Neuf-Brisach

We are now staying just outside the ramparts of the superbly fortified town of Neuf-Brisach, in France.
The reason for the huge stone walls is because in the 17th century it was a very important fort right next to the river Rhine.
Picture three shows the original plan of the town, with the walls forming a triple star round the outside and four tiny gates that are more like tunnels into the town.
All of the buildings are in a careful grid with a town square exactly in the centre.
We wandered around it all, but really needed a hot air balloon to see it in all its glory from above. Unfortunately, we can't fit one in our campervan.
In the afternoon all we could do was sit in the shade as the temperature hit 36 degrees, and work up a bit of a thirst.
In the early evening we got out our bikes and cycled over the Rhine to Germany and a wine festival.
It was all very civilised and we tried some wine, listened to the brass band and then got lost on the way home.