We leave Paris, northwest over the Seine, passing concierges chatting outside their blocks of Art Deco apartments, up to the Trocadero roundabout where a dedicated cycle path takes us out through a large park. Commuters pass us, one on a Segway, others on little scooters, and stylish ladies cycling in high heels. A postman on a heavy yellow bike joins us. The Seine loops a lot in the wide valley, so we cross it at least 6 times today. St Germains is smart stone-built suburb with a very long high street of trendy shops, culminating in a square hosting lots of market stalls. Later we have to share a busy road with homeward bound commuters alongside the river until we turn off into tidy little villages. We pause at a Bed and Breakfast sign and ring the tel number. The chap answering says he is full, but that a lady nearby in the village has a room. We ring her, and she offers to come and guide us to her house, so we wait for her to arrive in her little blue car and follow half a mile into the most fabulous gardens of "Le Moulin". Elderly madam lives in the main house, but gives us the adjoining mill for the night.
In the ground floor living room a glass wall shows off the water mill whooshing around. It supplies all the electricity for the house.
On our first floor is an enormous bedroom and bathroom. We wander the gardens taking photos of the ivy covered stone walls, the water wheel and the river and then enjoy a beer at a table on the lawn. A green woodpecker laughs as it flies from an oak. What a place to find! We are very lucky.
Miles to date:- 2575
Location:Paris to near Giverny
