Wednesday, 18th April Rouen to Pacy-sur-Eure

DISTANCE: 81 k/50 mi; TIME: 4h 10m; AV: 17.1 kph/10.6 mph; ODO: 300.9 k

I had a breakfast of assorted breads, butter and apricot jam. Madame made me an infusion with two of my fruit tea bags. I visited the cathedral and reconnoitred my route. The cathedral was a bit dark and gloomy, but the stained glass was very good. One really needs a guide to the stained glass.

I returned to the hotel, mounted my panniers and said good bye to Madame. The route out of Rouen proved to be straight forward, but a very steep climb, up which I had to push. I had several steep climbs and descents en route. I had lunch in Pont St. Pierre at a pizza palace, “Pizza Le Latin.”

Descending into Les Andelys, there was an excellent view point, where I took a photo of the Château Guillard, Les Andelys and the river Seine. I crossed the river Seine and continued on to Croisy-sur-Eure. Now in the Eure valley the going was easier and the country very pleasant. Even the hilly and wooded bits were good; bluebells in the woods!

At St. Aquelin-de-Pacy I looked for accommodation, but there was nothing suitable. I crossed over to Pacy-sur-Eure and put up at the “Hôtel l’Etape.” The room was excellent. I had a bath to relax and a very good dinner as part of my demi-pension.

At dinner I met an English couple who had just moved into the area that day. All their belongings were still packed. They had bought a house at Garennes-sur-Eure. They had been coming to the Eure valley for several years, had French friends and stayed at the hotel. According to them, Madame the proprietor spoke excellent English (neither of them spoke French), but she continued to speak French to me. The wife said that she is learning French (a raw beginner). I wished them good luck; I think they will need it!

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