It rained all night so that should keep the plants happy at least. But by the time we left at 7.30 it was more or less dry. Still big clouds though. And much cooler. We disappeared north west across the plain and over the Rhône and up into the Ardèche. All looked a bit tacky there. It isn’t a lovely area, especially after rain. Ribbon development villages with closed bars. Tourists in shorts, camp sites. All a bit rough! We eventually stopped in Thuetys for breakfast at 9.30 and were shaken by the icy temperatures! It never fails...no matter how hot it is down on the plain, once you hit the hills you are guaranteed to be under dressed. Thank goodness I’d unpacked my warm hoodie! Cheap good coffee however. And on we continued up the Ardèche and then onto the high plateau and a parting of the ways.
It’s the Rhône and then the Allier from here. And joy of joys! I finally managed to get a photo of the daftest roundabout ever. It features anthropomorphised green Puy lentils, the local AOC pulse. Dressed as royalty and seated on thrones.
If you can bear to look at the Google album there are more!
We went onto small roads following the Allier, A Salmon River as it is proud to boast on all bridges. Stopped in Langeac for a walk round and lunchtime drink in a nice bar with sunny courtyard.
And a rather flamboyant sundial. No idea who he was! Then continued through really glorious country dotted with extinct volcanoes and long views and green valleys. Endless fields of golden barley.
Next stop Lavoute Chilhac, on a meander with old bridge and looming 18th century former priory that is now a hotel. The salmon is ever with us here. It was still only 1 pm and we had almost got to Issoire. Well not quite but we certainly had time to potter.
Somewhere out of town we realised we were on the Route du Tour. Painted names all over the road and then this! A confection in bin bag and foam. It was the stage that ended in Brioude.
We remembered seeing Vieille Brioude from the air so had to stop there. What a place.
High above the river with the most interesting exhibition of sculptures in the church garden, linked to a permanent exhibition on vines and winemaking.
Kept us amused for a good 45 minutes. And finally the last stretch from Brioude to Issoire and the usual wrong turns just as Ibis Budget is tantalisingly in sight.
It’s by the river where some event is happening - fishing, dog show, who can say. And we have an unimpeded view from the window of Buffalo Grill. Tonight we shall venture into town snd see if edible food is to be had. I do not trust Trip Advisor!
