Provence! Our exploration continues!! Today's tour took us to 4-12th century little villages, Gordes perched on Monts de Vaucluse, colorful Roussilon built on ochre cliffs, the mysterious Lacoste, and Bonnieaux. All constructed with limestone and sandstone walls, a castle, and of course, a church. We explored it all.
Every where we stopped, there was a bicycle tour group....at the top of every hill. There are by no means short or flat routes to the village centers. And you all thought Ramsey Hill in St Paul was daunting....
Here in Provence they have over 300 days of sunshine. Today, not so much. Keeping fingers crossed today's weather will wring all the moisture out if the clouds just in time for us to begin biking tomorrow. Notice the rain drops on the photo below. The village in the background is Gordes. Thankfully our guide drove us up much closer. We did walk around but failed to make it back to the van before any part of us not protected by an umbrella was soaked. No worries, we were all dried out by lunch.
The red cliffs of Roussilon. There is an interesting legend....
Lunch! What is not to like about this view!! In the distance is Bonnieaux.
Ruins of the castle and former home of the Marquis de Sade in the village of Lacoste. He had quite the life. Something about he was the author along with an insatiable appetite for sexual activity. Did you know sadism, came from his name? Spent nearly 30 years of his life in jail...for good reason. Interesting story too.....
Village of Lacoste street scenes.
Looking through branches of cedar trees from the top in Bonnieaux village. These trees are not native to this area. Soldiers were ordered to go bring back pine trees to replace trees lost in a forest fire....so close....
Back to Avignon by 6:00 and onto our boat ... Home for the next 7 days. There are homes with walk in closets bigger than our state room.... 7'x 8' plus a bathroom. Cozy...
There are 22 total bikers in this tour. 80% of them Ausies (Australians) This should be interesting... It is already raucous and we just got on the boat ....
Tomorrow we begin our 280 kilometer ride over the next 6 days. Hoping your curiosity is piqued and keep reading. With any luck, will be able to post the blogs as they are written....the wifi network is slow at best ...
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