I shuttled by train from Soissons to Villers, then walked the 18.5 km (11.6 mi) to Crépy-en-Valois with a lighter-than-usual backpack (many of the heavier items I just left in my room in Soissons). The best part of the walk was being able to avoid the oncoming traffic of the N2 by having extra wide shoulders (see the pic) or being in a construction zone where I had half the highway to myself, or walking on a farmer's frontage road.
I had enough time after arriving back in Soissons by train to walk into the city to visit the cathedral and then to my host's house (another 7+ km, but it was worth it). The cathedral dates back to 1211, its single tower being a copy of Notre Dame de Paris' towers and dating back to the mid-13th century. It was quite impressive. Hanging in the apse was a Rembrandt, the Adoration of the Shepherds, worthy of some oohs and aahs. The nave and tower suffered great damage from WW I and had been restored.
A plaque inside the cathedral caught my eye: England honoring its heroes lost in WW I, and recognizing that many still lie on French ground. Yet another somber reminder of the gravity of WW I's human toll, particularly in this area.
An evening meal outside was planned when I arrived. We got the neighbor to take a few pictures of the family that I included. They were all gracious hosts for having me stay three days, and Edith's good English made for a lively discussion.
