So the day has finally dawned and today saw the Tour de France head to Provence for an epic stage, which would see the riders tackle the ‘Giant of Provence’, Mont Ventoux twice in a day’s stage. As I started writing this, it was 7.15am in Devon, and I got my first message from Andy … More An Epic Day – Tour De France on Mont Ventoux
I suppose any A to Z of this area wouldn’t be complete without having an entry about Gordes, the beautiful, picture-postcard village that sits high on a hill above the Luberon valley. I have often written about it, whether we’ve stopped on the viewpoint, whilst out on a bike ride, or perhaps as our destination … More Gordes – the picture postcard village
The first time we visited Provence, over 30 years ago, we arrived in a desperate effort to escape the rain that always seemed to dog our snatched, two week holidays in France. At that time we were simply ‘holiday cyclists’, and with a busy working life at home, we only really got out on the … More Cycling the back roads of Provence
Something happened here yesterday that made nature turn off the freeze button. I don’t know what made it flick the switch, but whatever it was, it made it a very pleasant day. The last few weeks have been bitterly cold, with snow, ice, hail and even ice rain, that hideous weather event that literally turns … More Off the beaten track in Provence
To be honest there hasn’t really been much to look forward to over the last few months, it’s been hard for so many reasons and even the most positive of people (me included) has found it difficult to really look forward to anything. Watching this year’s delayed Tour De France was one high spot, even … More Save the Date – Le Tour returns to The Vaucluse
As you have probably guessed, I am a little bit restricted at the moment after my tumble a couple of weeks ago and am already missing being able to get out on the bike. I have very quickly realised that I am really not very good at being sedentary and know that I will be … More Croissant-Chasing… 4 great places to sit for breakfast
Today was just one of those beautiful Spring days that just fill your heart with joy and make you start thinking of the long summer days ahead, so my thoughts of perhaps popping across to L’Isle sur La Sorgue market went out of the window as soon as I threw open the shutters. It was … More The Paris-Nice cycle race is coming to our favourite roads
I have to start by saying that I really dislike January. I know it’s a a quiet time of year after the excesses of Christmas and a time for looking forward to the year ahead, also my birthday happens to fall within it too, but I still find it the most depressing of months. Despite … More Beating the January Blues in Provence
A few weeks ago, when I was back in the UK and Andy was in France he did a ride that he was particularly excited about. He told me about it and yes it sounded lovely, until he said it was about 110km and had nearly 1500 metres of climbing. At that point I was … More Beyond the Véloroute #14… Sault and back the long way round… On a bit of a mission
Time is a very strange thing indeed, I have been back in the UK for less than 4 weeks and although the time has flown by, it feels as if I have been away from France for so much longer. I am sure there is some psychological explanation for this, but I wouldn’t have any … More Settling in after a few weeks away…..
Vaucluse Dreamer 