| Day 2 - Arras to Courcelles-au-Bois |
| At Duisans, west of Arras |
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| Pedalling route again in pink... |
| Our B&B was situated in the village of Duisans, about 10 kilometres west of Arras - a pleasant and easy cycle ride away for an evening meal. We usually eat at the Astoria (click) which is located off the square by the station - they offer an excellent 'gourmet' meal including wine which we have found hard to beat. But we were to be disappointed this year as Arras was holding a major concert that evening, and our restaurant was fully booked. So it was a case of taking up a recommendation from our host - the Auberge du Moulin (click) in nearby Louez-les-Duisans, where home-made terrine (either rabbit or pork) was the star feature. Overall an excellent meal with good wine and a friendly and attentive host. We had stayed at Le Clos Grincourt (click) in Duisan the last time we came to the Somme (that also happened to be the first of our annual cycle holidays and pre digital camera era). The house is grand and occupies a quiet corner at the west entrance to the village. It's a very relaxing place to stay and the house has beautiful gardens which make it all the more inviting. |
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| Le Gros Clincourt - house and gardens |
| Just the one night at Duisans, and then a 9.30 am departure after a good breakfast, to reach our Somme destination B&B at Courcelles-au-Bois - our route taking us via two important WW1 sites, at Foncquevillers and Gommecourt. After an initial lengthy but gradual climb, the bulk of the day's cycling was across generally level ground. As usual the French countryside was excellent and the absence of cars and trucks the bonus. First stop Gommecourt followed by Foncquevillers for lunch. |