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• Day 16
• Tuesday, 11 September 2018
• Reims to Condé-sur-Marne
• 321 km to yesterday
•   33 km today
• 354 km on Via Francigena to date

Early breakfast, and on the road quite early.

The path is on the right bank of the Canal that connects the large Aisne River and Canal (at Reims) with the Marne River and Canal.

The going is good. The large industrial buildings, with loading and unloading docks on the far side, attest to the one time strength of the canal system in north-east France, Belgium and beyond.

Today, the only activity noted is an occasional truck coming or going.

Soon, too soon, there is a sign telling of slips on the path ahead and walking is prohibited. Turning right towards Sillery, I notice a sign saying “GR65”. I’ve been walking for nearly two weeks and this is the first sign for the Grande Randomee that is the Via Francigena in France. I take to it with joy unbounded. Sadly, there is not another.

Pulling up the hill, I see acres and acres of vines with the corners marked with a name. Some of these names are well known champagne brands. And the plantings carry on, above and below the road I am on and well into the distance.

I encounter two villages, enough for a snack but nothing more substantial. It is hot and I refill my water bottle. And I am slow.

Early afternoon and I pass the entrance to village of Trépail and start down it. A woman in the garden tells me there are no café. But invites me in to share their lunch. I don’t hesitate. They send me off with my water bottle refilled and a spring in my step with clear instructions to my destination of Condé-sur-Marne.

I quickly find accommodation and food to top up.

And so to bed.