Tuesday 20th December 2016

This morning there was a lot more water coming over the weir at Albas than there was last night.

It seems like the thing on the right of the picture which we initially thought was a hydroelectric plant is actually for regulating the flow of the Lot and reducing flood risk.

We traveled south west to the town of Valence where we are parked at the Aire de Camping Cars next to two canals which are running parallel with each other. These canals link Bordeaux on the Atlantic with Marseille on the Mediterranean. Ann was in chores mode and got out the carpet from the front of the van and gave it a good beating!

We got out our bikes and rode along the canal side.

Here is the larger parallel canal which might not be a canal at all and instead might be the River Tarn.

We passed several locks on the smaller canal but didn't see any boats.

It's really quite cold today - as you can see Ann is well wrapped up to go on her bike.

After we'd had our tea we took a walk into Valence town centre which is very close to where we are parked. I quite like this fountain.

This statue reminds me a bit of some of Henry Moore's work. Or maybe not.

They have some nice Christmas lights.

They also have artificial snow. Yes really!

Near to the town centre is this well preserved 19th Century public washing facility. Apparently at that time the authorities round here were becoming aware of the need to take public health measures.


Today we traveled 40 miles (64 kilometres) in our van. We are at N44.10550 E0.88614