. We enjoyed a most excellent dinner and evening together.