We follow Kirby's route over the Garonne river, along the top of a dyke then the tow path of the Deux Mers Canal. Here the others will veer off this afternoon to catch the bus. We instead, take a tarmaced canal cycle path north for 30 miles, shared only with a few joggers and the occasional small party of touring cyclists. The rain soon stops as we pass allotments, quaint brick bridges and lock keeper cottages.
We are early at our lunch stop, the village of Montech, to picnic under the walls of their super- sized brick church.
Now heading North East along farm roads lined by apple orchards, then another dedicated cycle route along yet another canal into Montauban.
A prosperous town of attractive squares, and brick churches, linked by cobbled pedestrian roads. The cathedral in contrast is white marble.
Our Warm Showers host, Anne-Marie, lives just north of the town in a suburb of pretty detached houses. With her friend, Yvon, we eat a sumptious dinner on the patio; the highlight, an enormous tarte de citron. The next door neighbour is atop a tall ladder picking cherries.
Location:Toulouse to Montauban
