Thursday 14th April. Chateaux to..... a hostel!

A nice day today, with breakfast at 730, and out for 8, along with Monsieur who was guiding me for a while, to get me on the right track, as he'd altered the route somewhat for me! 
Madame firstly packed fruit and sandwiches for me (which I needed, again no food stops today!) 

As we walked through the grounds I was able to see the Grotto built by the owners Grandfather after his Grandmother had received a cure at Lourdes..

 














And I was able to take a last look at my palatial accommodation.

 








We took a route across (yes, not around!) fields and lanes, until I was left to navigate the rest of the way... 

With thanks to Monsieur and Madame de Franssu- who hadn't charged me anything, I was merely asked to leave a donation to the parish - what kindness and generosity!! 

I managed several hours without getting lost, until the foot of Mont St Eloi, once a striking and famous Abbey, destroyed in the French Revolution (the last Abbot being executed!). 



I firstly visited a cemetery in the village, with the unusual feature of German graves, within the British and French .. 
















I then climbed up to the ruins, with views down across the plains around me.. 

Then it was downward and onward towards Arras, well in the distance, on a day that was getting hotter all the time!! 

Eventually I made it into Arrras for 1540,

and was sent by the Tourist office (as arranged by another pilgrim) to some sort of young workers hostel ... In any event it was warm, welcoming and cheap!! 

I had a hearty meal, and settled in for an early night!!