Day 15 - Mercredi 24eme Avril 2013

Start - Dole
Finish - Besancon
Distance - 64km
Time - 3 hours
Total - 1193km

Dole Youth Hostel isn't getting any recommendations from me. I went for my breakfast and found it across the road tucked in the basement with virtually no signs. There were me and two German women. I didn't really expect too much for 4 euros but the on,y member of staff asked about coffee and orange juice, which I answered in the affirmative. He came out of the kitchen with a large trolley on wheels and presented me with the coffee cup, the orange in a glass and 3 pieces of bread and one carton of peach jam. I thought to myself that he will go back in the kitchen and bring the cereals or pastries but nothing was forthcoming. I wasn't going to be able to cycle far on 3 pieces of bread. I had to go and ask for more and I got the same again. I don't think this place is going to get any Michelin stars anytime soon! I went straight to the nearest boulangerie and got a 'Swiss' pastry which is filled with patisserie cream and chocolate chunks.

I didn't mention that the weather was beautiful from the word go and I started my short distance to Besancon along the Doubs and the Canal du Rhone au Rhin. The scenery had changed and the land rose more steeply either side of the river. The house rooves were now all red tiled. I had a nice coffee along the way near Dampierre, it made me think of my younger brother, Peter, I'm not sure why!

I got to Besancon by 12 noon and what a grand place it is. The Citadel's ramparts over the river are spectacular. More importantly though it was lunchtime. I got a veal provencal with sauté potatoes and green beans and then went for a walk in the town. I checked out the church of St Pierre and when I came out I spotted Phillip who I had met three days ago. He was on his way cycling to Istanbul. He was making his lunch on the public benches of the busy church square. We had a good chat and he filled me in with what he had been doing etc. He took a photo of me in front of the carousel and the church. We said our farewells again as he was setting off and we guessed we might bump into each other again. Though the odds of me seeing him in this busy city had been very slim we may see each other on the route in the next few days.

I went for a walk past the church of St Jean (another one) to the Citadel. I was debating with myself whether it would be worth the entry fee but I did pay and I didn't regret it. It was really interesting and varied as well as the spectacular views. Have a look at the photos. There were various exhibitions, an aquarium and a little zoo all packed in.

Next on the agenda always finding the Hostel I was intending to stay at. What a pleasant surprise. It is open all the time, it's fresh and clean with toilets and showers in the room. It did cost more than the other one but so what. I had a quick shower and set about using the automatic washing machine and dryer to work on most of my clothes. I hope that puts your minds at rest that I am looking after all my personal hygiene chores. Strangely it is a question quite a few people ask me about, I wonder why!

Photo 1, Besancon Citadel as I approached.
Photo 2, Me standing outside St Pierre Church.
Photo 3. View from the Citadel.
Photo 4, View from the Citadel.
Photo 5, Inside one of the Citadel courtyards.
Photo 6, View over the City.
Photo 7, Bar and Foyer of the Hostel.