The Tomb - Troyes

Today we are heading to Troyes for the second leg of our journey, planning to cover about 86 km. The weather report is not looking good; the wind strength and direction are literally against us: 20-25 km/h with gusts up to 45 km/h throughout the route. Over the distance, 450 m of elevation gain is not much, but the strong headwinds or side winds have taken their toll on us. Even downhill, we had to slow our pace, often moving at just 10-12 km/h on flat terrain.

In Faux-Villecerf, there was a water fountain in the town center. Right next to the church and cemetery was a multi-generational playground or leisure area.

With a fresh supply of water, we continued on.

By 5 PM, we arrived at the hotel in Troyes, and we were able to extend our already booked room for another night. First, because we want to give our legs a rest day, and second, tomorrow is a national holiday in France, and the French will celebrate it hard. With parades, events, fireworks, etc. Then they have the holiday for recovery. Smart move.

We missed the parade in Troyes, but in the old town, there is live music planned on the town hall square upon our arrival. At 10:15 PM, there will be a lantern procession to the Canal du Trévois, where the fireworks will be triggered at 11 PM. After the fireworks, DJ music will continue in the town hall square until 4 AM.

It becomes too crowded for us after a while; it seems like all of Troyes is on its feet. We position ourselves at the edge of the area and watch the explosions from there. Great atmosphere in the city.

By half past midnight, we fall tired into bed, looking forward to the next day in Troyes: in the evening, the French national team will play against Spain in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.