Tinteniac’s aire was really pleasantly located, overlooking the canal and several domestic canal boats. We had another peaceful night.

After a lazy morning, we then headed into Dinan for lunch at one of our favourite restaurants, Chez La Mere Pourcel, and we weren’t disappointed.

The port of St Malo was our final destination, following the obligatory last visit to Lidl, top-up of diesel and GPL, and empty the cassette. As we arrived at the ferry terminal with plenty of time to spare, we put on the kettle and heating whilst we waited. As you might imagine, we were then surprised by the announcement that the boat was now cancelled due to striking French dockers – thanks guys.

As it happens, we were only coming back tonight because of my office Christmas party, and whilst it’s a shame to miss it, it’s not too much of a hardship. The next sailing will be in 2 days time, as long as the dockers can be persuaded. They’re letting the boat go to Jersey tonight and tomorrow, but won’t allow us on board.

It made us realise how brilliant it is having our “mobile home”. Those car and foot passengers, without houses over here, now need to go and find a couple of nights accommodation and then work out what to do with themselves, as well as organise meals, for 48 hours. Meanwhile, we’ve been able to drive 15 minutes to a favourite Park4night on the banks of the Rance, in a nice sheltered spot should the wind pick up. We also have a vehicle brimming with food and all the gas we need to heat the place. As Sophie put it, ah well, we’d better put on the kettle and have another doughnut then.

Sophie’s now interrogating francethisway.com and the Internet for inspiration as we consider visits to some more local spots we often drive past en route to places further afield.