July 3, 2011

We awake in the youth hostel to the sound of thunder and heavy rain.  We have our breakfast (cocoa pops) surrounded by the junior tennis team.  After waiting half-an-hour or so the rain stops and we set off. 

The temperature is much better – about 25 degrees and the route is a pleasant run.  However, we both feel under the weather and want somewhere to stay for a rest day.  The town we aim for does have one hotel but we find it closed – a local tells us that it closed last year.  He also tells us that it is another 25 km to the nearest town with accommodation.  Oh no – just when we don’t want to be doing miles and miles looking for somewhere to stay.

Just after we set off to do the extra 25 km we see a farm by the roadside with a sign saying ´Tourisme Rural’.  We have seen these before but have not been sure exactly what they are.  We decide to ask and see – it turns out that the farm has a small house that it lets out to guests, normally for several days or a week.  The owner is happy for us to take it just for a couple of days, which is great for us, as it gives us a chance to take a rest.  It is actually a beautiful stone cottage and we sit and watch the television – the first time for weeks.  We watch other people cycling just for a change as the ‘Tour de France’ is on!