Author: vauclusedreamer

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

Day 7: Rest Day in Saumur & Changing Course as the Heatwave Hits

June 21, 2026

A day off the bikes today, on our ride from Provence to Roscoff. With the danger to
Life heat warnings, we have replanned our onward trip, experiencing the frustration of booking bikes on trains and have spent today exploring Saumur, finding out more about its past, and its fascinating WW2 history too. An evening with the Fete de la Musique and on again tomorrow … More Day 7: Rest Day in Saumur & Changing Course as the Heatwave Hits

Day 5 cycling Provence to Roscoff; A Gentle Ride and a Weather Warning

June 19, 2026

A slightly shorter day on the bikes, through rolling countryside, and a peaceful afternoon by the river, giving us a chance to recharge. But with a red heat warning issued for the days ahead, our journey from Provence to Roscoff is about to take an unexpected turn as we rethink our plans and put safety first. … More Day 5 cycling Provence to Roscoff; A Gentle Ride and a Weather Warning

Day 4: Beating the Heat Through the Indre to Lunch in the Brenne

June 18, 2026

Join us on day 4 of our cycle tour from Provence to Roscoff, with a very early start to beat the heat. Pedalling through the beautiful villages of the Indre, on our way to the Brenne National Park, stopping for a welcome and delightful lunch in a small village café. 4 days of pedalling and 379km ridden so far. … More Day 4: Beating the Heat Through the Indre to Lunch in the Brenne

Provence to Roscoff by bike – Day 3: Hérisson and the Heart of France in a Canicule

June 17, 2026

Day 3 of our cycle ride from Provence to Roscoff took us through the medieval streets of Hérisson and across the geographical centre of France, in the high temperature of a canicule. Between shaded river valleys, quiet country roads, and the symbolic milestone at the heart of the country, it was a day defined by heat, yet reinforced the simple pleasure of moving slowly through France by bicycle.
… More Provence to Roscoff by bike – Day 3: Hérisson and the Heart of France in a Canicule

From Saddle to Scenic Railway: The First Day of our Summer Cycling Adventure

June 15, 2026

Join us on our summer cycling adventure that will take us from Provence to Brittany and across to Devon. On Day 1 we ride along the Veloroute du Calavon and the Mediterrannée à vélo from the Luberon to Nimes and then take the scenic train to Clermont Ferrand for the night. … More From Saddle to Scenic Railway: The First Day of our Summer Cycling Adventure

Packed and ready to go for the summer cycling adventure (again)

June 14, 2026

After the disappointment of the cancelled train, and a week at home, instead of being on the bikes, we are all packed and ready to go again. The adventure may have changed a bit, but actually it’s been good, as we will be exploring new places, on our cycle ride through France. Hope you enjoy the journey . … More Packed and ready to go for the summer cycling adventure (again)

Only Because We Were Here: A Cancelled Trip, a Château Auction, and A Prized Purchase

June 11, 2026

What began as a disappointment, when our train was cancelled, became an unexpected auction adventure that saw us buying a piece by a favourite artist ( Peter Joyce )in an auction at the nearby Château de la Verdière. With a trip home across the Valensole Plateau, it turns out that this week has been rather better than we imagined

… More Only Because We Were Here: A Cancelled Trip, a Château Auction, and A Prized Purchase