Preparation For The Trip

I love the way my wife thinks. She has a way of sometimes grouping things together in ways that the rest of us might not. So, I maybe should have expressed more interest when, a few days before our trip, \240she said that she was going shopping for “essentials”. What really should have piqued my interest is when she said she was going shopping for these “essentials” at the mall. Of course, I was distracted and didn’t give it much thought.

That night I asked her how her shopping went. \240She relayed that she had indeed been successful in finding the “essentials”. \240I asked what she got - toothpaste, some cream and bandaids for blisters, suntan lotion, some magazines, an umbrella and a Louis Vuitton bag. OK, what doesn’t go and why? I, like you, would not normally refer to a Louis Vuitton bag as an “essential” but I was wrong. You see this particular bag, which is called a Neonoe, was designed by Mr. Vuitton to hold 3 bottles of champagne for picnics in the French countryside. Of course, who could visit the French countryside without a Neonoe bag? It is clearly an “essential”.

A Louis Vuitton Neonoe Bag - an Essential

Using Patti’s same logic, \240I then thought about what I might consider as an “essential”. I came up with the answer after reflecting on an incident that had occurred on last year’s bike trip. \240As I have reported before, the women on this trip are very into fashion and, I have to say, dress beautifully. Their approach, however, is not snobby; when I hear them talking about fashion, its almost like guys talking about sports. \240The conversation always starts with the current news but then evolves into a more nuanced disciussion of the backstory. \240So, for example, everyone recognized Patti’s bag as a Neonoe and knew that the bag was one of the few Vuitton creations that was originally available with different color straps.

So, it was not totally unusual that last year when we were having a drink with some of our fellow travelers, that one of the women would look down and admire one of the gentleman’s shoes. \240Who makes those shoes she asked? Versace was the reply. That led to a discussion about Versace and his men’s fashions. The same inquisitive traveler moved on o the next gentleman and said “and who makes your shoes”? His were created by Tom Ford, another famous designer. It was at this time that I realized where this was going. Only two more guys left - me and Mike Zaccaro. I looked down and shuddered - Mike was wearing a pair of Gucci loafers. The inevitable transpired. A cursory inquiry into Mike’s shoes because, after all, Gucci is Gucci and then the focus turned to me. \240I had no choice, I had to admit that my shoes were no name shoes that I had found in the sale bin of the local shoe depot. Everyone was very nice but there I was - “shoe shamed”.

As I reflected on this traumatizing incident (which I have actually tried to repress), it came to me. My “essential” was a pair of designer shoes (hey, I let Patti get away with it). So, I went on line and bought myself a pair of Gucci “driving shoes”. No more “show shame” for me.

Gucci Driving Shoes - Another Essential

The Plane

We boarded the plane and discovered this very nice hand writtten note at our seat.

Along with it was a paper airplane. \240It was a nice touch.

Of course it didn’t take long to realize that everyone had gotten the same “hand written” note and that they were all cleverly printed to look hand written. Still a nice touch.

So, as we head off to France with our “essentials” we look forward to sharing our adventures with you. Good night.

The Le Saint Remy Hotel

Grand staircase

Beautiful outdoor courtyard

A weird cactus statue at the entrance gave the place a funky feel

After 15 minutes to settle in, we joined Mike and Joan and were off to explore the town and have lunch. We found a cute streetside cafe and enjoyed some local wine and food.

Our Quaint Lunch Spot

Enjoying the Provence Warmth

Next we did some shopping. \240We passed a store with this sign in front. \240I wanted to get it for Patti but, as she adroitly pointed out, the sign is not truly accurate - she has had a libation or two for breakfast.

Saint Paul de Mausoleum Monastery

Later in the afternoon, our group assembled in the hotel to have a drink and say hello. \240It was great seeing old friends and catching up. \240A number us then went on a fascinating tour of Saint Paul de Mausole Monestery. \240The monestery is famous, not because of the church (which is actually very stunning) but because the asylum which is connected to the church was the home of Vincent Van Gogh for a year from May, 1889 though June, 1890.

Van Gogh was living in Arles in 1889 and was suffering from alcoholism and bipolar disease. He voluntarily admitted himself to the asylum in St. Remy. The clinic and its garden became the main subjects of many of his paintings. In all he painted over 100 works while at the asylum. The subjects of most of these paintings are either the asylum, the monastery or the grounds around the monastery.

