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It's an 'ah' photo, but pourquois pas?
This young lady was part of the family with whom we stayed in a
riverside Chambre D'Hotes at Brantôme.
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Once again, thankfully, it was dry and bright. 321 miles
done so far, and at approximately 200 pedal rotations per mile, that's
16,000 per day! Also I have kept a record of the aggregate climb; this is
now 3751
metres since rolling off the car ferry.
Quite a bit more climbing today, but the scenery and views makes it all
worth while. Fewer trucks now, but more tourists; mostly Brits and Dutch.
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By contrast with 'Suze' above, this is Chateau L'Evèque on
the northern approach to Perigueux. |
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Cyclists note: Up till now, nowhere in France did I see
(or feel) a pothole larger than a 2 euro piece. This was to change in
Perigueux and further south. |
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Perigueux in all its glory. Shame about all the camper vans
though! |
We manage to get 40 miles in at a good speed by lunchtime which is taken in
Le Bugue in a rather nice restaurant where once again, we feel rather
inappropriately dressed. The sun is blazing out of a clear blue sky, so we
slap on sun lotion for the afternoon, which is getting a bit hot for
biking. |
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Another river, La Vezere which has a particularly nice
view.... |
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View looking the other way. |
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One particular climb takes us close to the pretty medieval village of
Bèlves with some
very non medieval music blaring across the field from a P.A system. It was
their annual Fete. |
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A few miles on and we are running low on water. Both of us are drinking
many litres a day so we are forever on the lookout for shops that are
open. Not easy when all shops are closed from 12 till 2.30.
Miles from anywhere, we find a Spar supermarket which has more staff than
customers. As I approach the till, the shop assistant comes inside and the
Muzak suddenly launches into the British national anthem! Is that just for
me?
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Another long climb through heavily forested land brings us
to Monpazier, a bastide, which professes itself to be one of France's
prettiest villages. |
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As we approach the end of an 80 mile day, we pass beautiful villages and
impressive chateaux in commanding positions overlooking the valley of the
river Lot.
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Stormy clouds threaten to the south west. |
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Above is Chateau Biron which standing close to the watershed
between the valleys of the Dordogne and the Lot, can be seen for many
miles. |
A quick stop for a couple of Oranginas and then it's a gradual
and welcome descent through a pretty wooded valley to our chosen Chambre
d'hote in Gavaudun for tonight.
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The leaving of the Lot valley. |
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Owned and restored by a Belgian couple, it is an old paper mill in a
sylvan setting. There is a large inviting pool, but we settle for hot
baths before joining our hosts and guests from Australia, Hungary,
Holland, and France for a splendid meal. |
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Apertifs on the terrace watching the sun go down, then inside for a very
welcome dinner cooked by mine host who used to be Chef in a 5* hotel in
Brussels. Nice one!
Sleep is once again assured. |
