On the next day to La Rochelle which was some distance from town so we opted for a tour to the Ile de Re, Island of Light instead. It is a very low lying small island with 5 or 6 villages and earns its money from tourism (never got to the beach which was the main reason I wanted to go on the tour there) and sea salt production. Didn't buy any as it was too dear and too heavy. And to me, salt is salt. We did walk up winding streets with lots of souvenir shops to an old church where there was a lovely view of the island. In the little village of Ars there was a statue of the Cure of Ars in the church. Somehow I think he came from another place with the same name. There wasa lovely little marina lined with cafes where you could buy icecream and waffles. Back to the Azamara to be serenaded by old French sea shanties by a group of locals dressed up for the occasion.
On to Bordeaux up the river with its old bridges and buildings. It was Sunday and there was not much doing apart from a farmers market near where the ship was anchored. We had a glass of bordeaux there in the afternoon, not quite the drink of choice for a sweltering day. The locals were out as there was some sort of festival on with dancing of the tango and group variety. We did a couple of long walks of about 3 hours each so was pleased to get back on board again.