Unfortunately you cannot visit the asylum because it is still an active mental institution today but you can tour the monastery buildings and walk the very same grounds that Van Gogh used as a backdrop for many of his paintings. With the help of our guide, we were able to see the actual places where some of his most famous works were composed.

St. Paul Monastery

Van Gogh’s Painting of the Asylum (which is attached to the Monastery)

The Monastery

Reproductions of Van Gogh’s works are all through the grounds

Famous Picture Irises was one of the first done by Van Gogh at the asylum

One interesting fact is that Van Gogh never sold a painting while he was alive. \240He died in 1890 shortly after he alert the asylum. His beloved brother died shortly thereafter and his brother’s widow inherited all the paintings. She realized their worth and became very wealthy. \240To give you some idea, "Irises" held the record for the most expensive artwork in 1987 when it sold for $53.9 million, which would be around $100 million in the current economy.

Another reproduction

This is very close to Van Gogh’s room and is very similar to the view he would have out his window. It almost looks like a Van Gogh painting.

It was fascinating to see the landscape we were viewing in Van Gogh’s paintings. For example, below is a picture of the hills just east of the asylum in an area of olive trees that Van Gogh frequently painted.

Below is one of Van Gogh’s paintings, Olive Trees with the Alpilles in the Background and in sure enough, in the right background, you see the same hills as in the picture above..

It was a fascinating tour and really set the stage for exploring Provence. \240You see, to really experience Provence, you need to get behind the shear beauty and actually “feel” the area as Van Gogh tried to express in his works.

Van Gogh self portrait

We had dinner that night with the group at a cute cafe in St. Remy. We fell into bed exhausted after a good first day. Biking starts tomorrow.

Cafe for dinner

The Group

Yes, we had dessert - how could you resist

The Shower Cap (being modeled for its non-biking use)

After breakfast we said goodbye to the Hotel St. Remy and were transported to Bedarrides to start our ride. Our morning ride today was 37 miles from Bedarrides to Gargas with a stop in Isle sur la Sorgue for lunch. \240This is in the Vauclose area of Provence. Here is Fodor’s description of the Vauclose:

For many, the Vaucluse is the only true Provence—one vast Cézanne masterpiece, where sun-bleached hills and fields are tapestries of green-and-black grapevines and silver-gray olives, and rolling rows of lavender harmonize with mountains looming purple against an indigo sky.

Well not so much today, but despite the grey sky and some drizzle, we enjoyed the ride and beautiful scenery.

Preparing for the Ride

Our guide Jerome is smiling because he had no idea what he would have done if we had been rained out

Joan and Patti always seemed to need help from the cute guides with their equipment

Our ride along the the Sorgue River was beautiful. We all enjoyed the rolling hills and the scenery. We entered Isle sur la Sorgue, a cute town.

Renowned for its antiques fairs and flea markets, Isle sur la Sorgue is an island town that grew up as the wetlands around it were gradually drained by canals. Set just east of Avignon on the Sorgue River, it was once a thriving industrial hub whose streets are now lined with a rich collection of historic buildings, antique shops and a few remaining waterwheels that once powered the town's silk and paper mills.

The riverside town is surrounded on all sides by the Sorgue River and criss-crossed by a series of canals. Little iron bridges link the narrow streets, waterfront cafes abound and fishermen still ply the waters for trout, crayfish, grayling and eel.

Entering the city of Isle sur la Sorgue

Its waterside geography has led to the town becoming known as the 'Venice of Provence', and the river has shaped its history in every way. Fishermen originally built houses on stilts above the marshlands, gradually digging canals to drain the land. By the 12th century, enterprising individuals had built the first flour mills here, the river now serving as a moat outside a series of ramparts.

The ramparts were largely removed in the late 18th century to allow for expansion, and soon the town had 62 mills serving the silk, wool, oil and paper trades. Millers and merchants made fortunes and built mansions befitting their newly acquired status, many of which remain today, their Gothic and Renaissance façades giving the streets a timeless quality.

A colorful group exploring the town

The Sorgue River completely encircles the towns making for lovely waterfront views everywhere

Water wheels circle the city and were a source of power

Water is a recurring theme

Mike and Joan

Me and Patti enjoying the shops

Since we had a little time to kill before lunch, we found a nice cafe and settled in for a coffee (or maybe a wine).

