We leave Dijon this morning, pressing north into our last month of travel. It’s going to be a bit of ‘meh’ day without much to show for it other than gaining distance on motorways. Still though, being France, beauty can be and is found along the way.
Lunch is beside a river and a chateau, well hidden from view but with the prettiest gatehouse I’ve seen. Bees buzz happily in its lavender and little bird boxes are secreted in trees. The chateau’s good work I think – I spy a few in their grounds. The gates are open but I’m not quite brazen enough to sneak in for a photo.
Off the motorways, we’re in large scale farmland. Many villages display their name signs upside down, a silent, nationwide protest by farmers aimed to highlight the challenges they face.
Cornfields abound, indispersed with harvested wheat crops, rolled meadow hay and the occasional sunflower crop, just opening their faces to the sun. Birds of prey take flight above, the younger birds grouped for safety in twos and threes. It’s heartening to see them – they’re a good indicator that the crops teem with life, unsprayed. It makes sense – over the years, we’ve watched the ‘bio’ grading proliferate in supermarkets, a guarantee the produce is organic.
Day’s end sees us lakeside in Reneve. Having past Dijon, we’re officially in northeast France now. It’s a busy spot with an unusual ‘beach’ complete with lifesavers, family friendly cafe and a playground.
Later, I crack open my truffle for a fabulously indulgent omelette. There’s enough left for a truffled linguine another day. Such a pity Himself isn’t a fan (she said laughing all the way to the kitchen).
The whoosh of a hot air balloon provides a cherry red dot to complete the day and later yet, a chorus of frogs serenade us into twilight.
Well then. Perhaps not such a “meh” day after all.
Miss Baci Travels 