All packed up and house shut down for the winter. Sad sad. We left at 7.45 and picked up a final baguette from Nathalie. Wished each other Happy Christmas and left! Everything still colourful but it really feels like autumn now and the air is cooler. Séguret disappeared, then the Dentelles. Ventoux sulked in a thick cloud and wasn't seen at all.
We went the scenic route avoiding the A9 as far as Montpellier. Via Remoulins and Nîmes, which looked very prosperous and southern. Breakfast in Lunel Viel, a small village with grand buildings amongst the ordinary stuff. Awful croissants but cheap coffee. Everyone in the bar was doing lottery games either in the newspaper or at machines!
Still sunny as we climbed up the gorge past Lodève and onto the Larzac Plateau. But once up there it turned chilly and by the time we wiggled down the valley roads to Millau it was brisk! For this time we were eschewing the crossing of the viaduc in favour of a return trip to the underside. We've done this before some years ago and it's a nice route.
You can continue along the rural roads without having to go back into town. They climb and twist up the valley sides, as narrow as Devon lanes. And at every turn there is yet another fabulous view of the viaduct. Even back on the main road it keeps popping up on the horizon.
But now, high up, the colour had gone. Everything is just green and brown. Pasture and livestock farming, mostly sheep and cows. And it started to rain. An interesting journey though. Some good towns that one day we will stop in, but not on a rainy November Sunday! Got to Kyriad Cahors at 4.15 and it looks like we are the only guests! Our food bag awaits with The Baguette and all the leftovers from our fridge...times is 'ard, must save money.
