After nearly 30 years of dreaming we've finally bought our own bit of Provence and spend as much time there as possible. A lover of everything about the area especially the markets, the Brocante hunting & cycling the quiet lanes. Blogging about my favourite things in the area from places to visit, shopping and cycle trips
Last night, after a long day’s ride and a superb, much-needed supper, we ambled around the Vieux Port and collapsed into bed, sleeping like babies until just after 7, this morning. The thought of having a day off had taken away the early-morning wakefulness, when normally we’re alert, planning the route and getting everything ready. … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 6 … A day off in La Rochelle
I can hardly believe that I’m writing this, but we’ve just got back from supper by the old harbour in beautiful La Rochelle, after another amazing day on the bikes. The day started early, as we had been staying in a beautiful home on the salt marshes, just north of the Ile de Noirmoutier and … More Saddlebag of Memories.. Day 5 .. Bouin to La Rochelle
If yesterday was a good day on the bikes, then today has been even better, and quite emotional too. We woke early, as we knew we had a long day ahead and left the beautiful and very comfortable Chambre D’Hote before breakfast, being seen off by the donkeys and emu, in the garden … Yes … More Saddlebag of Memories… Day 4 … La Gacilly to Bouin
After yesterday’s epic and admittedly, rather brutal ride, we weren’t really sure how we would feel getting back on the bikes this morning Would our bums be sore? Would we have any strength in our legs? Would we even get half way to tonight’s stay? All these worries were very present when we woke up … More Saddlebag of Memories.. Day 3 .. Caurel to La Gacilly
What a day …. Apologies for not posting this last night, but after a full day”s ride we turned up at our delightful Chambres D’Hote in Caurel and got chatting to another couple, who are also touring on their bikes and ended up having supper with them too. So by the time we got back … More Saddlebag of Memories Day 2 .. Roscoff to Caurel
What an incredible first day’s ride we’ve had from East Devon, across Dartmoor to Plymouth, and I’m writing this, now that we’re through check-in and waiting to board the night ferry to Roscoff. I’ve only just admitted to Andy that I was actually rather worried about today, as I’d only ever ridden as far as … More Saddlebag of Memories Cycle Ride…Day 1 over Dartmoor to Plymouth
The days are ticking down and after so many false starts, it finally looks as if our long-hoped for ‘Saddlebag of Memories’ bike ride is actually going to happen. It’s nearly 7 years since Andy rode the Velodyssey with the boys on a Moor to Med cycling adventure down the west coast of France, whilst … More Cycling with a Saddlebag of Memories… 2 days to go
Over 30 years ago, when we first visited the Luberon, we took to our bikes, cycling the back-roads to explore the beautiful, historic villages, and we remember riding over an old bridge across the Calavon river, below Bonnieux, when we were making our way to Roussillon. What we didn’t realise at the time, was that … More Exploring the History
There’s something about a French market, which makes them stand out from any others that we’ve visited over the years. It doesn’t matter where you are, there will always be a market nearby, whether it’s a few stalls in a small village, or a vast event that fills the streets and squares of a pretty … More Exploring the Markets
There is something about pottering around this area on two wheels that simply makes my heart sing, as it’s just such a delight for all your senses: It may be the beautiful views, perhaps taking a moment or two to sit on a wall watching the sunlight shift across the landscape, or laying the bike … More Exploring By Bike
Vaucluse Dreamer 