Stage 11 (first half)
St Germain- de - Calberte - St Etienne - Vallee Francaise
10 kms (13,200 steps)
Two hours
Forecast : 18o and rain (fortunately fine and cool)
As we are staying off the GR 70 we have asked to be dropped at St Germain today, skipping the 16km Stage 10 and we will split the last section in two.
Loïc and Brigitte, our hosts, have only owned the gite for a year and have had a busy season of guests with two ensuite rooms and two family rooms with shared facilities at the other end of the house. They moved here from northern France and time in Belgium. Loïc knew the area because he holidayed here at his grandparents’ home growing up.
They love the house because of the views. There is only one downside apparently- he has to keep a shotgun at the ready because ‘the neighbours’ try and steal his wood and chestnuts.
Breakfast
Loïc then drove us to Saint Germain - a spectacular drive from high in the valley down to 500m, with further views below.
Hunters out in hi-viz jackets spaced along the road, shotguns primed, waiting for the dogs to stir up the wild pigs on the valley floor. Loïc told us that they killed 20 pigs last weekend - much of it ending up in his freezer, as he is a bit of a chef.
St Germain. What a beautiful village!
Despite being Sunday a cafe/ boulangerie was open and we could buy a delicious baguette for our picnic.
Leaving St Germain.
A very pleasant stroll on forest paths.
The sign translates ‘Don’t respond to the turkey. Thank you’ Unfortunately we didn’t have the pleasure.. or knew then, what a dindon was!
Just after midday we arrived at our gite.
A very quiet setting, especially tonight, as we are the only guests.
There are donkeys in the paddock and an extensive garden. The owner said that wild pigs had rutted her vegetable garden, close to the house, last night.
Across the path from the main house is the gite, with about 10 rooms with ensuites. Tastefully decorated with excellent facilities.
Across the path from the main house is the gite, with about 10 rooms with ensuites. Tastefully decorated with excellent facilities.
This is such a friendly place. Catherine and Michel are the most delightful hosts. Catherine is a keen gardener which also includes harvesting saffron stamens, for their own personal use.
As we were enjoying the delights of the property we happened to see our French friends, absent for 2 days. They could only find accommodation off the route and resorted to hitchhiking to get around. Great to catch up!
Dinner tonight was exceptional. Fresh, flavoursome and original.
Great day!
M&M
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