Of course there is always the mandatory stop at a little cafe

The cafe was well decorated

The cafe was busy and when we noticed a balcony, we moved up to avoid the crowd. \240From this spot, we had a perfect vantage point to catch a glimpse of provincial French life - people sipping espresso and reading the newspapaer (no one was on an iPad); two men sipping what may have been pastis (a local drink) and engaged in a lively argument; a woman with a pad of unlined paper making what we think was a list for the market; a mother with two very well behaved young boys dressed in cute matching outfits. It seemed as if time had stood still in this little place and it was comforting to observe.

The spell was broken when we realized we needed to leave for lunch - but it will be a calming memory.

Cool car in town

Our first lunch stop, a cute restaurant in the center of town

Wine for lunch, but of course

Jerome serving the appetizer, a French bruschetta (it was as delicious as it looks)

We all gathered for lunch and enjoyed great peasant food, swordfish fresh from the sea and local beef. \240Topped off with wine and a dessert, some of the group were a little weary. \240Patti and Joan approached our guides with a proposition. \240They were willing to “sacrifice” and grab a taxi to our hotel and “make sure everything is in order”. What sacrifice - give up a 20 mile ride in the drizzle - way to take one for the team Patti and Joan! When they overheard, several others also agreed to accompany Patti and Joan.

Hoping on after lunch (notice no Patti or Joan).

As it turned out, it worked out fine. \240Mike and I were able to ride hard and we arrived at our hotel, La Coquillade in Gargas just before the rain.

Rain clouds coming

The ride was very scenic along beautiful hills with olive trees and vineyards. \240The hotel was one of the nicest properties I have ever seen. \240It is a working winery with over 100 acres of vineyards. It is owned by a man who, among other holdings, founded BMX Bikes, a famous company that makes high performance bikes. \240The hotel, restaurant,grounds and our room were spectacular as the pictures below show.

Our Hotel

Cypress trees line the roads

The view from our balcony

Beautifully landscaped

Old buildings all restored

Some of the older buildings have the distinctive ochre color that is famous in Provence, more about that tomorrow

We had dinner at the Michelin starred restuarant was great

Patti on her way to dinner.

Even though dinner was “on your own” that night, we all decided to gather at the Michelin starred restaurant run by renowned chef Christopher Renaud located at the hotel. Now dinners in Provence are not like dinners in the US. \240First, we had an “early” reservation at 7:30. Next, they do not expect to turn the table - it is yours for the night and they expect you to take advantage of it. Finally, the pace of the meal is, lets just say, “leisurely”. It is hard to get used to this for the first couple of days. \240But, as the week progressed, we all eventually fell into the relaxed rhythm that makes Provence special.

The way the menu was constructed was somewhat unique. \240There were many “small plates” on the menu categorized as starters, main courses, and desserts. It was recommended that you pick 3 appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts and the chef would arrange each course on a single plate. \240It was a great way to try different dishes. \240The food was excellent. \240Thanks to our ever present wine expert, Mike Zaccaro, we had an excellent selection of French wines (including made right there on property) to compliment our dinner.

We staggered back to our rooms exhausted. \2409:00 AM and our trip into the famous Luberon would come early.

A welcome site

Patti ready to go in the beautiful sunshine

The Luberon valley is an intriguing area of Provence. It’s a place where time has seemingly stood still for centuries and you can still sample the alluring Provençal charm that has captivated countless visitors throughout the years It’s an area of France that deserves to be savoured.

The Luberon spans over 600 square kilometres and is home to several stunning villages – 5 of which have been officially classed as ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ (The Most Beautiful Villages of France).

Thi is the area of France made famous by Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence” and showcased in the movie “A Good Year”. In fact, one of our stops today will be in Menerbes, the town in which Mayle lived and wrote.

Peter Mayle and wife in front of their home in Menerbes (Note he died in 2018 so this is not a picture I took)

We left the hotel and passed through the beautiful vineyards we had admired from our balcony.

Leaving the hotel, we travel down into a gorgeous valley

More beautiful scenery

As we coasted downhill from our hotel perch, we knew that some tough cycling was in store. You see, the Luberon is an area made up of three mountain ranges. The Petit Luberon, the Grand Luberon and the Luberon Oriental.

Most people when they hear the term “charming hillside town”, they focus on the warm implications of the word “charming”. When a bicyclist hears those same word, he or she may well focus on “hillside”. That is especially the case in Luberon.

