Day 18 St Jean de Losne to Chalon sur Saone

Tuesday June 27th 

 I knew as I wrote it that I shouldn't have mentioned rain! It rained all night. It was actually quite soothing listening to the gentle pitter patter of rain drops on the tent knowing that the tent was definitely waterproof.

the first field of sunflowers

Impressive

After the usual routine I had to put the tent away wet. It is a nice morning so it will dry quickly at Chalon, hopefully.

I was pitched beside German randoneurs last night. They had intriguing recumbent bikes. Top of the range bikes. I don't know if I fancy cycling lying down! But since I haven't tried it I reserve judgement.

They were still snoring when I left at 08.00.

first view of Chalon

I decided to give all cycle paths a wide berth today and by exactly 12.30 I was outside the tourist information office in central Chalon.

Unfortunately, you have guessed, it closed at 12.30 for two hours so outside I remained.

Fortunately I had spied signs to camping on the other side of the Saone

It is a 15 minute walk to the centre but in a quiet calm corner. Perfect.

Chalon sur Saone has quite a lot of it nowhere near the Saone. It is quite big and industrial. Not unlike Dundee. Although the ancient centre is much more attractive.

Pedestrian only central chalon

I am off to see what I can see. I stopped at a Lidl on the outskirts. After a while you develop a nose for where to find a Lidl or an Aldi. I stocked up with things for lunch and the evening meal. No eating out today.

I am flanked on either side by French randoneurs - one from Lille and one from Angers. A few stories will be exchanged this evening I'm sure.

Island in the middle of the Saone

Just as we were getting into the stories the sky turned  grey then black then blacker then the heavens erupted in a full blown thunder storm. Lashing rain violent winds (I had to discover how to work the tent's tension band system) growling thunder preceded by sky enveloping lightning. What a storm.

We don't get them like this  in Fife.

However I did remember to get my phone and cover my saddle and I feel safe within my little dry capsule.


Let's hope it stays that way. If it can survive this it has definitely earned its stripes.

27/06/17   Tuesday           Du pont Bourgogne Chalon sur Saone       €14.20                         4

fabulous toilet block,  restaurant, bar, take away,  15 mins to centre, on river