On the right track

It was good to get confirmation that we were on the right route as we left Dole and continued along the Canal de Rhone au Rhin.  Our dining companion two nights ago had promised us lovely limestone cliffs and these soon became apparent.  

The route diverted from the canal and we climbed a steep hill with panoramic views across the countryside.  Back on the Canal de Rhone au Rhin, a barrier separated it from the River Doubs until the Doubs diverged, thus allowing the canal boats to continue unimpeded along the canal.

We stopped soon after for morning tea in a nice spot, unfortunately overlooked by a string of caravans and campervans.  We didn’t linger and continued on our way, passing a bizarre random sculpture in a field.

The only restaurant we could find round lunch time required a detour involving a 1.5kms steep climb up to Le Petit Tonneau in the village of Boussieres.  Fortunately it was open, though the rest of the village was deserted.  We enjoyed a nice lunch with the most excellent ‘3 chocolate gateau’ for dessert with layers of chocolate sponge and mousse.

It was a quick descent and fortunately Simon was waiting at the junction, otherwise I might have kept going.  We followed the canal into Besancon, spotting the relic of a tower perched high on the limestone cliff.  The wind had picked up and the clouds were closing in as we reached the city, with its citadel visible behind the houses.  

We dropped off our gear at the very ordinary AirBnb and headed out to pick up English maps at the tourist information centre to inform our plans for our rest day.

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