Ambling through the Ardenne

 

Friday 30th August 2024

Today we had a leisurely amble through the Ardenne region, dropping in and out of France and Belgium.

We followed the scenic route along the river Meuse, which has a sub title of Canal de l'est (North Branch) which I think references with the canal at Thieu, part of Boneaparts plan linking up Charleroi with Mons.

Our route took us to Montherme in France for morning coffee, Bouillon in Belgium for lunch, and finally Herbaumont in Belgium for an overnight stay.

The weather is much cooler today and we had some light rain overnight.

This morning was couldy with mist and cloud hanging in the forests of the Ardenne, which I think is a fairly typical state of affairs.

Herbaumont is on the river Semois and has a castle on the hill to explore after tea.

The castle was duly explored and has some panoramic views from the summit.

Some partially sighted Belgian bloke reversed his car into us in Bouillon, no damage to Ed, but he broke his rear light cluster 🤣

It's a familiar theme though, in Nazare Portugal a French bloke reversed his motorhome into us on the campsite, but he never even had the courtesy to get out and inspect damage. 

Fortunately, again there was no damage to Ed, but he can't have known that.

Ed's made of tough stuff to see off Johnny foreigner 😀

Montherme

Steps to the top of the village in Montherme

The sculpture is a weather vane that was originally on the roof of the Montherme brewery built in the early 1800's on this site. It depicts a Roman Centurian blowing a horn, whilst standing on a cloud.

 Motorhome parking in Montherme by the river, we didn't stay overnight
but looks a great spot to park up

Bouillon

Mr Bean in a Mini . . . . .

with HRH Queen Elizabeth ll as his passenger 

Health and safety working at heights requirements are
completely ignored in Bouillon !

Bouillon Chateau

Bouillon Chateau

Herbaumont Castle

Herbaumont village