Shortly after leaving St Privat d’Allier, we descended down a path covered with broken pieces of terracotta roof tiles. We surmised that they were placed there to create more traction for hikers. The rocks underneath were probably very slippery especially during rains. A first for both of us.
Our first stop was the Rochegude Chapel and Tower. A kindly Canadian took our photo before the chapel in the distance which commanded a wide view of valleys of the D’Allier River.
Rounding the chapel, we began our 1000 foot descent to the floor of the valley where we crossed the D’Allier River by the Pont Eiffel, yes, the same guy of tower fame.
After a refreshment break, we started our 1500 foot ascent towards Saugues. We had a wonderful panorama of the river and its town, Monistrol-d’Allier. Nearing the top, we passed the Chapelle de la Madeleine that was built into the face of the mountain.
After six miles, we encountered wooden sculptures on the outskirts of Saugues, our end point. Notice the scallop shell hanging from the tallest candle. The descent was steep but we knew that our hotel was about a mile away.
Dinner was early — 6:30. Our waitress told us that people in this town are early to bed, early to rise. The town was eerily quiet and dark when we made our way back to the hotel.
But a short commentary about dinner which began with a glass of kir. We both ordered the lentil salad — excellent. I had a local fresh water fish while Monique asked for an omelette. I ended with three local cheeses from a semi-hard like Comte to a very subtle blue. In between was a creamy cheese with a soft rind with ash — not Morbier but a distant cousin.
A short walk back to hotel for a well deserved sleep. I took an image of the Tour des Anglais built in the 13th Century during the Hundred Years War that loomed in front of my window. All was peaceful tonight.
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