The last part of the journey took us almost exclusively along canal and rives side cycle ways, from the Rhine river to the Rhine Rhone canal, the Saone river, the Canal du Central and onto the Loire. Each section had it own character, vineyards, chateau, ancient churches, and cosy camping spots by the water.
The days passed easily, hills were few but the nights lengthened while he days shortened. It got harder to climb out of a wet tent before 8 am, and after dinner were back 'indoors' for a 12 hours night. Hooray for the Kindle.
With time on our side to reach Paris we circled round south to see friends in Orleans, to a warm welcome and a bath.
Klaud & Philippe, Orleon
Loire bridge in Orleon
On up to Chartres
Viewed the lovely Cathedral
and eastward to Versailles.
This was the most challenging leg to navigate, being on the outskirts of Paris and having a mesh of big roads, some not OK for bikes. From there in to the city, all by bike.
Delights:
Once again too many to mention, but include 2 Chateau visits; Chambord amazing for the outrageous architecture, over 400 rooms and over 200 fire places.
At Versailles we viewed, along with a few thousand others, massive over decorated rooms, marble, rich fabrics and golden twiddley bits. We got a little bit told off for biking in the grounds too.
An exhibition of contemporary German glass work in Chartres, an architecture museum, also very modern , in Orleans, the stunning, golden yellow Romanesque church at Paray le Monial and a especially handsome Canal Pont bridge in Briare.
We camped in Paris in the Bois de Boulogne, an easy half hour bike ride from the Eiffel Tour. Returning at dusk we wondered at the many woman parked up by the road side, pink ribbons tied to the wing mirrors, a rosy glow and waft of scent coming from the vehicles. It was my first viewing of an outdoor brothel.
We were soon riding round the city like locals, nipping along the bus lanes,( which are marked for cyclist too) and occasional but not continuous cycle paths
Then we joined Judith for 4 nights in an apartment, in the Marais district and lived the city life.
“Domingo” and “Hurdy Gurdy” enjoyed the Apartment life too!
Walking , viewing, eating and totally enjoying this lovely city.
19 nights in a bed, therefore 76 in the tent. Nearly half of these were 'wild camping' wich helped the budget no end, but were also mostly very enjoyable.
We spent less than $80 per day, largely thanks to the outrageous NZ exchange rate, so apart from the airfares it is cheaper to go away!!!
By the time w got to Paris we had covered 3500 kms.
Regrets. Very few, but I would have liked to see the Museum of Concrete art some where in Germany. Don has wanted to make a concrete sculpture in the garden and I have rudely tried to stop him It might have given us some ideas. And i yearn to float down the Rhine , through Basel, with a pink floaty bag full of my clothes, it just looks such fun.
It was a great trip well done, and now its also great to be home, seeing friends and ripping into an overgrown garden . Thanks to all the careful drivers who never frightened me, and the hosts of delightful helpful and fun folk along the way.
What a great feeling Warsaw to Paris.
