On the other side we are on tiny tarmac routes through marshland, spotting flocks of Cattle Egret on fields. The villages are very quiet, the only excitement when a rare car manages to run into a metal bench in a market place.
Rieux is a village on a low hill with views over the flood plain of the River Vilaine, and the Nantes-Brest canal. Yves and Colette serve up the local aperitif, a potent mix of Calvados, Cassis and cidre, we are on their terrace watching a thunderstorm to the north and dive indoors for dinner as the first rain in days hammers down briefly.
They take us on a walk around the village including a ruined castle built in a commanding position over the valley. From here we spot the cycle path we are to follow, in the morning, along the river to Redon.
Location:St Pazanne to Rieux
