Day 56 Wednesday 14th July:
Bastille Day! Left for Brioude where we attended the Bastille Day ceremony.Interesting – very little formalities, no pomp with the local dignitries, but certainly dignity and national pride. The parade was led by the police chief driving his jeep slowly down the narrow street stopping to shake hands with any child her saw on the way. The parade took the path past the local tabac/bar where the morning beer was flowing to kick off this national day.
We took time later to visit the very famous and interesting St Julien cathedral. Very interesting stonework and frescos – the stone being from the local volcanic rock.
We pushed on following the beautiful l’Allier River valley – beautiful towns hanging off outcrops of volcanic rock, others on old lava flows. We stopped by the river for lunch near the village of Villeneuve d’Allier for lunch – a great breeze to keep it all cool!
Followed the river and then the road to Le Puy en Velay. What a magnificent entry to a town. The views of the old town is stunning. Our entry to the town was via a hill over looking the valley . we must have stopped three or four times to take in the vista of whole valley. The three main volcanic outcrops rose above the valley floor and were capped by medieval churches and other buildings.
We explored the old city, climbed more alleyways and staircases! Every where there was another old part to explore. Later we gathered with the towns folk for their Bastille Day parade – and the French reconfirmed our previous thoughts that you can hold important ceremonies without all the over organising.
The official party emerged from the town centre, being led by a brass band from the small streets where everyone was milling – no-one to tell them to get out of the way! The mayor, along with the military dignitaries, all had to shuffle through the people to walk to their destination to receive the parade. Then came the official parade – and again there was no crowd control – the band came, followed by the services with army personnel carrying bayoneted-rifles nearly cutting faces as they passed. It would never be allowed in Oz – Mark Webber may be right about Oz being a nanny state!
We waited for the fireworks - these can;t get going until after sun down – 10.30 pm! The back drop of the city lends itself well to a fireworks display.
An interesting day! To Coubon Aire for sleep – well done TomTom!
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