Lac d’Orient to Beaune

We’re leaving the Champagne region behind and head towards Troyes. On the map we spot the Lac d’Orient, which proves a worthy detour before moving on to Beaune in Burgundy.

At first, we’re only going to stop for lunch, but the free Aire and pretty lake make for a change of mind. There’s a dump/fresh area but the fresh side isn’t working on our stay.

We think it’s a really good place to stop the night, get out on the bikes and explore. The town comes under Mesnit-Saint-Pere and although there’s a few restaurants by the lake, there’s not much else without going back into the main town.

Cycle and walking trails

It’s the beginning of October, out of season for France, but there’s loads of motorhomes about. The Aire which is just across the road from the recreation area is really busy with various nationalities.

This whole area as we’re about to find out, has recently undergone major re-development. It’s probably 10 years or so since our last visit in the Carthago and it looks quite different now.

After a lazy lunch, we take a stroll towards a large grassy area which leads to the lake.

Information boards give details on recreation such as water sports and cycle paths as well as walking routes. Everything looks as if it’s about to close for Winter, which is always a shame seeing it at its least attractive without the vibe of Summer.

The water is low

As much as we try, it’s really difficult to remember it from our visit years ago. We’re not even sure where we parked up. Now there’s a modern sports and recreation building which looks amazing, ample parking areas and so many trails.

There’s also a breakwater type wall stepping out into the lake, which we walk along. It’s good to get out into the lake because the water levels are really low and water far from the shore.

Luckily the weather is really warm today and the few visitors on the grassy banks take to the water for a dip.

Trees surround the lake shores, stretching for miles and tempt us to take to the bikes to explore.

Cycling round the lake

After a peaceful nights sleep, we get up early to cycle round a section of the lake. The Lac d’Orient is large and the whole area is perfectly prepared for a range of recreational activities.

There’s boats and paddle boarding, walkways and nature trails and launch areas for boats. Picnic areas provide restful retreats amongst peaceful natural settings.

Thankfully the cycle paths are mostly tarmac, as we’re about to find out on the 24km route. We only have folding Brompton bikes, so this is perfect cycling territory for us.

Autumn leaves fall – Lac d’Orient to Beaune

Unfortunately, today the weather feels quite like Autumn, with a chill in the air and threat of rain. Nonetheless, we continue along the superb off-road cycle route, gliding beside thick forest and weaving through the trees.

The leaves are starting to fall, and there’s plenty of golden brown crispness below the tyres.

At Geraudot, a sleepy village, we have to leave the cycle path and join the road for a very short section. Then it’s back to the trail, where a strong headwind awaits.

A long straight stretch over a barrage brings views of where we begun across the water. Now we reach a weir and a quick stop to stretch the legs beside the water.

From here, we come to one of the only hills, a very short sharp steep path before levelling off and arriving back at the Aire. No sooner do we arrive at the campervan and the rain clouds burst. Heavy rain descends just in time for us to take shelter inside.

Now it’s time to move on towards Burgundy and beautiful Beaune.

A small world

The drive through Burgundy doesn’t disappoint. Taking the D roads through vineyard country, this is a region which never fails to amaze.

Although we stop for a picnic lunch at a typically french picnic spot, it’s Beaune we’re aiming for today.

The Aire in Beaune is right beside the town and cost €8.70 for 20 hours. There’s a payment machine at the exit so there’s no need to do anything until we leave.

It’s really busy here with motorhomes, especially considering it’s October. Finding a space, we park up and realise the neighbouring motorhome has a very familiar number plate.

What a small world, it’s some friends from our old Carthago owners club days, what a coincidence. We spend the evening catching up over cheese and wine, exchanging news on places we’ve both been to and people we knew.

Beaune in Burgundy

Beaune is one of the most well known towns in Burgundy and is really worth visiting. The main attraction is the colourful tiles of the Hospice building, but it also has some really lovely shops and eateries.

Amongst the independent stores are numerous wine cellars, with wine tasting opportunities for those wanting to sample the local wines.

Vineyards surround the town, so wine tours are available at many other locations. Even if you don’t want to sample the wines, Beaune is just a lovely town to come to.

It’s one of those places where a longer stay is tempting but we’re moving on South tomorrow. I’m sure we’ll be back in Beaune again soon, in fact Burgundy as a region is one part of France that is just beautiful.

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