Chasing After Jess

Today was an amazing day, despite our night not being exactly peaceful. Morning came quickly, and we left in the cool air under clear skies. Today’s walk was truly spectacular, and we owe it completely to our friend Dann, who had recommended for us to take an alternate route. This route followed a 14km tree-lined bicycle towpath beside the Voie Verte du Canal des Deux Mers (The Green Way Canal of the Two Seas). This canal apparently comes off the Garonne River near Toulouse, winds across 300 km of countryside before rejoining the Garonne near Bordeaux. It is part of a system of canals that allows small boats to travel between the Mediterranean Sea, near Montpellier, and the Atlantic Ocean, near Bordeaux.

The canal path was lined with wheat and fruit plantations, and it was fascinating to watch the small boats navigating the automatic lock system along the way. We passed many cyclists and locals walking dogs, and it was a perfect setting under the beautiful trees, so different from the past scenery on this track. And the best part about it? Today was completely flat along the canal, making it a short and easy day to recover after our long haul hike yesterday.

We eventually left the canal and walked through some small towns, stopping for lunch at a small pub in the small town of Pommevic. As usual, there were crosses and churches marking the way. The pub was right along the GR65, and the only place we passed by that day to get food and drink.

We came to the end of the day by crossing the Garonne River, which gave us beautiful views before our ascent into Auvillar.

We began a short but sharp ascent as we climbed up into the lovely town of Auvillar, with its medieval grain market and beautiful brick and stone buildings with flowers everywhere – in window boxes, on balconies, and on the street.

This town truly was amazing, and the final ascent allowed for amazing views from the top of the town.

After delicious tapas and lasagna in a local restaurant, a visit to the cathedral and lookout point over the Garonne Valley, we headed to our accomodation for the night.

Our accomodation in this point of the Via Podiensis was largely booked on booking.com which was purely more so because of convenience but also due to us leaving our bookings to the last minute and struggling to find Gites. The hotel that we stayed in was okay. It was clean and it was a room. It did not really look like the photos on booking.com, and there was a bit of confusion at the check in process. It was called Hotel De L’Horloge. It wasn’t bad but I wouldn’t stay again. I would try get in earlier and get a Gite!

Tomorrow marks three weeks on this amazing hike, as well as three weeks of personal growth, reflection, wonderful sights and special experiences.

Thanks for following along so far

Jess x