Just look at that tarmac! I started to become a real tarmac bore, I didn't realise that it could make such a difference. Firstly the roads, the drivers and the tarmac in France are all better than most everything in England; riding was a delight. But to return to tarmac, there were times that tarmac made with bigger stones, harder wearing perhaps, would reduce my speed by up to 10km/hr. At best smooth tarmac could make a slight incline seem like downhill. Oh, and tarmac in French is goudron I was told.
Having cycled for a couple of hours I stopped for breakfast in Givry, my first bit of French, my first cafe au lait, and my first croissant. When I came out I noticed a sign for a voie vert to Cluny and this was it! A darn site better than our wagonway's in Newcastle. It was about 50km, level or even slightly downhill, a joy.