September 2nd, 2006

It was a short ride today.  Only 30 km just because that is the distance to Bergerac where we will stay for 2 days. The countryside is well tamed with a variety of crops including stone fruits, some vegetables and, of course, plenty of vineyards.  Surprisingly, we never saw any tobacco farms since they use to grow a lot of that around Bergerac and there is a tobacco museum in Bergerac.

Bergerac was packed with people as we pulled in just before noon.  The weekly open market was tapering off and the traffic jam was pretty impressive.  We got a room in a modern hotel with a firm bed as we got tired of the traditional French hotels with lumpy and squeaky beds, wall to ceiling covered with wallpaper, and a tub with a hand shower.  Every town or village is likely to have a hotel with character, and a “Hotel de France”. Only larger towns may have a modern hotel where one can wash up without contortions. ☺