Amiens to Dinant

 A lovely blue sky greeted us this morning. There is a definite autumnal feel about the place, cool but not cold. For the first time in about 10 days there is no rain the forecast and dry roads yippee. 

The first mission was to navigate the city traffic and cross Amiens and out the other side. No real drama but it took about 45 minutes. Then is was lovely rolling farmland and back roads to our first port of call Arras. 

We spied a boulangerie on the outskirts and stopped for a late breakfast. 

We then continued to the town centre and wham. A complete architecture transformation. This Flemish town square was breathtaking in size and a total contrast from anything else we have seen in France. 🇫🇷 



A clever bit of street art. 

We are riding through the Somme area so there are many war cemeteries, French, British and Commonwealth mentioned specifically. Even though my grandfather was only 10 when this conflict broke out you can’t help but be moved by the spectacle of the crosses and headstones. So much lost potential. 

We then entered the area of the Ardennes which is a huge forested area. The roads are great for motorcycling, smooth tarmac and flowing corners and sure enough we encountered quite a few bikes along the way. 

We crossed rather underwhelmingly into Belgium, just an EU sign on the side of the road announcing we have entered Belgique. 

No border control or passport control and no trying to find an open bank to cash a travellers cheque into Schillings. Things have moved on a bit since 1980!

We followed the Meuse river for quite a while, a very picturesque ride and occasionally left the river to climb to lovely lookouts. 



We then arrived at our destination Dinant. The capital of the region with a castle dating back to Roman times. 


There is a citadel at the top of the hill that can be accessed by lots of steps or by cable car. 

We had a bit of a wander and decided to eat in the hotel. We’re both a bit tired and we have a big day tomorrow again. Sometimes you just need a pie!  Not really bit you know what I mean. 

We are in the midst of motorcycle Mecca. 

The lineup at our hotel. 

So Vive le France. We have really enjoyed our time here. Jaw dropping architecture, food I will miss till I die ( which wouldn’t be long if I lived here) lovely wine, nice people, polite, even on the roads, calm and just civilised I guess. There is a rhythm to life here that you just sense. We loved it.

Would we come back? Definitely, but there is still a big world for us to discover out there. 

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