Gorges du Tarn

11,9,11
How peaceful it was to wake up beside the lake knowing that everything was fully charged and re-filled! Already a couple had set themselves up beside the lake with their fishing rods. We noted their food supplies - typically 2 bagettes and some small containers of spreads.
After breakfast we headed off, planning to visit Puy De Dome. Bill had some reservations because the day was a little overcast, so we had more or less decided that we would not go to the top of it. We could see the mountain looming in the distance. Drove through small villages, including Riom, where the road through was closed for a market. We stopped for a wander, but nothing particularly caught our attention, so back onto the road. No real idea where we were but put our trust in Tomtom. After another hour or so I noticed a signpost "Riom 15km". I think we had spent the morning circumnavigating Puy De Dome!
To make up time we decided to hit the motorway for a short distance. Bill was tired and needed a break, so I pottered in the motorway servicestation, which included lots of tourist trap under the guise of 'local produce'. I did notice some interesting postcards of 'The Gorges du Tarn', but other than thinking it a shame we had missed this thought not a lot of it.
Once we hit the road again, we travelled for a short distance before I noticed the turn-off to the Gorges, so Bill agreed we would detour even if it meant a little longer drive. After driving for a while, through what we thought were the gorges, we felt a little disappointed. Then the road narrowed....became windy and steep and OMG! On most parts there would be no way of passing another vehicle should it come the other way - let alone a camper-car. Narrow, windy and deep, deep gorges with little villages along the hillside from time to time. This road was built in the 19th century to link these villages, which previously had only walking links - or in places the River Tarn. At the bottom of the gorge was a village, but quite touristy and parking was limited. Bill was quite concerned about crossing the very narrow bridge and was anxious to get to more passable roads so we kept on going. Eventually we got to a village where we did get out for a wander. The villages in this area all have a large crucifix atop the highest peak in the area - no doubt in times past to protect the village from above.
Once we were clear of the narrower mountain roads, we felt it time to let the adreneline settle. Bill was tired from his rather stressful drive, so we settled on a spot beside the road - up high in the mountains. What a diversity of campspots we have found so far! Each one unique but suitable in its own way.