Over the next several days we would face many steep hills, some as long as 3 miles. However, thanks to the wonderful “e-bikes” that we are riding, the climbs, while still challenging, are doable. The e-bike is a specially designed bike with 5 gears and a small electrical motor buildt into the crankcase to give you some assistance on hills. \240Almost everyone on our trip uses an e-bike because it allows everyone to stay together. You still get a great workout but you can traverse more difficult terrain and go longer distances which allow you to enjoy more places. It also allows you to avoid afternoon naps and makes for later evenings - all good things on vacation. The other great device is the tablet attached to each bike with that day’s route on its GPS. \240The little roads on which we travel are not well marked and having the GPS talk to you is a lifesaver.

To make this point, look at the picture below. \240It is the view we encountered as we headed to our first stop that morning, the village of Bonnieux.

Bonnieux is one of the many historic "hill villages" in the region. Dating back to Roman times, it rests on top of the Luberon hills casting a watchful gaze across the rest of the valley. Next to the village is a cedar forest that began with trees imported from North Africa during the Napoleonic era. It sits opposite Mont Ventoux, the tallest mountain in this area of France and home to one of the most famous legs of the Tour De France bike race. More on Mont Ventoux later.

The region has been occupied since neolithic times, with evidence scattered throughout the Luberon.

Our morning stop in Bonnieux

A view over the Luberon Valley. Yes we biked up that hill!

Beautiful church dates from the 6th century

See the town in the distance? That’s Lacoste, our next stop. More hills to climb

After some refreshments, we were off to Lacoste. Lacoste is best known for its most notorious resident, Donatien Alphonse Francois comte de Sade, commonly referred to as the Marquis de Sade, who in the 18th century lived in the castle, Château de Lacoste, overlooking the village. He wrote sexually explicit novels that featured graphic descriptions of macabre sexual practices. \240Following a series of incidents involving the abduction of local women who were subjected to his perverse sexual proclivities, he was sought as a criminal but fled the country. He was eventually captured and altogether spent 30 years in prison. His name lives on infamously as the root of the word “sadism”. \240His castle was partially destroyed in an uprising in 1779 and was later looted and plundered by locals. It is now owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who has partially restored it and holds cultural events there.

After riding through the village of Lacoste, we climbed the steep hill to the castle and explored the grounds and enjoyed the breathtaking views.

At the Chateaux Lacoste (or the Castle of the Marquis de Sade)

Stunning views

Clowning around at the castle. I am actually surprised I could lift my arms after the climb

The path to the occcupied part of the castle owned by Pierre Cardin

I tried to stop in and say hello to Pierre but no one answered my knock

One of many blue doors throughout France

We left Lacoste and headed to Menerbes, the actual town featured in the book, A Year in Provence. As you can see from the picture below, it was a steep climb up to the ancient walled city.

Ruins of a former castle that protected Menerbes

Everybody checking cellphones.

After checking out the town, we rode about a mile to where we were having lunch at the winery of Domaine Ruffinato, which happens to be owned by the Mayor of Menerbes. \240Our guides had arranged for Kelly McAuliffe, a famous Sommelier to talk to us about wines from Provence. Kelly is a well know American sommelier who worked at several of Alain Ducasse’s famous restuarants including the Rivea in Las Vegas. He moved to Provence 12 years ago with his wife.

The meal was served family style with cheese, fresh and grilled vegetables, salad, local meats and potatoes. So simple but so delicious.

Enjoying a nice lunch at the winery

Kelly McAuliffe shared his knowledge of the wines of Provence

Domaine Ruffinatto

Enjoying a wonderful lunch of fresh traditional dishes of Provence - delicious

A memorable meal

Mike, Kelly and me

Checking our GPS and getting ready to roll

The afternoon was a 10 mile ride back to the La Coquillade Hotel. \240Mike and I headed to our rooms to catch up on emails. Patti and Joan never made it farther than the pool where they stopped for a glass of wine. \240I can’t say that I blame them. In fact, it didn’t take too much arm twisting (just a quick call from Patti) for me to give up my work and join them for a delightful G & T by the pool.

The pool at the La Coquillade Hotel

The view from our hotel room (Room 22) at the La Coquillade Hotel

Dinner that night was in the nearby town of Roussillon, another of the beautiful hill towns of the Luberon. \240The town is called “Little Colorado” with its ochre colored (reddish / orange) tinted stone buildings contrasting with the bright green pine trees. All of the stone in the area is ochre in color and is visually stunning. But, the question is: what makes the stone that unique color?

