The primary reason we went to Vaison-La-Romaine was to visit with friends of ours from Winnipeg, Judy and Bill, and Delores and Dave who have rented a beautiful villa here for two weeks, with two other couples.
Now for Something Completely Different
We arrived in Vaison-la-Romaine late yesterday after riding from Avignon. It was a long day on the bikes, close to 75 kilometres. We were keen to arrive here to visit with some Winnipeg friends, so we happily road a few extra kilometres. (Perhaps, I wasn’t entirely happy! It was a long, sometimes hilly slog.)
We have found throughout our trip that it is difficult to find an open restaurant on a Sunday or Monday night. We see this is small and larger towns or cities. It is quite a contrast from North American, were a meal can be found at all times of day or night. (In France, it is next to impossible to find a restaurant to eat in mid-afternoon. The kitchens are fully closed after lunch until dinner service, which usually starts at 7:30.)
BIG and little
We are always concerned about where our bikes will be stored at night. It would be devastating to have them stolen. Last night, after dinner, as is our habit, we went to check our bikes. We found them corralled by six big beasts.
A group of six mammoth-sized BMW motorcycles watched over our bikes. We knew they were safe.
I think I might upgrade my ride!
A Prairie Girl Rides Some Hills
Up until today, we have been riding mostly flat lands or slightly rolling hills. Today, we entered the Alpilles. Sounds a lot like “Alps”, don’t you think? They aren’t as high as the Alps, but for a prairie girl packing a 25 pounds in panniers, it was an unnerving prospect to ride some serious hills.
Cycling to the Camargue and the Mediterrean
After of day of city sightseeing yesterday, we decided to head out on our bikes and experience some nature.
The Rhone River flows through Arles and drains into the Mediterranean Sea. The Camargue is a national park at the river delta. It is pronounced “Caw Marg” but the pronunciation “Caw Mar Goo” is stuck in my head. Whenever I say that to a local, they look at me with a most perplexed look.
Arles – Van Gogh’s Inspiration
After our unexpected delay in Toulouse, we finally make our way to Arles.
Arles is located in south central France about 35 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. An important port city since Roman times, Arles is a UNESCO world heritage site.
En route to Nice, I mean Nimes
We are on the train today, from St. Emilion to Nimes, to start our exploration of Provence. Half way along the route, we are stopped in Toulouse because, further along the route, a train bridge over a river is stuck open. We hear rumors of how long it will take to fix. Perhaps, it will take up to six hours. The train conductor is not very helpful. He speaks little English and suggests, mimicking the motion, that we could ride our bikes instead of waiting for the train.
St. Emilion – UNESCO Heritage Site
What a beautiful place! This morning we went on a 20 kilometer ride through the wine country of St. Emilion. (The tourist office in St. Emilion has maps with recommended cycle routes in the area. You can find them Here) There were miles, after miles, after miles of grape vines. We are very lucky to be here right now. The small country roads, hardly wider than a bike path, are busy with work trucks hauling grapes to be processed. The fields are busy with harvesting equipment and in some fields, workers picking the grapes by hand. The air is fragrant with the smell of ripe grapes. At noon, all of the work stops abruptly and people race in their cars home for lunch or settle in a shaded spot in the vineyard to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Roger Lapebie Cycle Path
We have been nestled in Bordeaux for five days and we are missing the tranquility of the French countryside. It’s time to leave the hustle and bustle of Bordeaux behind. With the Roger Lapébie cycle path starting just beyond the edge of Bordeaux, we are excited to continue exploring more of the great cycling that France offers. Continue reading
Today, I Visit the Dentist
Today didn’t turn out exactly as planned.
Bikes in tow, we caught the train out of Bordeaux before the sun was up, for a day of touring. Destination? Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat on the Atlantic Ocean.
Well Spoke'n 