Day 18 Montceau-les-mines to Chalon-sur-saone 74kms

Was lovely to wake up in a hotel room, devices all on 100%, well rested, no tent to pack up, toilet paper and a toilet seat (not always offered at campsites) and breakfast being served downstairs.  Meandered down for breaky and poured over maps while the rain emptied from the clouds.  Set off at 10am when the rain had cleared.

A cruisy ride today along a flatish canal and we were zooming along at a great place and found ourselves 45kms later at Chagny.  We had anticipated some sites to see and so cycled down the steep hill to find a relatively uninteresting industrial town.  We ate our baguettes in front of the closed tourism's office and then noticed an older building around the corner. Eglise St Martin church built in 700's!

The uneven stone floor consists of tombstones and there are amazing frescoes on the ceiling and walls.  

Off we set for our destination for the night and again found ourselves zooming along the canal, through forest paths and then through the industrial area and apartment blocks of this large city.  A very busy city with cars parked everywhere.

We arrived at our campsite to find that there is a massive multiday festival and the campground has been booked out for about 9 months.  The administrator was here to help and if we didn't mind squishing into tent city, then we were welcome.  Yay! (The next town is 15kms away and the festival sounded fun).  We set up tents, had showers and off we cycled over the bridge into town to see what was happening.  Turns out there are free festival venues, street performers at stages all over the city.

We have spent 7hours cycling around to different venues, enjoying amazing acts.  Some were plays in French so we walked back out again as couldn't understand.  Saw a fab pair of juggling comedians who were skilful and engaged the audience.

Then a group of men and one woman performing Queen songs and dancing.  They were mid 50's plus in age, fabulously choreographed with costumes etc.  - really entertaining.

A Korean guy doing circus style pole acrobatics.

Breakdancing, juggling, ethic street groups.  A group of performers with an Arial bicycle.  I'm in my tent now, across the river at midnight and can hear the fireworks and bands playing.  All this entertainment for free at a $15 tent site.  Winning!