There seem to be two explanations. The local legend is that in the Middle Ages a young damsel named Sermonde was married to Raymond d'Avignon, who was the lord of Roussillon. Raymond spent most of his time hunting, and in the long interludes Sermonde fell in love with a local troubadour. When Raymond found out about this, he did what anyone would do - he cut the troubadour's heart out and served it to Sermonde for dinner without telling her. When Sermonde learned of her husband’s deed, she threw herself from the top of Roussillon to the rocks below. The result was that the earth turned red with her blood for all time.

The second, and probably real reason for the color, is much less interesting. It all goes back to the sea which once covered the area right before the dinosaurs (which is true). When the sea dried up several million years ago, pouring rain slowly transformed the accumulated layers of limestone exposing very chemical compounds to air and light for the first time. The chemical reaction that resulted (much like rust being caused by oxidation) created the ochre-bearing sands.

Ochre was first used as a natural paint in the painted caves that prehistoric man embellished. It was later rediscovered at the time of the French Revolution, and was sold throughout the world for over a century making Roussillon a very prosperous area. Ochre is a natural pigment with indelible color.

After falling into disuse for 50 years, it is now enjoying a much-deserved revival. Its natural components, its vibrant and long-lasting colors make ochre a wonderful material to use in home decoration, but also in painting and ceramics. Places such as the Ochre Conservatory in Roussillon offer a vast selection of training workshops to learn how to use them.

Cafe in Roussillon

Patti and our guide, Denis, overlooking cliffs in Roussillon

Unique ochre color

Painted door in town

Beautiful colors at sunset

The epitomy of “cute”

Little Colorado st its best

An old time still

View from top of Roussillon

Lovely sunset in Provence

Dinner in Roussillon

After dinner we headed back to the hotel. We couldn’t resist one nightcap on the beautiful terrace. We had to get up early in the morning to pack because we were moving on.

Patti and I took a quick walk around the La Coquillade Hotel for the last time and enjoyed the scenery.

Beautiful views in every direction

Subtle color (I think this is oregano)

With our bags packed and safely picked up, it was time to make our way to the bike center for today’s ride.

Bike center at La Coquillade Hotel

Patti ready to ride

We started on our way to the village of Goult. We were excited because Thursday is market day in Goult and we would have chance to explore the town and shop. The ride was beautiful mostly along bike paths and vineyard roads.

One of the great things about biking in France is that there are many scenic bike paths and small paved roads that traverse the vineyards and farms. Thus you can ride for miles without seeing any cars (sometimes you do have to dodge a tractor or small work truck).

We arrived in Goult and even though the market was a little small, we had a good time exploring the village.

Street in Goult

Pretty flowers

Look at that sky!

This windmill is located at the very top of the Goult. Dating from the late seventeenth century, it served the “Jerusalem Mill of Goult’ and was mentioned in history books as early as 1750 and operated up until 1919. It appears that the name "Jerusalem" predates the mill by thousands of years. It is speculated that the name may be a reference to the city in the Middle East that was visited by the Agoult family (the namesake of Goult) during the Crusades in the 12th century.

Reassembled and ready to go

Next we headed to the village of Gordes, one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”. While it may be one of the most beautiful villages in France, it may also be the one that has the steepest approach. Even with the e-bike, this was a challenge. We all took a deep breath, pushed our bikes to “turbo”and made the climb. \240Good news - it was worth it.

A fairly intimidating approach to Gordes

Patti and I found this 12th century church in Gordes and lit two candles, one for each of our late Dads. We put them in close proximity figuring maybe that would encourage them to have a beer together

To the Dads. I hope they are having a beer together in heaven.

Steep climbs and beautiful views everywhere

The view from Gordes

Not for the faint of heart

Farm stand

Thought about Andy and Courtney, our farming daughter and son. If the US doesn’t work out - maybe Provence

Lunch was at a very pretty restaurant called Casa Rosario. It was attached to a nice wine store where we bought some great local wine to enjoy with our meals. \240

It doesn’t get much better than this.

Enjoying ourselves

Mike and Joan looking good. Note - Mike is not checking emails - he is finally in vacation mode.

After a leisurely and satisfying lunch, it was back on the bikes for our trip to our next hotel, The Crillo le Brave, a 32 room hotel made up of a series of buildings outside Gordes.

