The party started yesterday evening and lasted well past midnight – the French celebrating Bastille Day! The noise kept Chris awake but I slept through it all.
The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, is one of the most important days in the history of France, as it marks the fall of the Bastille in 1789, a military fortress and political prison, then considered a symbol of the monarchy and armoury. It led to the abolishment of feudalism in 1790 in France, which was used to keep power in the hands of the rich and landowning populace. It’s a huge celebration.
The last couple days we rode 74 miles. We navigated the urban roadways of Tours to get to Decathlon on Wednesday so our route around there is kind of squirrelly. The day was hot, with a high of 99 so we kept that day short. Today we made good time to Beaugency and rode 48 miles. The temps have moderated to a high of 93. Monday next week looks brutal with a high of 103 (41c) so we’ll have to figure that out.
Todays highlight was passing by a Bastille Day celebration for an entire village. There was a sign telling us that the road was closed ahead but we figured bikes would be allowed. Advancing along the street, we saw that the street was closed for a party, but that we could walk around it on the grass. As we passed, a lovely woman approached us to invite us to join the party for a drink! When we declined, she offered us the last slice of her homemade quiche! A conversation ensued…including the addition of her English friend, both ladies in their 70’s. They had met when one was 16 and the other 18. What a lovely encounter. So gracious.
We made good time today and found a really nice spot at the campground with shade. Can’t beat the river view. We set up chairs and drank a cold beer before setting up the tent.
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