In my mind I had this day as one of the longer journeys of the holiday, but our first leg back north was not. However due to all the driving round Gascony I would need an additional top up while at the same time being reminded about the truths of Sundays in France.

So around our usual 10am start we left Auch, heading back in the direction of the charger we had previously used on the way down, near Agen. Plan was to have a drink and maybe buy some roasted coffee beans at the factory shop/cafe right by there, except of course it was Sunday so it was closed.

Heading on we then encountered the first true apparent problem with the sat nav. Genesis/Hyundai/Kia in their wisdom have not provided the option to ignore toll routes (later I found it was just not obvious). Previously not an issue as the sat nav would give up a few minutes after ignoring the péage and possible turn arounds and just stick to the non tolled route. Problem was the péage between Agen and Bordeaux runs parallel to the main road, so the car became determined at every junction. Eventually after lunch it finally gave up, but that was a frustrating couple of hours.

Talking of lunch, we needed somewhere we could sit down and with toilets. Problem being it was Sunday and even the big hyper markets were closed. Never thought I would eat at a MacDonalds in France.

Eventually we arrived at Cognac, and after all the earlier complaints from the sat nav it was actually a relatively relaxing drive. Our hotel was the Citotel Le Cheval Blanc, which in theory is a bit away from the centre, but actually it is right by one of the big squares for food and drink. It is a modern place, and while the rooms are small they do have everything you need.

Heading out we grabbed a drink in one bar then went to the Le Coq D’Or, which does have decent reviews in Tripadvisor. It is a traditional bistro and everything the place the previous night had not been. A good starter, decent steak for the main, good friendly service and a great atmosphere. The place was busy but the staff had no problems.

Alas it did seem like an early night as we did not fancy another drink. Still a good end to the day 6.

As to Sundays in France. It is easy to forget in this modern world that France is still a relatively religious Catholic country and so little is allowed to be open on a Sunday. Sure many big places, such as Paris, may seem little different, but outside of there …