We left at 7.12 precisely. It was dark and busy with lorries and commuters and Roquemaure was a nightmare of roadworks.
But dawn broke pink and orange and we eventually got to Uzès for breakfast by 9.
Then the rain started and continued as we changed from Garrigue to Cévennes and the ubiquitous chestnut forests. Across the Corniche we travelled, passing parked vehicles at intervals and folk with bags and baskets collecting nuts and fungi. We stopped for a view next to a CZ car and tent. Three young people approached asking for Duct Tape - as you do! Perfect English. They had locked themselves out of the car and were waiting for assistance. But one thought he might be able to stick tape to the window and ease it down. Adrian obliged, but the plan failed.
Sandwich purchase in Florac, with its interesting wall decoration. It is sort of the Totnes/Stroud of the Cévennes.
Then, ta dah, Les Gorges du Tarn. Very atmospheric in the rain and more impressive going down stream for some reason. We ate the aforementioned butties in the car overlooking the river, watching mist rising to engulf us.
It was then the long slog to Sarlat via dull Rodez and Decazeville. On the way my phone pinged with a text from Brittany Ferries. Our sailing is going an hour earlier on Sunday ‘due to poor weather’. Oh Lord - they only do that if it’s serious!
Night was falling as we drew in to Ibis and we had but half an hour to rest before striding into town for our pizza and pasta. Jolly good too. And vin de noix as a treat!
