Conques to Decazeville – 24 kms

It was a big ole hike out of Conques this morning, pretty much straight up for over an hour. Thankfully it was shady for most of the way up.

Once we reached the top, we felt like we were on top of the world, and of course we sang about it.

It was another glorious day of sunshine and brilliant blue skies criss-crossed with jet streams.

The last hour was a struggle as I limped down the hill into the mining town of Decazeville. As Tattoo from fantasy island would say, ‘ze pain, ze pain’

Please don’t ask me what they mine here, I have no idea.

We arrived at the most unusual gite. A single man runs it and our room is similar to student accommodation. There is a sunken double bed, a paper lantern lampshade from the 70s, and an ensuite bathroom with a curtain for a door.

Mike called me a snob for commenting that it wasn’t as nice as our other accommodation.

We were invited to stay for dinner, but were unsure what this middle aged single man had in store for us.

It was rather strange sat around the table with two German blokes and a lady from Austria, not a french walker in sight. This was unusual for us as everyone we have met so far has been French.

Dinner was a surprise. Vegetable soup for starters, followed by a tortilla filled with cheese and ham, with salad on the side. It was so delicious I gobbled it all up.

I thought that was the main course, but then he brought out a specialty of the region. It was a pork and cabbage terrine type thing. Man it was delicious.

Then of course came the cheese board followed by desert. Desert was the most delicious chocolate mousse I have ever eaten. Seriously, this guy should be a chef!

Where are we going tomorrow?

Je ne said pas!