Square with fountain

This is the large and rather nice square in the centre of Vitry-le-Francois, just south of Reims. We have travelled all day and are now staying here the night, before heading for Calais in the morning.

Last night we stayed in a hotel in Touron - it was a sleek, new building with nicely lit, modern bedrooms and spacious, well-designed bathrooms. It was quiet, with subdued, stylish furnishings. Reception was extremely efficient and helpful. Parking and cycle storage was easy and effective.

Now, if you visualise the opposite of every aspect above - that describes where we are to tonight - Hotel de la Cloche. It's not bad, not at all, it's just very . . . different! And sometimes 'different' is what makes travel interesting!