Mouzon to Saint Mihiel: 114.2 km
Oh dear, we over exerted ourselves! After a few gentle days, today we decided to up the cycling distance and plotted a route to Saint Mihiel. The cycling app indicated the distance would be 105 km. In the event, we actually covered over 114 km and on top of that, as we had to leave the Meuse river towpath, we also found ourselves cycling on gravel and up hills. It was exhausting, dusty, insect filled, and we were both relieved to arrive in Saint Mihiel in the evening.
On the plus side, there were some memorable moments to today’s cycle. Leaving Mouzon we meandered through the beautiful French countryside, feeling a million miles from anywhere. Later, as we approached Verdun, we passed a war cemetery with the graves of soldiers from the first and second world wars. The cemetery was in Bras sur Meuse, and is one of the smaller war cemeteries. Despite this, it was a sombre reminder of the many soldiers who died in the World wars. Each grave stone marked the graves of two soldiers, and the graves covered several acres – thousands dead. Later we cycled through the town of Verdun, a grand city straddling the Meuse river.
Eventually, and with sore thighs, feet, arms, and eyes full of insects, we arrived in Saint Mihiel. The hotel here is rather more downmarket than last night’s grand manor, but no less welcoming. We have arrived on a bank holiday, and everything is shut – there is not a single open restaurant in the town. Fortunately, the hotel proprietor has been more than welcoming, preparing us a charcuterie platter and serving limitless wine, helping us recover from the day’s exertions. Tomorrow will be a little easier (we hope!).