Day 13: Montreuil - Arbonne La Forêt

We have had to revise our route as a result of the recent floods. Last night , my friend Anne-Solange, mentioned that she had an uncle who lived near Fontainbleu who might be prepared to put us up for the night - one phone call and the matter was settled. So with far fewer kms to cycle, f it should have been an easy day. Dale cycled with us through the Bois de Vincennes, then we went on to the Forest of Sanart (straight busy road). Here we were able to ride across on a route Verte away from " the madding crowd". The short stretch through the forest was very pleasant and we then stopped for lunch in Soisy sur Seine. Then things went a bit pear shaped, we went the wrong way, made a big detour and struggled to avoid as much as possible of Melun - thus wasting a good couple of hours ride. Still, we saw attractive little villages, notably Barbizon, known for its school of painting, led by Théodore Rousseau and Jean - François Millet. In Arbonne, Christian, received us royally in his amazing old house which looks like a museum. We sleep in the studio, with paintings, brushes, etc but also a suit of armour, and various paraphernalia! Brilliant!