Wandering around the town centre this morning are very smartly dressed French Legionnaires, here for a ceremony.
The route is not strenuous today, a 40 mile pootle along the canal, mostly on good Tarmac surfaces but four of our merry band fall off on a section that becomes very narrow and full of roots from the big plane trees.No damage.
There are plenty of locks where the lock keepers are letting hire boats through. Nearer Toulouse, live-aboard houseboats are moored alongside.
We are soaked by a couple of heavy downpours but it is mild. After negotiating the busy traffic of France's 3rd biggest city, we book into our hotel, secure the bikes in their carpark and head out for dinner.
This is our last night together as a team. Mike and I have decided to set off to cycle home tomorrow instead of catching the bus with the others. We have arranged to stay tomorrow night in Montauban, with a "Warm Showers" hostess.
After the best ever Indian meal in a back street we are delighted to find the hoards of people milling the streets are here to watch the most amazing carnival. Elaborate floats supporting acrobats , bands and dancers progress through the streets to a grand finale in the main square. The energy of it all ! There are 2 enormous puppets made of paper, stylised insects floating above, filling the gap between the buildings. There could not have been a more exciting end to the day!
Location:Castelnaudray to Toulouse
