Aubusson, France

Travelled:159km

Visited:Aubusson (France), drove along the Sioule River 

Stay: Le Pont de Menat- free MH parking, payable service point. N46.1031 E2.93123

We had a much slower paced day with us not setting off until after 10am. Mark spent this time researching how he was going to wire up the new fan as the weather is predicted to get to 33°c in the next few days with the Motorhome always being a few degrees hotter inside.

It then took us an hour to drive to Aubusson which is a town famous for its tapestries and carpets for over 500 years. There are a few museums to visit but unfortunately as we a have arrived during the lunch closing hours, we can only walk around the town and peer in shop windows that are still selling and making tapestries. 

Armed with a baguette for lunch we continue on our journey towards Sioule River. At Pontaumur we turn off the main road and begin zig zigging our way through the countryside. 

We drive over Pont du Bouchet and then admire the view from the Belevedere Ancizes.

Later we drive under the Viaduc des Fades built for the trains that no longer travel along the tracks.

By 4pm we reach our destination for tonight, Pont de Menat, and Mark sets to work to fit the cable for the fan.

Then the Cadac BBQ gets fired up for the first time these holidays. Bon appétit!

Limoges and surrounds France

Travelled:133km

Visited: La Souterraine, La Jonchere St.Maurice, Limoges, Solignac, St.Leonard de Noblat.

Stay: Auriat dam- free aire, parking and services as well as toilet. N45.878601 E1.64266

It was a busier day than expected with lots of stops as we travelled the country roads of Limousin. We began with La Souterraine, where we stayed last night, driving to the centre ville. The towns main attractions can be found in the square - The granite Notre Dame church which is an important stop for the Compostela pilgrims and Porte St.Jean, the 13th C old gate house. 

Further down the road, we had a quick look around La Jonchere St.Maurice, which of course included a church.

On our way to Limoges we took a detour across Pont du Dognon. 

We arrived in Limoges and found a parking area just 10mins walk from gothic style, St.Etienne cathedral. It was built during the 13th to 19th century and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

As it was time for lunch, we decided to join the French in their tradition, choosing a restaurant in the Place de la Motte.

Cheers- it’s very thirsty work being a tourist!

 The lovely covered market with its red bricks and ceramic tiles, that is also here, was currently under renovation. 

We had a look in the church St.Michel des Lions (gallo Roman statues).

We strolled through the Cour du Temples with its pretty half timbered townhouses with column arcades. 

The beautiful Verdurier Pavillon decorated with floral and stoneware mosaics was once used to store meat imported from Argentina.

In the same square we had a look at St.Pierre church.

On our way back to Bluey we walked along the River Vienne and had a look at the 13thC bridge.

In Solignac we were impressed by the Roman Abbey church with its 12thC domes.

We also strolled down to look at the Roman bridge.

Then off we were again to St.Leonard de Noblat which is also on St.James of Compostela pilgrim way.

The tomb of Saint Leonard is in the church as well as some of his relics. He was know as a liberator of prisoners, hence the shackles.

As we walked through the numerous squares in the medieval centre, we admired the 17thC houses with different shaped towers.

Door of the day

As we weren’t to keen staying in town we choose a quiet spot next to a lake 20km away.