Courmelois to Chalons en Champagne

The Golden Brioche

It rained heavily overnight so we had to pack up a wet tent. The promised boulangery delivery never appeared so we left the campsite hungry for a 30km+ day.

We followed the canal for 10km and then found ourselves near an Autoroute service area. We used the employee gate at the back and loaded up at le brioche d'oree. It saved our day.

There was a huge dog in a small car.

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Today's date: 26.7.20

Weather: cloudy

Steps: 55,200

Distance: 36.4 km

Climbing: 200 m (est. Garmin still down)

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And another dog guarding a boat.

We carried on along the canal then branched out across the fields.

It brightened up and got warm, but it was never scorching. Just as well as there was no shade. We saw deer and hares in the open landscape.

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We stopped for a late lunch at 3 and aired the tent. Late in the afternoon we started walking along the river Marne into Chalons. The river is flanked by a canal and lots of small lakes and meanders. The villages along the river are very attractive and we particularly liked Saint Martin sur le Pre as it had a water tap in the churchyard.

We slogged that last few km to our hotel through the industrial area. Today was too long and we were really lucky to find somewhere open for food and a water tap late in the day.

We are now this far into our journey.

Kyriad Hotel Chalons en Champagne

A chain hotel. Nice shower and then out to the fast-food place next door. Tomorrow is a shorter stage so we will look around Chalons before setting off.

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