Along the way, we stopped at the Abbey of Sénanque, built in the 12th century. Cistercian monks came to the abbey centuries ago to cultivate lavender which they continue to do today. Even today, these monks live in total silence.

The Abbey of Senanque

Inside the abbey

The cloisters

Beautifully preserved

Looking pretty good after 40 miles of biking

We all opted to take the transport back to the hotel to prepare for dinner except George. George, the leader of our group, opted to ride the 20 miles to the hotel. We were all worried. It was said to be a difficult ride and it was a warm day. George has been known to burn out his e-bike with his addiction to its “Turbo” setting. As we climbed up hill after hill on our way to the hotel, our concern grew. \240Where was George and the guide Jerome? When we finally got to the hotel, we saw Jerome and asked worriedly: Where’s George? He was already checked into his hotel taking a well earned nap. Well done George - you shamed us all.

We checked into our hotel, the Crillon le Brave and the young man who worked at reception offered to show us to our rooms. The hotel is a series of buildings stepping down a steep hillside with the lobby at the very top. Guess whose room was at the very bottom - that’s right - me and Patti. Oh boy! We needed to go down a centuries old set of outside stone stairs to access our room. \240Our tired legs were wobbling by the end. However, we were rewarded with a beautiful suite with spectacular views. Well worth the trouble.

Our hotel

The top of the stairs - yep, we are at the very bottom.

View from our room at Crillon le Brave

We barely had time to rest before we were off to a very special dinner. Our guides had arranged dinner at a local winery called Clos de Trias. \240The winemaker Evan Bakke was an American winemaker from the Napa Valley who moved to Provence and bought this 68 acre vineyard 12 years again. He was a delightful host and the history of the property was fascinating. \240As a special surprise, Kelly McAuliffe (the sommelier who hosted us earlier in the week) joined us.

We started our dinner with some appetizers and wine in the vineyard and then moved inside for a meal prepared by Evan himself. As you will see from the pictures below, it was a beautiful evening.

Table in the vineyard to start

White grapes almost ready to harvest

Bottle of white wine from the vineyard

Evan Bakke in conversation

White grapes

Red Grenach Grapes

We moved inside for a dinner served family style and many good wines. Evan had prepared the meal himself from all locally sourced organ products. Kelly brought some unique wines from his cellar. \240Mike and I had a serious conversation with Evan about bringing some of the Clos de Trias wines to Tupelo, the restaurant in which we have an interest located in Park City. The red wine is wonderful and very reasonable - I think it would sell well.

Dinner at Clos de Trios

It was a memorable night. The only thing left was to \240successfully tackle the stairs. We did and fell into bed exhausted.

Jeff, Patti, Mike and Joan in the vineyard of Clos de Trios

We woke up to this view out of our hotel window

It was a beautiful morning and we were excited for our last day of riding. We started at the hotel and rode about 10 miles to the pretty town of Gigondas. Gigondas is a wine town in the heart of the Cotes du Rhône wine area. Some great wines come from this region.

Caveau Gigondas - a wine store with great wines from the area.

City street view and another blue door

Square in Gigondas where we stopped - notice the shape of the sculpture

After Gigondas, we were on our way again. Our next stop was Vaison La Romaine.

On my way to Vaison la Romaine

Patti chasing down the leaders

From Gigondas, we made our way to Vaison Romaine. \240This may have been one of the prettiest rides we have ever had. \240We passed through cute villages and miles of vineyards of vineyards. \240We saw the little stone huts that farmers use to eat their lunch dotted through the fields and vineyards.

We arrived at Vaison Romaine about midday. \240We parked our bikes in a shady spot by the river and gazed up at the old stone bridge that led into the city.

Bridge to Vaison Romaine

We made our way to a nice cafe for lunch.

Our lunch spot

The group relaxes as the owner tells us the day’s specials - Quiche and Salade

A refreshing gazpacho to start

After lunch the group actually split into three. Four of decided to do the Tour de France ride. One decided to do the 1 hour historical tour. All the rest opted for pool time. \240Of our group, Mike and I opted to ride and Patti and Joan, made the difficult decision to return to the hotel to relax. Actually, I am glad they did - the ride that morning was perfect and both Patti and Joan were feeling great so why push it. \240As it turned out, it was the right decision because the afternoon rid was the most challenging of the trip.