Origin: Narbonne Plage, Logis Hotel de la Clape 4 Rue Des Fleurs
Destination: Narbonne, Hotel de France, 6 Rue Crossing
As predicted, it rained on the morning. We had even fashioned for Korcho a black plastic-bag rain "jacket".
Since clearing was predicted, we waited it out and amused ourselves with a rousing card game of "OH HELL!". Benny was champion.
It did clear by 2. We divided into two groups for the short return trip to Narbonne. Kristin and family took the lower route back and we set out to take the road over the coastal hills behind Narbonne Plage. Though uphill for 10 kms, the ride would have been slow and very possible. However, with nearly 30 mph side and sometimes headwinds, it seemed nearly impossible at moments. We had to dismount several times to avoid being blown off the road.
The grasses in the fields beside the road were blown nearly flat.
The steady flow of drivers leaving the beach after the weekend must have wondered about the sanity of these two struggling cyclists. But we slowly reached the top and were rewarded with the downhill ease into Narbonne. We all chuckled when the Sintobins arrived at the Hotel de France at almost the same moment.
We set out on foot on the wide promenade along the canals, passing below decorative kites flittering above. This beautiful old city was founded in 118 BC by the Romans and a part of a main Roman road, Via Domitia, is preserved in front of the Hotel de Ville. The gothic cathedral of Saint Just and Saint Pasteur was begun in the 13th century but never finished. Arriving too late to enter the cathedral, we just walked through narrow streets and out onto lovely squares in the old city.
Our unique dinner spot was a sidewalk table at Chicken Batata where we each were served a half roast chicken and fries--the most economical meal yet for six.
Our walk back to the hotel took us by the beautiful building that houses Les Halles, the daily market of fresh produce and French products.
A very attractive canal town indeed.
Some images:
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