Day 23 Dolancourt to Bar sur Aub – 23rd June

Distance: 8.8 km – Elevation +70 m -50 m

Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 22 degrees

After a good night’s sleep my back felt easier when I woke – there was still a hint of pain suggesting I needed to have a relaxed day. I considered resting in Dolancourt for another day but elected to undertake a gentle 10 kilometre walk to Bar sur Aub. I reorganised my rucksack to ensure a balanced load – gave my back the benefit of a relaxing warm bath and a liberal spread of tiger balm and started walking after a good breakfast.

It was a fine day, lots of sunshine but not to hot. I passed vineyards for the first time in several days

My back was feeling comfortable as I walked along country tracks

After around three hours I reached Bar sur Aub

I felt relaxed as I found the center of this delightful town. I had been in the Champagne region for a while now and I had not yet enjoyed a glass of champagne – so to celebrate a pain free walk I found a bar and enjoyed my first glass

The cost for the champagne and coffee – 5 euro !

After I explored the town, first going to the Eglise Saint-Maclou which was totally inaccessible due to massive restoration works. Just as I was leaving an elderly lady appeared – we talked a little about my pilgrimage and as she departed she said in this wonderful French accent ” courage”

I found the Eglise Saint Pierre a mainly 12th century church – famous for its Halloy – a portico that extends around part of the church once used for fairs.