We crossed the border into Belgium this morning to begin our 6th and final stage of the Tour 2026.
Before that, our day started with a random act of kindness. Each campsite was given a table and one chair. Our "motorcycle man" neighbour noticed that we had taken all of our dinner food to the common area to eat at a picnic table last night. He then brought over his chair to us, so we could have our breakfast right beside our tent. So kind. Particularly because it was on and off raining this morning.
As we left Givet we saw so many kids walking around town. It must have been a class trip of some kind. This photo was not even a quarter of them!
One theme on the river today was geese.
We had to slow down and encourage them off the path more than once. And we noticed the Canada Geese intermingling with the locals too. Funny to see the one white goose.
The river got wider as we headed into Belgium. And the boats in the locks got definitely bigger. This one basically took up the entire lock 😳
We found ourselves crossing the Meuse river a few times.
This was a particularly long bridge.
The rolling hills got bigger and the forests more dense. It was a very lovely ride.
Lots more mining, and other industry today.
Most of today was bike path but for about 10 k we were on this road. The rock formations on either side were towering! Just spectacular.
At one point we passed a castle - it had a moat around it 😀 - but I couldn't safely stop so I did my best to catch it in this selfie.
There is a car in the distance in this shot, to give you perspective of the size of the rocks.
The first big town we came to was Dinant. As we approached we could see the city (on both sides of the river) and the citadel / fortification looming over.
Some random pieces of castle along the way 🤩
A funny thing happened in Dinant. We stopped at a Boulangerie to get a sandwich for our lunch. When we walked in, it was like the bar in Cheers, the couple at the back table yelled "hello!" and waved their arms., like we were being greeted by old friends Would you believe, it was the same couple we have seen on this trip a few times - in bakeries 🤣 They are from the Netherlands and are waiting as her bike gets fixed - broken spoke. Fun to catch up.
Onward towards the next major town, Namur. The bike path was lined with daisies, and so many other beautiful flowers.
At one point, across the water, we saw climbers on this rock wall.
And some lovely homes.
Namur had two major bridges. This old beauty
And a newer one for pedestrians and cyclists. (Internet photo as I couldn't get a good angle)
We really wanted to cross the cycling bridge so we made our way up the stairs....
And across the bridge to the ice cream store!
This one had been recommended to us by the Belgian Pediatrician we met a few campsites back. It is always good to get recommendations from locals 😉
We needed it too. We have moved from cold and wet to heat warning hot. It only got up to about 28 today but the forecast for the next two days is 30+ once again.
Our campsite is at the top of a big hill, tough climb but lovely views. We are settled in and have been chatting with Sebastian (goes by "Bash"). He is from Bristol and currently cycling around for his gap year, before starting Uni in September.
Saying good night from the tent, and the symphony of birds.
Belgian Daisies
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