A mere twenty kilometres from Chalon-sur-Saône, Verdun-sur-le-Doubs is a fabulous place at the confluence of the Doubs, the Saône and the Dheune. The old town retains its Mediaeval character and the captains of the boats and barges that moor in the small harbour still meet at the harbour master’s office in the middle of the town. As well as being a fishing centre and the capital of “La pôchouse”, a local fish dish, Verdun is a long-established crossroads that continues to provide a warm welcome to passing travellers.

On a fine late afternoon, the church bells are chiming as a dozen motorbikes rev their engines, giving off clouds of white smoke. I am a little taken aback by the din, as are several onlookers, who start photographing the spectacle. The bikes are noisy and most of the bikers are decked out in black leather . However, a couple dressed in white sit radiantly on a rather more comfortable three-wheeler: two newly-weds about to set off on a new life together. For almost half an hour, guests and tourists share the joy of this very “rock ‘n’ roll” couple, before the wedding party roars away in a cloud of white smoke! (see slideshow)