Yes, it was raining in the morning. Ho hum ! So a quick breakfast, a VERY WET tent packup, dry clothes, then off to France.
Today’s target was to get somewhere near halfway to Clermont-Ferrand. So I’d selected Troyes as my overnight target, more specifically the Villa Hotel in Saint Andre les Vergers, just outside, but on the main road out to Auxerre. I’d made the decision to go cross-country on minor N and D roads, rather than bashing down the autoroute. Apart from the obvious cost savings, I rather enjoy the more rural roads, going through (rather than round) towns and villages.
The first bit in Belgium (“dropping down the hill”) from the Ardennes towards Luxembourg was foggy – mega foggy ! Thankfully (?) it was mostly dual carriageway to my first turnoff point, but I have to say that these Continental lorry drivers seem to be going as fast in the fog as in normal weather. They must have fantastic in-built radar !
So, driving south west, it was Sedan, then Vouziers and Chalons en Chapagne, finally bypassing Troyes for Saint Andre Les Vergers. Naturally enough, the weather improved by the hour, so by the end of the day was back to “normal” sunny for this time of year. A quick trip to the E Leclerc supermarket in Vouziers to refuel the car and to buy le pique-nique anglais (or something like that). Munch, munch.
I’d noticed on Booking.com that the hotel reception did not open until 5pm, which I though was a bit odd. I arrived at the same time as the proprietor on his push bike, complete with young son in the front basket. I guess opening the place up was a second job of some sort. Whatever.
Anyway, the host was very welcoming and helpful. He kindly let me dry out my tent in the hotel back garden plus use of the clothes line to dry out other stuff – even gave me a beer ! Despite his limited English, it turned out we had a common interest in all things automotive, which assisted the entent cordiale significantly. He even had a discount card available for a restaurant within walking distance. Turned out to be a steakhouse in the Grill Courtepaille chain – very nice !
Off to Clermont Ferrand in the morning…………