We took the road across the Pyrenees at a pacey 35km per hour. The weather was clear and bright but the way was dotted with a constant stream of cyclists who were making the most of the gorgeous weather. I was quite happy to go at this snail pace as I didn’t want us to be responsible for a cyclist’s terrible end on such a gorgeous day. We’ve been across these mountains so many times but I think this is the first time we’ve driven it with bright blue skies and not a hint of snow in the air.
St Jean Pied de Port was our stop and we enjoyed a stroll around the ancient streets where many start their journey along the Chemin de Santiago de Compostela. It was 20 years ago almost to the day that Graham set out on his walk to Santiago. The sun stayed out but we woke to fog and cloud this morning - a very different view across the river.
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| From one day… |
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| …to the next |
The ancient road in the town centre is full of 17th and 18th century houses marked with the names of those who lived there and the date the house was built. It makes an interesting walk up the winding cobbled streets.
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| Worth a walk |
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| Up this medieval street |
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| House of 1722 |
When the fog cleared (and after we’d done our washing - boooring) we drove a short 40 km to Sauvetterre de Béarne, another medieval village but this time with a more French, rather than Basque, vibe. We found a fabulous restaurant so Graham tucked into a lamb shank while I consumed a confit of duck and Hugo had several mouths full of both. We came through here last year but everything was closed as the town centre roads and buildings were undergoing a massive refurbishment. I must say it looks a lot better this time.
