Last night's 'storm' came to nothing but this morning is fresh and cool. We discover the service point is free so make use of it before setting off to Auxerre.

Yet another pretty cross country ride including the drive through Avallon, which looks really interesting with its chateau and warm stone buildings. There are two camperstops so it has gone down as one to do another time.

We reach Auxerre and park in the riverside car park just in time for lunch then head across the bridge into town. It's not our first time here but our last visit was not the happiest of days due to extreme heat and a broken fridge. Today we have more time and only 30C as we wander along the tow path before turning into the old town up the cobbled streets to the cathedral where we meet N+G on their bike. Last year the facade was covered for cleaning and today we can see the results. The white sandstone glares in the sunshine and the finely detailed carvings are exquisite. How these old craftsman made lace from stone is astonishing.

The old centre has timber framed buildings with some herring bone brickwork and leaded glass windows. Napoleon travelled here often and other buildings, one of the banks and the town hall, are clearly of his period. There is an ornate clock tower, a few statues and some flower boxes making it a pleasant place to be.

Down by the river is Place du St Nicolas where we stop at a bar for a drink. What is now the restaurant was once the stable block for horses that towed barges from Paris.

Early evening we return to the vans via a quick detour to Leclerc to get pizza for dinner.

By the time darkness falls it is still 28C