We left Phil behind and drove 117 kms to a small camping Aire at La Ronde – but first, after taking the wrong road for less than a kilometre, we happened upon the Abbaye de Maillazais. Clearly a major center back in the day. It was, amazing, wonderful, awe-inspiring, impressive (other superlatives are available), albeit in a state of advanced ruin for the most part. France was clearly not to be out-done by the likes of of very own Henry VIII and one Cardinal Richelieu set about asset stripping the entire community more or less leaving just the walls standing. It was finally abandoned some 400 years ago. However, the French ( no doubt part-funded by the EU) have started rebuilding at least part of the structure – justifying the 7 euro charge for visitors! Worth the money in our opinion.