Gargiless Dampierre France

Day 114/France 15

Travelled:82km from Lussac des Châteaux, stopping in Montmorillon, shopping in St.Benoit du Sault, lunch near Bazaiges and finishing on banks of La Cruese near Gargilesse Dampierre- lovely shady picnic area (toilet) N46.5113 E1.5848

We had a very peaceful night until the first train at 5:30am from which we managed to doze in between intermittent trains, rubbish trucks, fishermen and geese/ducks. Mark was feeling marginally better after taking antibiotics and spasfon prescribed by the doctor for an intestine infection. We went for a stroll around the dam, discovering an even better spot next to the old mill.

 One of the three pillars in the dam had once three storeys and a chimney. 

That’s Bluey in the background 

There was also few grottes (caves) that had remains from 15,000 years ago. 

Ancient chapel

After a chat with a couple of fishermen that have managed to catch 20kg carp, we headed off. We stopped briefly in town to buy a baguette and have a look at the church. 

As we were driving through Montmorillon we spotted the Octagon chapel. We stopped to have a look but we’re told it could not be visited as it was in the grounds of the hospice that is now for sale. We had a short walk around the perimeter but could not get a good view.

 So we continued on our easterly journey. We did a shop at SuperU in St.Benoit du Sault (visited last year). We then continued a little further to an aire near Bazaiges for lunch, but there was no shade and Bluey soon felt the heat of the day. So we consulted Park4night again and decided to try a picnic spot on the river near Gargilesse Dampierre (also visited last year). It was perfect and so we stayed as Mark needed to rest.

 Later we walked along the river to the EDF (french electricity company) dam wall. 

On our return we got out the Cadac BBQ for the first time this year and cooked some delicious pork chops for dinner washed down with a bit of red wine.