Day 33 le Gurp to Royan

Day 33. le Gurp to Royan 29.01 kms cycled. 1.59 hours cycling. 29.09 km/h max speed. 14.55 km/h average speed. Weather – sunny but quite cool.

After eight straight days cycling in France including the crossing of the Pyrenees, it’s time for a rest!!!

  For one reason or another planned rest days over the past three days didn’t eventuate, so I didn’t give myself the opportunity to change my mind and keep pedalling … I booked and paid for 2 nights at a lovely campground in Royan.

  But seriously, the ride from the Pyrenees to here has been enjoyable, but a solid grind, so a day off before the 240 km trip to the Loire River is just what was needed.

  I am a firm believer in listening to your body and my body was definitely telling me to back off when I got on the bike today. As a result I only cycled the 25+ kms to the ferry which takes you over the sea passage from Pointe de Grave to Royan before calling it a day.

  So basically there is virtually nothing to report today. It has basically been a day of getting things in order – doing clothes washing, finding a supermarket and the ever elusive internet connection which I finally tracked down at McDonalds.

  Oh, I also found a couple of patisserie shops where I just had to try some of their goodies.

  I don’t think my body knows what is going on. On one hand it wants to lose weight because of all the long hours of exercise I am doing, but on the other hand it wants to load it on because of the ridiculously rich slices etc – plus baguettes – I am eating.

  At the moment it seems to be a line ball. I’m threatening to drop another notch on my belt, but maybe it won’t happen after all.

  Royan is a very sophisticated town overlooking the water. They are preparing for a major festival that will happen over the weekend, so it is a pity I will just miss it.

  Along the waterfront there are dozens of upmarket restaurants and shops that are way out of my budget range. I had a quick look today, but will take a longer stroll around town tomorrow.

  My basic French is getting better, I can now greet, ask if they speak English, say goodbye and generally make myself understood – on occasions.

  If you make a bit of an effort to meet and greet the French up front, they are very accommodating and do their best to help wherever possible despite the language gap.

captions. Pic 1: I just love these French menu boards. Pic 2: the ferry docking at Royan. Pic 3: Royan cafe late afternoon