Thursday 18 July 2013

A late start to a bright but cloudy day. After "brunch" we took a stroll into town, crossing the Dordogne in its very infant form on the way.

The Dordogne

It's hidden in there somewhere!

Mont-Dore, originally known as Les Bains de Mont-Dore, is a spa town that originated with the discovery of eight  volcanically heated springs by the Romans. As was the fashion in the mid-nineteenth century, the town developed into a popular resort with thermal baths, hotels, a casino  and all else that goes with it. It is now also a winter skiing resort.

"Les Bains Thermes"

Some fine architecture features.

The Grand Hotel

As well as some that is not. We thought the Casino looked very out of place and character.

The Casino - an eyesore!

A stroll round this small town centre revealed myriad cafes and bars, a hand-made lace shop where several purchases were made and the usual purveyors of local produce. No food shops open so tomorrow we'll have to go looking to top up the supplies.

Back at the van, chairs were again deployed but the sky was becoming increasingly threatening and thunder was rumbling from up the valley. The wind freshened and became rather cool with a definite feel of rain but in the end nothing came of it and as I write at 9.30pm the sky is clear. Ironic really as we hear on the radio (satellite works fine here) the UK is suffering from heatwave warnings!

Tomorrow we will start heading downriver. Our newly bought map indicates that due to the terrain this won't be too easy but also shows several "scenic" routes. We shall see.