# Tag 73 ... from the Atlantic Ocean to the Datteln-Hamm Canal

 We have decided not to simply use the highway on the return journey, but to see something of the countryside. Therefore, the plan is to drive along the Loire on the country road and see the Loire castles. A bit of culture is a must.

So, we refuel, drive the first stretch to Angers on the toll highway and then onto the tourist road, which is only allowed for vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Luckily, we have that.

The Loire is one of the largest and longest rivers in France. It rises in the Massif Central and then winds its way 1000 km through the country to flow into the Atlantic Ocean near St. Nazaire. But apparently, one cannot sail with large ships on the Loire. We are presented with a wide riverbed, but it is characterized everywhere by sandbanks, river islands, and shallow areas. Shipping seems hardly possible here, and we don't see any.

The D 952 winds its way along the left bank of the river. Every now and then, you pass through a village with typical houses made of rock. 

You get the feeling that you are always driving on the top of the embankment. However, castles are not in sight at first. They come later on the other side of the river near Saumur.

So, we shuttle back and forth between the left and right bank and see Saumur Castle, Amboise Castle, Langeais Castle, and so on.

However, one of the river crossings is a special experience. The bridge's iron structure is flat (3.50 height for passage) and narrow. Encountering cars is fine, you move over to the far right side. But when a delivery van and then a motorhome come towards you, moving to the side is not enough. Everyone has to fold in their mirrors, and even then it's damn tight. The person opposite me with the motorhome from Spain loses their nerve and you can hear it crunch as they touch the iron structure.

After a few hours, we've had enough and look for a place in Orleans for the night. There is a parking space for 20 motorhomes right on the banks of the Loire for €6.

When we arrive at half past 6, we get one of the last spots. So, we have a beer.

Little conclusion about the drive on the different roads:

The two highway sections were very relaxed because there was hardly any traffic and no annoying trucks, but at almost €30 for 150 km of highway, it wasn't exactly a bargain. Besides, you can't see anything of the countryside from the highway.

On the other hand, the country road offers that. We had chosen the tourist route along the Loire. It was surprisingly empty and easy to drive. Apart from the slowness that you have to accept. But that's not tragic as long as you have time on your hands.

Unfortunately, we don't have much time on Thursday. We plan to drive about 800 km to behind Dortmund. The last night will be spent in the motorhome port of Rünthe at the marina in Bergkamen. I'm already looking forward to the meat platter at the Yugoslav restaurant in the harbor gastronomy.

But before that, there are two things to tackle

- Trying out the country road from Orleans to Paris

- Crossing Paris

The first thing is going pretty well on the D 2020. A well-built road with frequent 2-lane sections to overtake the trucks. They seem to be driving here and not on the highway.

The second part of the challenge was tough. Paris is one big traffic jam, no matter when and where you drive.

It already started in the morning at 11 o'clock when we entered via the country road. Who is on the road at this time and clogging up the streets?

It continued on the way to the city highway and the periphery. Here too, there are cars, trucks, vans, motorhomes, and motorcycles on all lanes.

The latter don't care about the traffic jam at all and hammer through the narrow lanes between the lanes like maniacs. And there isn't much space. Sometimes I hold my breath when one of these kamikaze drivers from behind weaves through the lane at high speed, avoiding the side mirrors or ducking away. Only once does one of these lunatics touch our mirror - a good score, they do that every day.

And when there is a siren from behind again, looking for a way through on two or four wheels (which actually doesn't exist), then all the other motorcycles are guaranteed to be in tow and take advantage of their chance to pass through.

People, I had sweaty hands throughout the drive through Paris and was really glad when it was over and the highway became normal again.

If you have the chance, you should bypass Paris.

If you want thrills, go right ahead.

The rest is quickly told - clocking kilometers and entering Germany via Belgium.

Already in Belgium, we shake our heads. What the hell is going on on the highways here. Driving in southern Europe was so relaxed. Free passage on the streets, no hustle and bustle, mutual consideration by all parties involved. That's over here. The highway war has broken out again, and the hustle and bustle is spreading everywhere. Everyone wants to be first and doesn't give an inch to the "competition" in the lane next to them.

What a narrow-minded behavior of the egoists behind the wheel.

And then the density of trucks - mamma mia, we haven't seen that for 3 months.

I want to go back.....

In the Ruhr area, the conditions are similar to Paris - traffic jam. Only the motorcycles are missing.

With a little delay, we reach the motorhome port in Bergkamen and get one of the last spots - once again.

But we have a free choice of seats at the Yugoslav restaurant and a mixed grill plate with WHEAT BEER.

We're back....