By Niel Muller
06/09/2022
After buying a larger, new suitcase (no comments) we set off on our longest trip of the tour so far, altogether 378 kms from Nimes to Creysse – a trip from the southeast across and north-westerly into the southwest of France. The weather was mostly rainy and driving rather difficult, especially during the heavy downpour we experienced about 50 km south of Millau which made safe driving almost impossible.
However, as we approached the Millau Viaduct, our excitement grew. This Viaduct, at its completion in 2004, was the world’s highest bridge, and a piece of astonishing engineering and beauty. This suspension bridge spans the gorge created by the Tarn River over a distance of 2,5 km on a series of 7 concrete piers of which the tallest at 340m is higher than the Eifel Tower !
Before its construction, which took only 39 months, the Tarn gorge had to be negotiated with mountain passes on both sides and the completed bridge now links up with the A75 and eventually provides fast tourist and economical connection between Paris and Barcelona.
Most of the roads after Millau were minor District roads through small towns and at times, I was doubting our planning of this part of our trip. We eventually crossed the Dordogne, another of France’s major rivers, and turned into the road to Creysse. The first part was a little pass of its own with overhanging rocks and no place for two vehicles to pass. When we reached our destination, there were no indication of Studio Sacha – our place to stay for the next 3 nights. Just in walking around for 5 minutes, looking for this address, I realised what a heavenly place this is – as can be seen from the few snapshots I took with my mobile.
We had a lovely dinner in the only such facility in town, the Auberge De L’ile, who also happens to be our landlords. I befriended a couple from England/Denmark’s friendly dog, especially after offering him the bone of my prime rib. He liked me so much that he remained laying under our table which led to us having a friendly chat with the couple. They had been in the area before and advised us of some beautiful spots to visit. We are very excited!!
