The email sent out on last week’s blog, had an issue with the photos, if you didn’t see them and would still like to visit https://travurple.com/2022/07/18/france/
Monday, as predicted was hot, but thankfully the shady pitch, a slight breeze, together with the fact that we just sat around all day, made it not to uncomfortable.
On Tuesday, it was cooler so we managed a walk along the lake side, then went to the beach for a dip in the lake. It’s a bit strange with mud underfoot, rather than sand, but the fresh water, rather than salt water makes up for it. Overnight there was an enormous electrical storm, lots of thunder and sheet lighting. Not sure how, but Rog managed to sleep through most of it! In the morning we could see where all the water had tracked down the hillside, under the motorhome towards the lake. The Motorhome was on the chocks, which had sunk slightly into the wet ground, but to not enough to cause any problems.
On Wednesday, we went for a longer walk, further around the lake, as it’s a 24kms circuit we did not manage all of it. As the camp site also had a pool it would be rude not to use it, so we went for a quick dip before heading back to the motorhome for a beer!
Thursday, we moved again and drove 2 ½ hours further south to Cahors, a pleasant campsite, 2km from the centre of the town, with good size pitches, no issues with the electric hook up, and a clean new facilities block, a 2 swimming pools and free wifi (nr reception)
Friday, the main reason for being in Cahors, a Tour de France stage was finishing in the town, so we cycled to the edge of town (to save a walk in the sun), locked our bikes to a tree and walked over the bridge to find the Tour! We were there 3 hours before the riders were expected to arrive, and it was already getting busy. All the Tour sponsors must spend tens of thousands of € at each stage finish, (today was stage 19), throwing free stuff in to the massed crowds, including hats, T-shirts, bags, sweets, key rings, pens, and even packs of soap powder!? and every time something is thrown there was a scramble to get the free stuff!
Thankfully we were handed a hat and a packet of biscuits each, so scrum required! and Rog caught some sweets. The promotional staff were just riding various contraptions up and down the course whipping the crowd up in to a frenzy, to scream, shout and bang the hoardings (loudly) then various parades started, including Cahors Mayor, and sponsors vehicles of all sorts, team busses, junior cyclists. – we were interested, intrigued and appalled in equal measure at the throwing of free stuff and the engagement by the masses. We walked down the course to just beyond the 1km out sign, then back towards the finish line, to the 50m out sign, were we could see a big screen showing the riders.
When the time came for the finish it was over in a blur, the stage winner averaged 48km per hour for 188km. We were standing about 4 rows back from the road, Nic couldn’t really see much, Rog saw the blur and managed to get a photo/video. So, we were glad to be near the big screen, as we watched the prize giving ceremonies. Then we headed slight away from the course to find a beer, no surprise that everywhere was mobbed, but it appeared to be a surprise to some of the bars that that many people would want a drink after watching the stage finish. We found a bar with a couple of free stools just outside and in the shade, where we watched the world go by while enjoying a couple of drinks.
Whilst in Cahors for the Tour we only really watched the Tour and did not see the town, so on Saturday we went back in to do the tourist highlights, the numerous towers, the Pont Valentre, the Cathedral, and a large Market, all within an easy walk of each other. The Tour had moved on apart from a few piles of hoardings, there was no evidence of the previous day’s mayhem.
Slightly bizarrely whilst sat in 36c heat, and using the free campsite Wi Fi, Rog ordered ski passes for January/February next year as there was a 52.5% discount sale !!, (spoiler alert we are going skiing & to Thailand) also started the process of applying for Thailand tourist visa for October. Now that took a while, they wanted photos of your passport, a photo (passport style), a photo of you holding your passport, copy of any stamps in your passport within the last year, proof of flights, accommodation, funds etc. so, fingers crossed we will be issued them.
Sunday, another lazy day around the campsite as temperatures have risen again! and chance to write on early blog.
Travurple 