The sugar beet road to Rouen
From Vimy we rode south and a bit west with the town of Rouen in mind. However, the sunny day at Vimy took precedent and we selected a straight shot for Amiens instead. Throughout our route across the north we kept seeing huge piles of some kind of a root vegetable. We weren’t too sure what they were at first but finally figured out they were sugar beets! Thats a-lot-o sugar beet!
There is far more agricultural activity than we expected to see in France. Large tracts of cultivated land dotted with small villages. Around every corner we come across rolling hills and small forest reserves all drenched in beautiful soft light reminiscent, to us, of Italy. Towering sycamore and plane trees line the main roads into communities. These trees are traditionally used to mark ‘the way’ in France. Napoleon is said to have ordered the lining of streets with these trees to provide shade for marching soldiers.
Secure and warm welcome
Amiens is a fantastic locale with canals and a lively nightlife. My lovely copilot located accommodations with secure underground parking for Sassy. The Odalys is an apart-hotel offering lets for nights, weeks and months to students and travellers. You can get breakfast included if you like for a few Euro extra. While checking in we asked the hostess about a restaurant for supper; she immediately mentioned L’Envie. Favouring it as a very good local French cuisine establishment near the canals. A perfect local haunt for a fine meal at a reasonable price.
Amiens Christmas market
We settled in our room and changed out of our bike gear opting to walk over, through the centre of town. What a spirited area! There were people strolling around everywhere and a Christmas market set upon the promenade, ferris wheel included. We meandered past the main rail station, down the Rue de Noyon through the market with its Père Noël scenes all set in large glass displays. It appeared as though some kind of judging was in progress as well… what fun. Christmas is in the air here and at only November 24th.
L’Envie a lovely local restaurant
L’Envie is a lovely and quiet mom and pop place just off the river Somme city canal on Quai Bélu. It is an unassuming location filled with locals. Our Hostess started to speak France but immediately recognized our terrible skills and chose to speak in English. Turns out she is actually from Great Britain originally but has been in France for quite some time.
Dan’s first truly French meal
The dinner was wonderful starting with ham and warm goat cheese salads. These starters were deconstructed and laid out with impeccable presentation. Our main plates were duck leg confit and frois grois stuffed chicken breast. I love duck leg confit even more now…..if thats even possible. We washed it all down with a bottle of Bordeaux red and a final touch of creme brûlée. A delight indeed.
Afterward I chatted with the waitress about our plans. I told her about the year abroad and our plans to travel on Sassy through France, Spain and Portugal and wherever else we get to. She asked if we had a website to follow and here we are! I hope you are all enjoying the ride so far. Much more to come.
And next: To Evreux, Tours and Liez……….stay tuned, subscribe and share to see where we go next. À bientôt.
Take care and keep on travelling,
Dan&Sam
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