Day 8: Rochechouart to Brantome

September 8, 2022

We were up bright and early … and it wasn’t too bright. By the time we finished breakfast and we’re packed, the rain started. So we diddle-dallied and after 20 minutes it had subsided and dried enough so we set off.

Today’s route was described as simple - just one road. It was winding and went through forests and fields and forests and fields and forests and fields. The forests were filled with sweet chestnut and oak trees.

Our first excursion off route took us into the small village of Champniers-et-Reilhac to see distinctive Dordogne architecture used on churches.

After a few circles, we made our way back to the designated route for the day. We rode through more chestnut and oak forests before arriving near Piégut-Pluviers where we went off route in search of a 23 meter high donjon tower built on a granite mound.

Climbing the remains of the circular staircase

After we finished exploring the donjon, we sat at the base for our lunch. The day remained cool enough to keep the extra layers on, but the rain never fell from the sky.

The stretch of road between Nontron and Brantome wasn’t fun. Heavy traffic including a lot of trucks. Surely there are better roads in this area. If anyone is planning this sojourn, we recommend rerouting today’s route.

Home sweet home for 2 days. We’ve made it to our first layover day.

Couldn’t resist this shot as we were crossing the river heading into town for a beer or ice cream. It’s really pretty here.

We opted for casual dining and found a highly recommended pizza joint housed in a troglodyte dwelling. We are sitting in a cave eating dinner. The pizza oven is in the cave at the base of a crevice. Yummy dinner!

Stats: 66.6 kilometers and 712 meters elevation

Today's ride: 67 km (42 miles)
Total: 917 km (569 miles)

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