Postcards from our bike rides in Provence
Having arrived late on Monday night after a particularly stressful trip down I woke early yesterday & simply sat on the terrace like a lizard, being warmed by the sun, at the start of what was destined to be another stunning day. Yes there were things that needed to be done in the house, but … More A cycle to awaken the senses
What we’ve realised since we bought the house this time last year is that there is no really bad time to cycle in Provence. Yes Summer is hot, but speaking as a ‘mad dog’ I’m very happy to go out in the mid-day sun and to be honest it gives us a great excuse for … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #9 – Roussillon, Bonnieux & an Elephant!
When I packed my cycle kit to come over this time I put in enough layers to keep me warm in the expected arctic temperatures, hoping to snatch a few precious moments out on the bike before dashing home to thaw out in front of the fire. I think in hindsight I rather over-packed … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #8 – Through the Vineyards
There is something about arriving in the Vaucluse that just makes the stress slip from our shoulders and today’s arrival in the depths of winter was no different. Travelling at this time of year is a little bit more complicated than during the summer as at this time of year there are no flights from … More Mid-Winter break in Provence
Cycling around this area is a delight & even when it’s overcast (like today) it is a perfect way to spend a few hours. After an early wake-up I thought I’d hop on the bike & head across to the lovely Thursday market at L’Isle Sur La Sorgue aiming to arrive for mid-morning coffee. For … More A morning cycling & an afternoon upcycling
For 3 weeks each year everything in our house slows down, the TV is on all afternoon as we all get our annual hit of two of our favourite things – France & cycling. For us the Tour de France is just compulsive viewing, not only is it fantastic to watch, but it’s an incredibly … More Watching the Tour de France on Mont Ventoux – What a day!
As you will have realised by now we are really enjoying getting out on the bikes and exploring the area around our new home. Despite having visited the area for almost more years than I care to remember we are always finding new routes & villages to potter around. We’re really lucky as the Veloroute … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #7 – Reillanne, Vachères & views to the Alps
In a little over a week’s time my hubby & boys will set off from our home on Dartmoor to cycle through France, hopefully arriving safe and well after about 18 days in Sete. They’ll be cycling just over 1500km in that time, not quite the Tour de France, but a big ride whichever way … More Beyond the Veloroute – cycle #6 from Sade to Saignon
After a couple of busy days settling back into the house & getting on top of a few things I needed to do, I decided to get back out on the bike this morning. I had an appointment with my neighbour to pop to the Recycling Centre (furniture hunting) at 2, so today wasn’t a … More Beyond the Veloroute – cycle #5 – Cherries, Lavender & the Ochres of Roussillon
Over the years that we’ve been coming to the Vaucluse we have often ‘popped’ across the hills that sit between the Luberon & Mont Ventoux. This has always been done by car and I’ve seen people on bikes riding it and thought to myself – that’s not for me! That was until yesterday when we … More Beyond the Veloroute- cycle #4 over the top to Sault
Postcards from Provence and beyond 