Cluny - a centre in the middle ages

Rain in the morning in Vichy, the opera and city centre are renovated at the moment. Rain stopped for a while in Paray-la-Monial and after another 1000hm within 50km I arrived in Cluny, that was founded in 910 in Burgundy. The Monastery of Cluny was a pivotal center of the Benedictine movement, emphasizing liturgy and prayer. Its vast network influenced European monasticism, advocating for reform and clerical celibacy. 

The Abbey of Cluny became known for its opulent architecture, with the third abbey church, Cluny III, being the largest in the world until the completion of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Its influence extended through its vast network of over a thousand dependent and affiliated monasteries across Europe, promoting reform and piety throughout the medieval church. 

Vichy - Great Spas of Europe

Cold but dry in the morning and quite a few meters up an down to Puy de Dome and up to 12% steep and fast downhill (over 60km/h Max today). North to Vichy and very dark clouds were not inviting and it was a very short dry window to set up my tent. I first went to a campsite that said no tents today because of storm and high water. Then 5km back and the 4 star place where I didn't want to go was actually 10 Euro. Set up the tent and showered in no time without rain, cooking and eating in the shelter it was pouring like madness, finished eating, washed up: rain break and dry back to the tent. Vorsprung durch Technik :)

Massif central - wetland

Rain all night and very cold so clothes stayed wet and even my towel, known for extremely fast drying was wet in the morning. Via Limoges, lakes up in the massif and picturesque villages like Felletin, I would love to be here with decent weather. Took a room in Flayat after about 150km and 2000hm to get my things dry again.

Le temps de pluie, May 1st - Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

There would have been nice villages to get a closer look, like Brantome, but rain all day. After 135km I turned in early in Aix-sur-Vienne and can sleep in the dry common room. A soup and later on some pasta will bring my spirits back.

Bordeaux wine area

 I pedaled through the Bordeaux wine region today, there are quite a few wine chateaus around where apparently some money was made from wine. Sourzac this evening there was someone in the mayor's office for another 15 minutes who opened the shower for me at the municipal campsite. To my surprise: warm water. And this morning a boulangerie was open...

Viva la France

Rain started at the campsite at 6 and lasted until about 11am. All day very cloudy and no sun. I took such small roads through such small villages that no boulangerie would be open/exist. Only the third campsite was open or offered an alternative,  so it was a long day (including  many hills before lunch) to a kind of open space for tents in Luxey.

Camino Frances

...came to an end today, I arrived after 11 days in Saint Jean, camping municipial,  no more auberge with pilgrims. Another language to get used to and looking forward to Pain au Chocolat in the morning. A Gourmet meal is already waiting outside the tent...