We got off at the next junction and went on to Rodez for coffee. Strange place- it's on a hill and you seem to drive for ever in circles through grim concrete blocks before suddenly topping out in a smart square in front of the cathedral with an old town behind it. And the cathedral is truly spectacular. Red cut stone with the prettiest of bell towers outside and grand Gothic interior. The café was also interesting in its own way! The loos were complete with full length mirror opposite the toilet and a television showing a gangster movie!
Overnight stop in Brive- a very pukka town of mostly 19th century grand buildings and pedestrian streets and good shops. Even a branch of Desigual, which friend Jo in Mèze recently brought to my attention. She had a fabulous jacket from their Montpellier shop.Too dear for the likes of me though. And we eventually found somewhere open for supper after tramping the streets at least three times. Monday is not a good day to be starving in France. Delicious slices of magret de canard marinated in espelette pimento and served with a cream of cèpes sauce PLUS diced sautéed potatoes. Yum.