After my slap-up supper at Le Lion Verd and a refreshing sleep I set off across rolling country towards Domfront, pausing to pick a couple of apples from one of numerous laden trees by the roadside.

First stop Briouze for provisions at a good boulangerie and a well stocked supérette.

La Ferrière aux Étages, with its lake looked inviting for a stop, but the picnic tables were all in shade and the morning still cool, so I continued on to the little village of Banvou for a pause. This village has had to swap its boulangerie and restaurant for vending machines - - a common exchange in rural France, where villages continue to be hollowed out by large out-of-town commercial developments, particularly the big supermarkets.

Then up to the beautifully preserved historic town of Domfront, for a long lazy break. Tea and locally made Greek baklava.

A phone call to Japan from the ruined castle whilst drying the tent.

A good portion of very fresh goat cheese and a little snooze.

Now back down and doubling back south-east to the Forêt des Andaines.

And through to Les Bagnoles d'Orne for more lolling on the grass in the shade.

A final push through more forest paths east and south to the village of La Pallu for a few days of R and R enjoying the newly installed natural swimming pond and the reliable convivial pleasures of staying here with friends in the Mayenne.