We left Laguiole at about 11am. I’d had a good swim – did a mile – 94 lengths of the hotel pool and Russ did just over an hour on his run. We’d had breakfast at the local bar/tabac again – pain au chocolat, croissants (some almond) from the local boulangerie – delicieuse!
First stop was Marvejols to try to get a copy of the Midi Libre. I had been told (assured) by a photographer that my photo would be there while walking up the first col in he Marvejols-Mende race, but sadly there was no picture of me! I took photos of the amazing sculpture which welcomed you to Mende and the twinning sign, and soon we were on the road (A75) towards Montpelier.
This was a spectacular journey as the motorway winds its way up and down steep gradients, sometimes over bridges and viaducts and sometimes through tunnels. The highlight was crossing the Millau viaduct – over two kilometres long and an amazing feat of engineering (see below).
Onwards for an alfresco lunch on a tiny road off the A75 in the sweltering heat. We had tried to reach a lake but after driving along a precipitous ledge had to turn round t the Danger signs in front of the dam.
Traffic around Montpelier was a nightmare but we reached Orange by about 5.15pm. The narrow streets at the centre of the Roman town were a challenge to Russ’s car – eventually we found the Hotel Arène and the imperious proprietress who haughtily boasted of the ‘private parking’ available.
Out in the evening to the Garden restaurant, and the best meal of the trip so far – artichoke and salmon starters, red mullet stuffed for mains and lovely fruit desserts. We were also treated to the owner’s excellent humour and great local white wine – from the Chusclan winery (we paid for that!).
First stop was Marvejols to try to get a copy of the Midi Libre. I had been told (assured) by a photographer that my photo would be there while walking up the first col in he Marvejols-Mende race, but sadly there was no picture of me! I took photos of the amazing sculpture which welcomed you to Mende and the twinning sign, and soon we were on the road (A75) towards Montpelier.
This was a spectacular journey as the motorway winds its way up and down steep gradients, sometimes over bridges and viaducts and sometimes through tunnels. The highlight was crossing the Millau viaduct – over two kilometres long and an amazing feat of engineering (see below).
Onwards for an alfresco lunch on a tiny road off the A75 in the sweltering heat. We had tried to reach a lake but after driving along a precipitous ledge had to turn round t the Danger signs in front of the dam.
Traffic around Montpelier was a nightmare but we reached Orange by about 5.15pm. The narrow streets at the centre of the Roman town were a challenge to Russ’s car – eventually we found the Hotel Arène and the imperious proprietress who haughtily boasted of the ‘private parking’ available.
Out in the evening to the Garden restaurant, and the best meal of the trip so far – artichoke and salmon starters, red mullet stuffed for mains and lovely fruit desserts. We were also treated to the owner’s excellent humour and great local white wine – from the Chusclan winery (we paid for that!).
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