Villaret to St Alban

This was a perfect day for walking: warm and sunny with a slight breeze. Everyone set off from Villaret in good spirits. If only every Gite could be as nice! It would be 21 kms to walk every bit of the recommended route, going past the Domaine du Sauvage, a medieval pilgrims hospital, now a Gite. On studying the map, I discovered I could save 4 or 5 kms by going directly up the road via Chanalleilles. Apparently this more direct route was the original one and it was changed a few years ago by Jacques Chirac.

Romanesque church at Chanalleilles

Oratorio of St Roche, a roadside shrine

Just at the turnoff from Domaine du Sauvage, I met Alain and his friend Janick. They had gone the long way and got lost. Janick is camping in a tiny tent which he puts up outside a Gite and comes in for meals. He must have been frozen last night! We all had lunch together near the St Roche Church and were eventually joined by artist Jaques, who walks slowly because he carries so much gear, including a small gas stove.

Lunch spot

It was a lovely afternoon:

Wild pansies were everywhere.

Today's expenses:

Coffee at Chanalleilles 2.20€

Demi pension, wine and Perrier at Hotel du Terrasse, St Alban 63.10€