What a great hike! Randonnee Gourmande or "hiking gourmet" is a totally civilized way to get your exercise. Imagine a combination of walking, entertainment, local heritage, meeting friends old and new, and yes, food. After all, this is France. The Galoches Yzeuroise walking club organized this 11 kilometer hike for about 150 people.
After a 30 minute registration, time to walk. Two kilometers through the village to the Minerva roman history museum with a nice apéritif of either orange juice or a fruity wine.
Then back on the road for a two kilometer climb out through rolling farm and forest land, and a stop for the first entrée, a fruit cup of watermelon, honeydew, and cantelope.
Another four kilometers to the main course and cheese plate. It was a surprise to find banquet tables, chefs, servers and a roaring fire set up at Chateau Perray. Before dinner the chateau owner gave us a nice lesson in the history of the house. Portions date back to the 13th century and it was built on the site of a roman bath and settlement.
The dinner...roast pork with rice in a wine sauce, followed by your choice of camembert or chevre cheese. And of course lots of nice wine and fresh bread.
The final two kilometers were done in the dark with a nice tarte au pomme and sparkling wine waiting at the end.
Not a bad way to spend an evening. Good food, good friends and a good workout at the same time!