Heading for the Massif Central

Son et Lumiere

Following Nevers' overheated campsite experience we headed south and booked what appeared (online) to be a pretty countryside site with its own swimming pool. And when we arrived it proved indeed to be a lovely little spot - and a splash in the pool was a great tonic. After a sunny first day the second one proved cold and damp; so we spent the time reading and relaxing. Lovely.

Then we set out - again south - for Le Puy en Velay, an ancient town set in the volcanic region of the Massif Central. The town is dominated by monuments, several of which are built at the top of former volcanic 'towers.' And very striking they are too. This being France, there were multiple Son et Lumieres each night projected on to these monuments. The French are terribly good at making their historical buildings come alive for the general public; imagery  (especially dynamic imagery) is so much more accessible in situations like this. We moved around with the crowds from one monument to the next, enjoying the spectacles.
Le Puy is an important starting point on the Camino de Santiago to Compostella and the pilgrim presence can be seen all over the town. Indeed its presence is to be found also on my person (I purchased a Camino fleece at the pilgrim shop today - at 2000 feet up, the campsite mornings can be very parky here).

Church of St Michel

Awning update
We've finally cracked it. Erected in half an hour at this site. Mercifully, this marks the end of the blog's awning coverage.