Today has been another long driving day but without the excitement of yesterday’s trip through Paris. Reading in the news today we were, in fact, quite lucky to get away with a small hold up on the Peripherique. It’s a good job SatNav had not directed us into Central Paris, where there was yet again a violent Maillot Jaune protest, with shops set on fire and Police attacked. As we were entering the outskirts of Paris yesterday seven Police vans passed us, in convoy, now I think we know where they were heading.
So far we have only see a few Maillot Jaune, standing in small encampments at major junctions. The signs of their past actions are everywhere. Most notably virtually every speed camera is out of action. Some have evidently been set alight, while others have either been smashed or had paint sprayed all over the lenses. The other visible indications are splashes of yellow paint at random places on most of the roads and yellow vests regularly displayed outside houses and businesses. All I can say is the French know how to protest!
The initial part of our journey followed the River Loire as it turns south and we passed through the famous wine producing areas of Sancerre and Pouilly without stopping to top up Basil’s grog cellars. These wines sell for double digit Euros a bottle so is well in excess of our €1 a gallon price ceiling!
Rain followed us all day and instead of getting warmer the temperature rarely reached double figures, even though we ended up only 200 miles north of the Mediterranean.
Travelling on a Sunday in France is a relative pleasure. There are virtually no lorries on the road. I’m not sure whether there is a total ban, because we have seen two trucks today, but certainly there must be a severe restriction.
Although we were long in the saddle today, we covered 230 miles in little more than six hours, because a fair section was on free motorway. One thing we noticed as we travelled is the proliferation of mistletoe in France compared to England. With the leaves still off the trees the balls of mistletoe, often many on one tree, stand out clearly. Why this difference between the two countries – we dont’ know – although we have speculated that it could be connected with the British use of mistletoe in their Christmas celebrations. It’s probably more likely to do with France’s warmer climate.
Our final destination today is the village of Massiac and a lovely free aire (45.252586, 3.194324) on the banks of the fast flowing river Alagnon, which eventually flows into the Loire much further north. The sun came out briefly to give us a hint of warmth but when we went out to explore the town, which was well and truly shut, cold and light rain had returned. Still, we mustn’t complain, three nights in France so far and the total cost of accommodation is precisely €0!
Tomorrow a campsite, we hope for a few days rest, and since it is in the Camargue, who knows, maybe a bit of bird spotting!
