La Garde Guerin France

Day54/France 39

Travelled: 62km from Mende to La Garde Guerin (free parking at Belvedere Chassezac 44.4832,3.9338)

Mark had an early start to watch the Bombers win against the Swans. After a chat with our friends Bob and Robyn in Oz we walked to the market set up around the Cathedral. Although we purchased some apricots and bananas we still ended up at the Super U to top up Blueys larder. 

Destination today was one of France’s classified pretty villages, La Garde Guerin. The road we had planned to go on had a height restriction, so we had to double back and take the next, the D6. Just before the turn off we reached the Col de Pierre Plantée 1263m alt. And stopped in the small picnic area to have lunch. It appears that on the plateau here 3 of Frances well known river begin: the Garonne, Loire and Rhône.

The drive along the D6 offered some beautiful countryside. Then we took a ‘shortcut’ which usually means narrow road. It did not disappoint. 

But we also had the opportunity to see one of the EDF dams. 

Just before we got to La Garde Guerin, we turned off to a parking spot to the Chassezac Gorge lookout, which offered some shade. From here it was a pleasant walk to the Belvedere. 

We could see canyoners doing their things far below us.

Then we 1km walked along an ancient shady path to the village. 

It was a small fortified town set up by the “Parier” knights to protect and guide the travellers on the Regordane road. As we approached the ruins of the old castle, the 12thC towers was open. 

So up we climbed the ship ladders and navigated a couple of toe holds to reach the top. 

We took in the views of the gorge, surrounding farm lands and the beautiful tile stone roofs of the village.  

Back on terra firma we had a peak in the charming Romanesque church.

Then we wondered the cobbled streets and purchased a ceramic “cow bell”. 

We fortified ourselves for the return journey with a yummy ice cream. Then it was time to settle in for the night as the carpark emptied of the canyoners and rock climbers.