Esquelbecq to Givet, France
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Esquelbecq to Givet
Motorhome Journey from Esquelbecq, France to Givet
I awake on the aire de camping cars here at Esquelbecq to the soft tinkling of the church bells on each quarter hour, it is 7.30 am and we have slept for ten hours! I also think I hear a woodpecker in the distance. A slow start to the day, coffee, check emails and texts and breakfast as we watch an older man practising his pole archery.
It is a grey and heavily overcast day, not very pleasant but not raining. We walk into the town, the Chateau is closed, the sign says it is €5 admission, so we just admire the fabulous garden (still with its huge watering can ornament) mostly cut back for winter but the signs of life coming in the fruit trees budding and early flowering plants. The old Inn next to the Chateau: Chateau Auberge is closed; looking through the window it is like a living museum to the past, oak trestle style tables with tapestry-seated oak chairs in front of a huge stone fireplace at one end, the ash from the last fire spilling onto the floor.
We call at the tourist information, the lady at the counter speaks in broken English and we speak in broken French getting along together and understanding each other completely. She tells us about the heritage trail, a 6km/2-hour circular walk from Esquelbecq via Wormhout around la Plaine au Bois; also to visit the next village of Bergues which, she says is a must-see. We could happily spend another couple of days here but must drive on towards Cham, to reach there by Sunday. We also call in the church of St Folquin (which had its roof and wood interior destroyed by fire in 1976) and spend quiet time in reflection being thankful for what we have been able to do.
Back at Hymer, another motorhome arrives and parks next to us, satellite dish straight up and TV on, we are not sure why they can’t leave home even for a day or two without the need to watch the drivel on TV, there is so much to see here (and we do not see them even get out!).! We have lunch of lomo meat and cheese from Auchan, then clear up, empty the grey tank and toilet cassette and leave for Givet about 1.15 pm. Taking A25 to Lille, A27 to Tournai, E42 to Mons, N40 to Philippeville and on to Givet arriving just before 5.00 pm.
We are directed on a short diversion via N908 crossing the River Meuse by its more northerly bridge as the bridge at Givet is closed due to roadworks. The drive of 217km has taken just short of four hours. The Aire de camping cars at Givet faces the river, 12 of the 20 places are already taken (6 French, 3 Belgian, 2 UK, 1 German, 1 Luxembourg), so we choose one of the vacant spots overlooking the river and park up. The sun has come out, not a grey cloud in sight and it is 15°C. Stiff from our drive, we take advantage of the warm sunshine and walk over the bridge (closed to traffic) into the town. It is quiet with quite a few immigrants wandering about, many of the shops have closed and are empty.
It is sad to see such a once busy and bustling town so quiet. Perhaps when the bridge reopens it will liven up again. Back at Hymer, I prepare the stirfry vegetables and Mr C. opens a bottle of Corbier wine (purchased from Auchan) and makes starters of thinly sliced baguette and salmon rillette. We sit overlooking the river and the lovely sky enjoying the wine and then our stirfry. It is getting dark as we finish our meal so enjoy a fabulous sunset behind the castle with pink, purple and orange hues watching as the lights come on in the dusk as it darkness to night.
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