19 June 2025 (sunny and very hot) 87km

Today would be testing and there was no getting around it.

We broke camp at 6.40am and cycled back along the river, over the bridge into the very quiet Centre Ville of Vichy.

It wasn't long before we were out in the suburbs and then the country, thanks to great route planning by Julia. But one thing she wasn't going to be able to do today, was take the hills out. Straight away, we were climbing, nothing intense, but it went on for over 20kms. 

Came to the hamlet of Arronnes where there was a twelfth century church. Obviously I had to photograph it.

Fortunately the first part of our ride was in the shade bar the final fifteen minutes. It was quite cool but much appreciated after all the heat we've been having.

Into the village of Le Mayet de Montagne where every street seemed to be a one way and we were going the other.

Found an Intermarche, did our breakfast shopping and ate in the shade of the 19th century church at about 9.30am. We had already done 27 kms to this point. Then it was on into the unknown. 

The climbing now became harder.The shade was starting to disappear and the sweat was rapidly taking its place. 

Came upon the church of Notre Dame de Chatel Montagne in the town of the same name.

This church was first in this location in 1081 with reconstruction being ongoing since 1095.

It seems to be an important church as far as the Camino goes, due to its central French location to not just Santiago in Spain, but to Britain and Germany amongst others. 

Lovely stop. It was here that we met a trio, two men and a woman, who were in a group of twenty celebrating a reunion of 60 years knowing each other, from school. Took a shot of the three of them and we cycled higher into the mountains. 

By the time we reached our highest point we had been climbing steadily for 50kms. Lucky for us we still managed to get some shade and the gradients were mostly pretty good.

The photos don't do the distance justice, but our legs and lungs can testify to the accuracy. That and the 14km downhill to bring us to Renaison. 

Noticed this dam on the way down the hill so thought we'd give our hands a rest.

I asked Ju why she pulled over halfway down and she said her hands had gone numb from hauling on the brakes. It was a great way to eat up the kms.

In Renaison we ate a quick snack in a shaded band rotunda before giving it our last push to Villerest, via Lentigny where we picked up something for dinner, then onto our campground.

Checked in (20 Euro), and were given the option of a few shady spots and once we'd put the tent up, it was into the pool.

Had a cold shower before entering and after and enjoyed some nice downtime both in the pool and sitting around the outside blogging in the shade. 

Washing followed our swim and then a well deserved drink at the bar before dinner and bed. 

Once again tomorrow we begin with a 500 metre climb before breakfast.

Both of us at present, feel good about today's efforts and tomorrow is half the distance at 44km, all being well.