DAY 3 : FRANCE : MONISTROL-D'ALLIER to LA CLAUZE - 19.5 - 6 1/2 hours

Distance walked so far : 52 kms
Weather today : 13o and foggy

Today's route - From Monistrol-D'Allier (right to left)

We were prepared today for a steep climb as we had stayed in a gorge on the Allier River and the only way out was up. We ate our breakfast of baguettes and yoghurt with our fellow pilgrims. The gite was full with 10 people – 4 Australians, 2 Swiss (walking from Zurich) and 4 French.
Although steep it was a very pretty walk up the side of the rocky gorge.

View from the top of the gorge

 There were a few landmarks – a seventeenth century grotto/ chapel to St Madeleine and some wooden sculptures as we entered Saugues.

Former grotto, now chapel of St Madeleine

 

Wooden sculptures inspired by the Chemin Saint Jacques

 

 Saugues was a welcome respite from quite a strenuous walk and for its Post Office (where we off-loaded some of our personal effects), its Tourist Information (who were able to book some more accommodation for future nights) and its café (where we shared 2 tourist menus (4 courses) for 24 euros (about $30)). We also met a very enthusiastic lady near the local church, who welcomes pilgrims and stamps their credentials.

A special welcome in Sangues

Tonight we are in a gite in a little farming hamlet, La Clauze. It is run by Michel. There 3 other Frenchmen from Montpellier staying as well. Conversation is always interesting. I thought Michel said that there was a machine if we wanted drinks but he actually said that there was a washing board out in the trough if we needed it. I think the vocab I remember makes me more dangerous than useful, which is a worry as we have another 5 weeks in France.

La Clauze Gite

 

Bedrooms

 

An excellent meal provided by our host, Michel.

 

J’adore the double glazing in all the places we are staying, the ripe blackberries we are foraging as we walk along, my boots, cheeses and the local fare, particularly in the gites.

M&M
4/9/12