June 14 Avranches to Mont St Michel 26km
As it was a short ride again today, we stayed in town to see an exhibition of Chagall's religious paintings at the Scriptorial, which opened at 10 am. Iain went looking for access to part of the old town ramparts. Sue had better luck, finding a 20€ note and a great little local market. Some old women were obviously selling vegetables grown in the back yard as they only had small quantities displayed on card tables.
After Chagall we called in to the Museum where Sue enjoyed the work of an artist called Henri Marret with works from the early 1900s to the 1960s.
Had a coffee before collecting the bikes and heading out of town by the flatter route, according to the woman in the information centre. She certainly wasn't riding a loaded bike, as the road out was quite steep, with heavy traffic. However, we were then rewarded with a downhill to the coast, and more minor roads with little traffic. Apart from a headwind, which became stronger, it was a pleasant ride. Stopped for lunch at a little restaurant in the tiny village of Bas Coursil. We then rejoined the major road, with traffic becoming heavier as we approached Mont St Michel - an increasing number of tourist buses. The views across the water of Mont St Michel rising out of the sea was arresting.
As we were unsure of the options on the Mount itself, we opted for accommodation at the start of the causeway, about 2 km from the mount.
Did the washing and generally lazed around for the rest of the day - staying in a cabin in a caravan park.