Through the limestone cliffs

One final view of the Citadel and its fluvial tunnel and we were back on the Doubs River.  After a while we picked up the Canal du Rhone au Rhin which travelled in parallel to the Doubs and we alternated between the two for much of the day.

We stopped at the village of Deluz at a picnic area beneath the Saint-Martin church for morning tea.  It was very quiet until the kids came out to play at the nearby school.  

It was a stunning ride along the river surrounded by limestone cliffs, and more undulating than our recent canal journeys.  

We had set the ambitious target of lunch at 53kms at Le Clervalois restaurant in the town of Pays-de-Clerval. We arrived about 1:15pm, and when I asked for a table I was told 30 minutes and pointed to a table.  I wasn’t sure whether than meant we had to be out in 30 minutes but as we waited, it became apparent that it was going to be 30 minutes until we were served.  The restaurant was busy with all tables filled and a big table being served.  It was probably only 10 minutes until we were able to order some sparkling water and another 10 minutes till we were told the dishes.  This was not a menu with choices.  The food came soon after and the entrée was a salad including pasta and beetroot – fresh and delicious. The main course was pork in a creamy sauce with lots of vegetables and then what appeared to be a deconstructed lemon cheesecake for dessert.  All excellent and for a very reasonable 16 euros.

We had another 25kms to cover after lunch and a detour to the supermarket for dinner provisions.  We were warmly greeted by Michel, the host, when we reached our accommodation and were soon settled in for a beer before salad and prawns for dinner.  

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