Date: Friday, 2 May 2025.
Day: 5
From: Aumont-Aubrac To: Nasbinals
Start Walking: 700am End Walking: 238pm
Time: 6h37m
Distance (Planned): 27.3km Distance (Garmin): 26.4km
Progress: 119.4/765km
Ascent: 591m Descent: 394m
Weather: Cool and clear, and then VERY windy! Clouds on their way.
Stayed At: Gite le Sorbier
General Comments:
• Today was simply magnifique! After yet more climbing, we reached the top of the Aubrac plateau and the scenery changed completely.
• Previously, we had spent a lot of time in forests and protected valleys, now it is all wide open spaces with 360° views. Just spectacular!
• I have decided my happy place is in the wide open spaces and I feel my heart soar as the vistas open up.
• We were treated to plenty of animal life today, starting with powerful Breton (?) horses angling for a snack over the fence as we walked by. They were so impressive and strong, I could really imagine Knights Templars thundering into war on their backs.
• We also saw a wild deer bounding away in the early morning light. One of the joys of getting walking early on when no one else is about.
• Beautiful blooms continue to abound including whole paddocks of wild daffodils. I love a daffodil as I can’t grow them at home (the blue tongue lizards eat the bulbs), so I have been spoilt on this trail.
• The nature of this landscape meant that there was no protection from the biting wind when it came charging across the plateau. I ended up tying my jumper around my neck and ears to protect them from the elements. Very bracing!
• More new faces on the trail today. Maybe a new crop have started from Aumont Aubrac? Or maybe we are starting to catch up to people who left before us as we are doing longer stages? Either way, there were plenty of Bonjours flying about.
Top Tips:
• Staying at gites on a demi-pension basis (dinner, bed, and breakfast) can be very convenient when you don’t feel like hunting and gathering at the end of the day. The downside is that the food can be a bit hit and miss, and sometimes not a lot of it, and it locks you into meal times i.e. breakfast doesn’t start until 7am. This can be a challenge if you have a big walk ahead and you want to get up early. Vary your accommodation so you have more flexibility.
• Carry a buff or something to keep your ears and head warm.
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
I could feel that wind whistling round your ears! There don’t seem to be any other comments here, Mel, so maybe you’ve published a few days at once?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I was playing catch up yesterday and posted 4 in a row. Hopefully I can stay on top of it all now with a few shorter days ahead. Have a good day. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
France in springtime looks beautiful. I think I’ve always been in summer (which is also not bad). Good advice about meals. We rise early normally and it drives me nuts when my included breakfast doesn’t start until late.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t believe the amount of water everywhere – it just oozes out of the mountainsides. No wonder everything is so green.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you are experiencing the same chilly wind we are. Been a nuisance for a while now, even when the sun is out that wind is COLD!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure is fresh, but so welcome when slogging up yet another hill! 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all the little church towers peeking out along the trail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Oui, just so French!
LikeLike
Loving your rural photos. A beanie is always worth taking isn’t it. Cheers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you do need to be prepared for almost all weathers, but how to fit everything in your backpack? That’s the big question! 😉
LikeLike
Stunning scenery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely every day! We have seen the most amazing things.
LikeLiked by 1 person