Try-out for a pilgrimage

I went on a short trip to France as a try-out for a pilgrimage. Not mine, but some friend's future pilgrimage. I know England far better than France, and Burgundy was new to me. Strange, because it is not so far away and there is no ferry involved. Travelling via Namur the trip became interesting after we had left the town and followed the river Meuse to Dinant. 

Overgrown gravestone of an unknown family in the churchyard of Dave, a small village on the banks of the river

Dinant itself was rather busy, perhaps due to a saxephone festival which made the town colourful as you can see in the picture. 

Colourful saxs on the bridge in Dinant

Besides Dinant is a narrow town, clinging to the banks of the river Meuse. From there we took country roads and avoided the main roads as much as possible. That made the trip far more interesting as we happened on small towns, interesting villages with old churches and picturesque markets covered by red tiled roofs, remains of former abbeys and little streams. The aim was to end up in Bouillon, this first day on the road, just on the border of France. It is an interesting town, with Godfrey de Bouillon's castle high on a rock overlooking the town and a crucial loop in the river. 

 A street in Bouillon in the evening light

It was a balmy evening, swallows and martins flying low overhead, making those high pitched squeaks. The canoes on the slow flowing river, the smell of mown grass and hay, the outdoor cafes where people enjoyed their meals now that for once the sun was out, it was all a joy. It is a bonus to travel with a friend who is so well versed in history, especially the history of this part of France and Belgium. A promising day, except for our rather shabby quarters for the night. But then hotels and B&B's if not booked in advance are rather hit and miss. There were better ones to come.

Bouillon: An ancient bridge in the late evening on the other side of the castle