Shortly before Aubrac I changed departments again, crossing from Lozère into Aveyron, and just beyond the village turned off the main road to descend a stony path for 7 km as far as Saint-Chély, which nestles idyllically in the valley of the Boralde. A sheep dog guided me all the way, disappearing in Saint-Chély — a canine trail angel, perhaps? From here it's a further 16 km to Saint-Côme, then a final 6 km to Espalion. Both towns are situated on the magnificent river Lot, of which the Boralde is a tributary.
I spoiled myself in Espalion, spending a night in the Hôtel Moderne on the northern bank of the river. Despite its unpromising, rusted street sign, and an absolute dearth of customers, this was a comfortable, reasonably priced hotel, and in its old-fashioned restaurant I enjoyed one of the best meals I'd had so far along the trail.
6 comments:
Saint-Chély is charming and simple. And Espalion is stunning. Nice to treat yourself to a good night and meal now and then on such a long trek, and hopefully sleep soundly.
You make me feel as though i am there on the walk with you Robert. Do you feel like pushing me along in my bath chair??
Sigh!! (happy one though!)
The river looks so...riverine! And not a Golden Arches, KFC or (Korean reference) Lotteria sign looming over the rooftops.
Yes, most of France seems to have avoided those culinary abominations so far, Goat...
And thanks Ruth, Pat and Karin for your comments!
Both St-Chély and Espalion were really nice, Ruth — Espalion being much larger, though, quite a town, whereas St-Chély was a small, sleepy village.
Perhaps you could harness up your "bath chair" to a donkey, Pat? I actually saw this being done just out of Le Puy.
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