It was absolutely the right decision to stay a day in Epinal for all kinds of reasons. It has been just fantastic. After a sumptuous hotel breakfast we jumped on the unloaded bikes and headed to the old town. The bikes felt pretty frisky without the panniers.
On the way into town. Beautiful bikeway and because it is Sunday it was well used.
Epinal is lovely, and we arrived on the day of their twice a year market and it was absolutely huge. It certainly wasn't what we expected to see! We have never seen a bigger one. It went on and on and on. We kept thinking we had come to the end of it, but no, it just kept going. All the stores were open as well - on a Sunday in France! - and we had a lot of fun looking at everything that was for sale. All we bought were some tres cher candied nuts. We will enjoy them on the ride tomorrow.
Crossing the river, expecting a quiet Sunday in France kind of a day.
We also visited the church and the square, enjoying a gelato there. We checked into tourist information and received excellent advice and maps for tomorrow. The CN is working on accommodation as I write this.
The interior of the church. We did do some cultural things!
Then we headed back into the fray and wandered around some more. I was pushing my bike, and in the unexpected and unusual category someone came up from behind and grabbed it and took off.
Fortunately it was this guy and he couldn't run very fast. He did give me a bit of a start though.
We cycled down the greenway a short while just to get a feel for it. I wasn't as keen as Keith...I want my legs to feel rested tomorrow. We then started to head back to the hotel but decided to make the effort to cycle up to the ruined castle. So much for resting the legs! It was worth the effort. The views were terrific and the hill seemed like a breeze on the unloaded bikes.
Can you find me and my bike in this picture? After getting to the top we had to go down and then up some more. It was great fun though, it really was. The couple behind me, among several others, helped us find the way.
So tomorrow we continue south, although there is a great deal of uncertainty about which way and how far. As Keith investigates accommodation he is finding we either go 90 km or so, which would probably be further with any navigational miscues, or only 30. I am up for either, but the shorter day seems a better bet if you know what I mean. We will see what happens tomorrow 😜.
Today's ride: 20 km (12 miles) Total: 623 km (387 miles)
