For the first time on the cruise, we got underway right after breakfast. Shortly we came to the smallest bridge, a semi-circle that was so small that we had to move the deck chairs to the center of the boat. About 11:15 we stopped and walked into Capestang. We had seen it from afar and from several different angles as the canal circled the town while approaching. There was a charming square with lots of shade trees. Greg spoke with a Dutch fellow who was able to translate a monument for us, a monument to 176 members of the French underground who were executed by the Germans. The monument was just outside The Collegiate of St. Etienne. The Chuch was lovely with beautiful stained glass windows.Lunch was again something different. We began with a whole artichoke open with the top of the heart containing vinegrette for dipping. Next, a platter of various sausages with cornichons and olives, followed by a green salad with tomatoes,onion, etc. Two bottles of rose mellowed us for the afternoon ride. The cheeses were petit billy ( goat cheese) and "napoleon's" cheese with honey. We got underway at 2:45 with the best weather of the cruise. At about 3:45 we entered an area that presented us with a great panormic view, vineyards below us, stretching to the hills in the distance. We stopped in the late afternoon and went on another excursion but I think we were just about excursed out by now. We drove to the top of a nearby hill, the Oppidum and it offered a nice view as we could see all the way to the Mediterranean. We drove to the sea, walked through a small resort town to the beach, then went back to the EMMA. Rene,Liz,Anita and Christophe joined us on deck for cocktails. It was a perfect evening and we enjoyed talking about or week with them. We had our dinner on deck, starting with an appetizer of foie gras and a bottle of local white. Dinner of filet with potatoes and veggie. Cheese followed by a decadent triple chocolate cake.
On Friday, Christophe drove us to the train station in Montpellier and we took the train to Charles DeGaulle where we stayed at the Holiday Inn. We took the RER into Paris for dinner (cool!) at Au Fin Gourmet on Ile St. Louis. The next day, Saturday, we all flew home. A great trip!!