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• Day 18
• Thursday, 13 September 2018
• La Chaussée-sur-Marne to Brienne le Chateau
• 389 km to yesterday
•   55 km today
• 444 km on Via Francigena to date

Leaving the key where arranged at the restaurant, I head to the hotel for breakfast.

Then back to the tow path on the left bank of the Marne Canal and continue to Vitry-le-Francois, just in time for lunch. A good meal and time to look around, especially the parish church. It is large and appears to be well used by its community.

Over lunch, I look at the way ahead. And I don’t like what I see. The next village is at the end of my range for the day and appears to have no facilities, such as grocery or restaurant.

I have gone about 2 km from Vitry, when a cars stops and the driver calls out to me. I cross over and I understand he is offering me a lift towards the next principal stopping point. And, more especially, past the village with no resources. We set off in what I have found is typical Gallic style. The speed signs show us doing well above the posted limit

After about 30 km in this fasion, I get out when the driver is to turn right to Troyes, away from the path I am taking. I have but 6 km to walk into Brienne-le-Chateau.

At Brienne there is a civic information office. For €5 (about NZD 10) I can have a key to a large house.

Dinner is at an estaminet: I have heard and read of estaminet, One selects from a menu of limited choice: the meal is simple but well cooked.

And so to bed.