Abbey road: Senlis to Soissons

July 28, 2013

Last night's rain had dissipated by the time I got packed up this morning. The air was fresh enough that I toyed with the idea of wearing a jacket, but I soon gave that up figuring that I would pedal myself warm. There was an archaeological site marked on the map, and as it was not far off my planned route to Pierrefonds, I decided to make the detour. Surprisingly, I recognized the spot from a trip my wife and I had made many years ago. There is a Roman theater, temple and baths in the middle of nowhere. No sign of a city or other settlement nearby.

A nice start to the day, tree lined road and all.

The baths. When Sue and I were here there was a large circular basin in the middle of this space. It has since been removed, I hope to protect it and not because it was damaged.

Despite its location on some very bad roads, the site is a cycle-tourist magnet. I talked to a couple from Brussels on their way to Paris, and this Dutch family headed south.

I continued on my way to Pierrefonds, a city rebuilt by Violet-le-Duc in the 19th century. The style is a little twee for my taste, but it appealed to the romantics of the time.

The chateau, as restored. It looks like a Disney castle, and in fact Disney was inspired by other of Violet-le-Duc's works. I was tempted to cry out for Rapunzel to let down her hair.

I had lunch in a pizzeria, but the pizza proved too big for my appetite. The day was slowly becoming greyer, so after getting my card stamped, I headed down the road to Longpont.

On the way to Longpont, I passed this private garden decorated with some excellent mosaics.

The mosaics seemed to be in the ancient Roman style.

The town was tiny, and there were no businesses at all, jut a mairie and the ruins of a once great abbey.

Destroyed during the revolution, the abbey is still impressive in ruins.

The rain started soon after I left Longpont, and continued all the way to Soissons.

As I headed northward, I started to enter the area where the great battles of the first world war were fought. This monument was to a French general killed in battle.

I was able to put up my tent in the municipal campground between rain showers and walked into town for dinner at local bistro. A big salad for dinner, because frankly one doesn't get enough vegetables on tour, and surprise the sun came out. To bed early under clear skies.

Today's ride: 112 km (70 miles)
Total: 168 km (104 miles)

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