Under a bright blue sky I left Spain and headed north-east into to France. I really do have a big love for Spain. It’s a big, vibrant and ever-changing country. I love the weather – obviously – and I love the scenery and the ambiance. I also enjoy coming into contact with Spanish people too, who are so proud, positive and enthusiastic about their country, unlike the UK where everyone is so jaded, cynical and pessimistic after many years of mediocre politicians who promised a feast yet delivered a mouldy old sandwich.
Anyway, less of that… it was a great week in Spain. I visited Barcelona and Girona, as well as riding around the Costa Brava and marvelling at the immaculately clean beaches and lovely towns and wide promenades. I also spent some time doing absolutely nothing – by lazing on the beach opposite the campsite, reading my kindle and sunning myself to a bright lobster pink.
Today’s journey to France was easy. About 180 miles but it took most of the day as I took a slow route. I followed the main roads through Spain but at the French border I came off and hit the back-roads, riding through the Corbieres National Park. And wow…! What great scenery and great roads. Lots and lots of bends and wiggly bits, as well as passing through some beautiful old villages where time has seemingly stood still. At one stage I stopped at a picnic area overlooking a deep green valley valley and there was nothing but a stunning view and complete silence. No cars, nor the hum of life. It was wonderful and I couldn’t have sat there all day. At another point I saw some ruins ahead, and followed a lane leading up to them. At the top I stopped and spent a good half-hour amongst the ruins of an old Chataeu which overlooked a valley and a small village.
I’ve said it before that I always fall in love with every country I visit, but the more time I spend in France the more I love it. The scenery, the great backroads plus the French drivers who will quite happily move aside if they see you coming and let you pass. Brilliant…!
I got to my campsite just after 4 at Villemoustaussou. It’s about 8k north of Carcassonne – which is why I’ve come here. In the centre of Carcassonne is a huge medieval castle that I want to visit. I could have just carried on north through Spain towards Bilbao but I really wanted to visit this castle, which is why I’ve doubled back on myself.
I’m here for two nights and then I’ll be working my way north and then across the Pyrenees to catch my ferry from Bilbao. The day I’m heading north there is a lot of heavy rain forecast so it looks like I’m going to get very wet riding north, which will be good practise for returning to the UK… 
