Next day we cycle through "Swiss Normandy'" as the sign describes it. Though actually it is more like Devon, with very hilly farm lanes up and down through some lovely old woods. The sparse traffic is mainly tractors, but also a horse and trap with a red setter enjoying a ride on the back step. The big white horse doesn't mind us at all. The first tourers we have seen since the Loire are resting from the gradient at the side of the road. They are a German couple 1 week into a circumnavigation of France, heading eventually to Corsica. Lunch is a Menu du Jour in a tiny restaurant in Vire, filled with workers, which we only spot because of their vans parked outside on the pavement. We are fairly sure the steak is horse.
We are the first Warm Shower guests our host Martine has welcomed in Avaranches. She has to go out for the evening, but very kindly arranges for her son to make us comfortable in our own self contained flat on the ground floor of her house. The late evening temperature is comfortably warm after a rather stifling afternoon cycle, so we enjoy a stroll in the historic centre and up onto the castle ramparts for a panoramic view west across north Brittany with the iconic profile of Mont St Michel outlined against the evening sky.
We hope to pass near it tomorrow. On wifi we look at options for the return trip to England from St Malo. Our adventure is drawing to a close!
Miles to date:- 2765
Location:Saint Laurent de Condel to Avranches
