Canal de Jonction

Don't know why I chose the scenic route to here. The straightforward route along a dual carriageway/motorway to just past Bezier was the quickest, and the one which we had started out on. But then I saw a green line mapped, and some viewpoints along an alternative road. Better for John, he loved it. I liked the views but not the ensuing billious sensation I'm currently trying to banish. Not helped by a good deal of strange and bumpy routes towards the end in search of parking spots we'd seen on Park4night app. Had a few frustrating red herrings but eventually found this canalside spot in the nick of time just after sunset (5.15 here, 4.15 in UK). Checking out suitable spaces to stay overnight is no fun at night time, never mind the driving. This camera makes things look a lot brighter than they actually are.

We saw huge wide expansive landscape from our sunny food stop on the ascent of our corkscrew route. Mountains and plains to the coast.
Before we left Montpeyroux, we went to the tiny epicerie and bought baguette, cheeses and tomatoes for lunch plus other provisions and then sat in the small square with drinks. A chap with a dog appeared. Ordered wine, coffee, and pastries and spoke to his dog ... in English! The first time we've heard it since 13th Dec, apart from one American in Nice. Got chatting to him (David) and a French woman (Caroleen) who joined him. He moved here in Oct 2023 and had just spent Christmas in Texas and then London, where his wife lives. He had lots of tips about how to move to France telling John it's relatively easy. I told him John wants to live here but I don't. "You should do what I do. Best way to keep a good marriage going." He said.Read more