So today we woke to the car being somewhat covered in Ice. We take a walk over to the resturant, and have a breakfast, and then pack the car for the next league of our trip. Lamastre. This has been one of the first places that Bob booked since we started palanning our trip through Europe, some 24 months ago. From Rodez to Lamastre is a distance of 253 kms and about 4 hrs travel time.
We share the driving, and have arranged to meet our host at the Railway Station, where he will take us to our accommodation. And it was a good thing that he did, as I don't think we would have found it otherwise. It is up on top of a hill, and a very windy road to go with it. But alas we are here, and we have a fire place for when it gets cold here, and it was going when we arrived. It was very nice. Our host told us that there are two markets in the town, one on a Satuurday, being the local produce market, and one on Tuesday with different things for sale.
The views are wonderful as we are overlooking the town of Lamastre, and with hills surrounding us on all sides.
Tuesday, 7th January 2020
Today, we went into the markets to take a look at what is about. There are stands selling breads, eggs, fruit and vegies, a variety of winter clothing from Beanies and scarves and coats and jackets, cheeses. We get a couple of things, and then go back to the house. We went to the Office of tourism, and got some maps of the local area, and also got some tips on where we might be interested to look at.
We had a cuppa at one of the cafes here in town, and it was just great. The staff were very friendly, even though the one of waiters couldn't speak english, and the other one spoke a little, and i think the owner spoke a bit more. We had a bite to eat, and a coffee, and of course dessert. Which was soooo good. I really liked the cafe, and they allow dogs inside also.
I went for a walk this afternoon, to see what was about. Only a windy road.
Wednesday, 8th January 2020
Didn't do a real lot today, it is cold, and we have the fire going. There is still frost and ice about at midday.
Thursday, 8th January 2020
Friday, 9th January 2020
Saturday, 10th January
Sunday, 11th January 2020
We took a drive today exploring the villages around us.
We drive on more windy roads, and seeing the mountainous landscape all about us, with long drops to the bottom. One thing that we have noticed on the rural roads around France, is the lack of signage, warning of corners, or hairpin bends. The road sides where there is a long drop from the roadside, are unguarded in most cases. There are very little guide rails. So if you go over the side, its a steeep fall down.
We get to a place called Lalouvesc, about 40 mins from Lamastre. This village has wonderful views of the mountains and the valleys around it. There is a Basilica called Basilica of St Regis, built in 1877, and it contains the relics of St John Francis Regis. It is a very majestic building, in the middle of a very small village. We find a cafe that is open and very quiet, as we are the only customers that they have, and we have a coffee and a toasted sandwich which was very different. It is called a Croque Monsieur, which is a sandwich toasted, but on top of the sandwhich, there is a mix of cheese and white sauce and it is then toasted until the cheese on top is bubbly. It was most yummy.
We leave, and head back towards Lamastre, and on our way back we discover a little miniture village made from stones, just like the a real village. We stop and check it out. There is a honesty box, as there is no one there, so we leave a donation, and check out this little village. The village has everything just like a normal village, and the detail was excellent. Absolutly amazing what some people can do.
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