Bergues

Not a lot of movement around the Aire de Camping this morning. Still not an enticing weather-day for an early rise. Another good sleep with a bounty breakfast following. This seems to be a very popular aire, particularly with the Brits who see it as a first stopping point from the ferry into France.

We took the opportunity to explore Bergues. The early importance of the area was its slight elevation above the surrounding countryside. The "old" monks knew where to build their abbeys - and to make a euro or two. The abbey was built and then the wealth of the area rose, later becoming a member of the Northern European Hanseatic League. Textiles and wool became a major trading commodity.

The Marble Gate, main gate of the former St Winnoc abbey.

The abbey of St Winnoc was destroyed in 1789, and only parts remain: the marble gate and two towers. Today their is very little of the abbey to be seen except for  the Tour Pointue and the Tour Carrée of St Winnoc abbey (as seen through the Marble Gate above).

For five centuries the town has been surrounded  by ramparts, 5300 meters long.

Later in the day the challenge of negotiating a French laundrette was an interesting experience. Quite simple as it turned out but in saying this it was still possible to feed money into the machine without any result. A good clean result in the end.

We returned to the aire for Samedi festivities!

Aerial view of the town.

The French seem to love large figures in their main squares. The Giant Bergues also known as "The Elector of Lamartine." 6.50 meter sitting and weighing 250 kg.

We love the French cuisine.