DAY 26 : FRANCE : LAMOTHE to MANCIET - 18 kms - 4 1/2 hours

Distance walked so far : 538.5 kms

Weather : fine, partly overcast : 20o

It was comfortable walking today mainly on a disused railway track – in fact, we felt quite cocooned in a covered walkway – oblivious to the countryside around us.

Walking on disused railway line

 We passed through Eauze. It is a beautifully presented town with a fascinating history.

 

Medieval main square in Eauze

 It was originally called Elusa, dating back to prehistoric times, and was capital of the Roman province of Novempopulana from the third to the seventh century.   In 1985 when the railway line was being dismantled through the town they found evidence of Roman occupation in the form of 23,003 coins and 50 precious objects dating back to the third century AD. While Mark rested in the sun in the main plaza (making more accommodation bookings) I visited the museum, which has the treasure on display. It included absolutely exquisite jewellery.


Roman artefacts in Eauze museum found in 1985

We were walking through the Gascogne vineyards most of the day. We came across several large holding tanks being aerated – we discovered later that it is a trial for breeding sturgeon for development of the French caviar industry.

Unexpected visitors along the way

 

Unhappy donkey not appreciating the slippery paths

 

  Our accommodation tonight is in a very inauspicious service town. Manciet has two claims to fame. It has a local bullring, now used for annual acrobatic bull competition in September and a communal wash house from the 19th century. The bull ring is a reminder that we are nearing the Spanish border.

Bull ring in  Manciet

 

Traditional communal wash house

 

   The gite is adequate – we have a room to ourselves with linen provided – always a bonus – and a meal tonight of local cuisine cooked by our hostess. Disappointing? Not so. If we were driving and riding through this area we would not even comtemplate stopping. Having walked and staying wherever you've booked, there are always surprises - friendly people in the bars, hosts and other walkers with fascinating stories.



Gite Mathieu, Manciet



M&M
28/9/12