After the constant ascents and descents of the Jura, we now found ourselves on the edge of the enormous fertile plain that sweeps across northern France all the way to the Atlantic. The walking became much easier and our main problem was the heat, but by setting off early each morning we managed to avoid exerting ourselves in the hottest part of the day.
We slept every night in our tent, and the camping grounds were delightful, some of them positively luxurious. After three days we reached the huge Saône river and turned upstream to follow the Voie Bleue, which we were to continue doing for six days. The last night of this riverside walk was spent in the picturesque abbey town of Tournus.
Day 6: Simandre-sur-Suran to St-Étienne-du-Bois
Day 7: St-Étienne-du-Bois to Montrevel-en-Bresse
Day 8: Montrevel-en-Bresse to Pont-de-Vaux
Day 9: Pont-de-Vaux to Tournus
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