Arrondissement de Cholet

I'm in Clisson but I've only seen the campsite and the supermarket so I'll take photos tomorrow.

I felt a little sad as I walked out of the hotel this morning. Nantes was lovely and I do enjoy cities. I won't see another city until I reach Vitoria Gasteiz in the heart of the Basque country some time in October. There will be towns but they don't have anywhere near the same quality of 'people watching' and Nantes had some great watching to be done. From bag ladies to poseurs, Nantes had the full range.

That sadness soon evaporated when I was back in the countryside, walking along the Sèvre and exchanging Bonjour! with every passing stranger. I'd missed that.

I'm in the Loire region so I've walked through acres of vineyards and it's lovely. Specifically I'm in Sèvre et Maine. I've seen that name on bottles in Sainsbury's and now I know what it is! It's been great walking as the path alternated between vineyards and the gentle Sèvre. And I haven't pinched a single grape! Yet.

When I crossed into the Loire region a couple of days ago, I noticed that it is not unusual to see a crucifix on a street corner. I don't know if this is a deeply religious area but it certainly feels like it. I've included some examples in the photos.

Near the end of the walk I became a little lost in some woods. I heard a voice call out 'St Jacques?' and I replied 'Oui'. I looked around and saw an old guy beckoning me. He knew I was lost and asked me where I was going and said he would walk me back to the track. As we walked he asked me about what I was doing, if it was lonely and that sort of thing. He then told me about his holiday in the Alps and even showed me photos. When we reached the point to go our separate ways, we shook hands and he wished me all the best. It was a lovely little chat and all in French. Of course, he did most of the talking and my sentences had gaping holes that he filled for me but it was still a very dear moment.

Photos - the slow flowing Sèvre, a grotto associated with Lourdes, a roadside statue, crucifix, grapes!, berries from pathway bramble - favourite walking snack!Meer informatie