DAY 21 : FRANCE : MOSSAIC to AUVILLAR - 18 kms - 5 1/2 hours

Distance walked so far : 427 kms

Weather : cool, cloud cover, good breeze : 26o max.

A different day's walk today because Mossaic is situated on La Canal Lateral, so we were able to walk along the flat tow path for most of the day. We then crossed over the canal and then walked towards the Garonne River, across the bridge and up the hill to yet  another surprising medieval village - in pristine condition - Auvillar.

Sunday markets in Mossaic

 

Walking the Canal Lateral - from Mossaic to Auvillar

 

Walking along the canals near the River Garonne.
Before land transport became more economically viable,
the Garonne was the main route for the transport of corn and
grain to Bordeau. It is now used to irrigate farms and to
support a nuclear power station. Locals are very concerned
about the ecological status of the river.

 

Pleasant walking along the canal.
Only a few pleasure craft, few fishermen fishing for
trout.
 

 

Auvillar, originally a Gallo-Roman village until the 10th century.
This circular market place built in 1825 on the ruins of a former
quadrangular place. View from our balcony.

 

The contrast - medieval village with
nuclear power station nearby. Many of the
houses are just facades. Apparently when Catherine
of Russia visited the town there was a concerted effort
to beautify the old town by making vacant buildings
appear occupied. Many of the houses are holiday houses
owned by Parisians.
 

 

Stairway in gite in the market square.
Exterior 15th century but parts of the house
date back to the 14th century.



Drinks and dinner with Pete and Sue, fellow walkers from Rugby
in England.

 



M&M
23/9/12
Happy birthday, Steph!!!