Clocking up the miles

Sunday 18th June

Today was just a day of travel as we headed further north, through the centre of France, but staying clear of big cities. Roads were very good generally, wider, white line down the middle, and some motorway travel.

We ended up at lunchtime in a village we have visited twice before - Autun. There were quite a few restaurants open but we ended up at one where they were doing only one thing - chartacurie platter, omelette and ice cream. It was a lovely meal. 

Are these hippeastrums? They looked lovely.

The walls inside the restaurant at lunchtime displayed a lot of the old metal advertising signs.

Back seat driving.

Staying tonight in an apartment in Chatillon sur Seine, right near the centre of town. We noticed 3 'instant' pizza machines on our drive in so decided that was nice and easy after a long drive. So now we've been there, done that, and won't repeat it. Was just OK. 

Rob enjoyed finishing this bottle of rose with his pizza.
From the southern Ardeche region.

Monday 19th June 

Another day of travel, again on good roads. And France does know how to make straight roads. The area we are in now is much more wide open cropping country. The wheat looks almost ready to harvest.

We took a detour to the village of Provins,  forgetting we had been there on our way south. Duh! It only rang bells when we drove past the restaurant on a corner where we'd had lunch.

It's Monday, so on the lookout for tradie lunch, and success.

Travelling through Chateau Thierry we spotted a war memorial high on a hill. We went for a look - it was a memorial to the American soldiers who fought in the area in WWI. There was a very good information centre there. It is amazing to see how well these cemeteries and memorials are looked after. 

The American memorial monument.

Plan of the battle area, and the ground recovered
in a 3 week period from 18 July 1918.

Now in Soissons which was an area heavily fought over during WWI. We expect to see a lot more battleground stuff in the next day or so.

Forgot this photo a few days ago. Odette liked Labaume too,