A Short Loop Around the Serein

April 30, 2025

Today was market day in Noyers! And another perfect day for cycling among the rapeseed in this wonderful pocket of France. But there were a number of morning chores to finish before taking to the road. Alex needed to return to Paris today for a scheduled piano lesson tomorrow. He’ll leave from Paris next week to join Carla in Argentina so I’ll be on my own in Noyers for the next few days.

We discussed whether a trip to the supermarket in Tonnerre was needed but decided that I would be well-provisioned with items from available in town. Indeed, I scored some nice cheese from the friendly market fromager, picked up gougères and a baguette at the local boulangerie, and topped off my shopping bag with more yogurt and fruit from the 8 à Huit grocery. We rounded out the morning going over my to-do list for shutting down the house when I depart in a few days. After a light lunch, Alex took off for Paris and I hit the road toward Annay-sur-Serein.

Market day in Noyers - a diverse but not extensive collection of vendors

The happy fromager wrapping my selection - a hard Beaufort and some Roquefort Papillon

Admiring the new shutters on the neighbor's house

It was a short, easy ride that covered some new territory as well as previous routes seen from the reverse perspective. After a short modest climb out of the Serein valley, I passed through Puits de Bon and turned north on a small road that took me down to Perrigny, a lovely little hamlet across the river from Annay-sur-Serein. I wandered a bit around Perrigny, wanting to get a closer look at the heron I spotted along the river. It turned out to be a metal version of the stately bird, quite similar to one I have in my apartment back in North Carolina. Undeterred, I took a photo to add to my growing list of inanimate avian species.

Back atop Vivien George, I crossed the river, passing through Annay-sur-Serein and turning east toward Moulin-en-Tonnerrois. The landscape was little changed from the previous rides, with the nice addition of fluffy white clouds dotting the sky. I looped south back down to Noyers, very satisfied with my short afternoon ride.

I'm loving the stone roof on this little shelter. Inside was a small circle of matted hay indicating the presence of a recent occupant

The small shelter was a perfect fit for Vivien George

In Perrigny, bedecked with blooms of French tamarisk

Alas, a metal bird - but one Merlin was able to identify

The barley is starting to bloom, casting a nice yellow sheen atop the blue/green stalks

A wonderful time of year to cycle through this small pocket of France

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Today's ride: 12 miles (19 km)
Total: 60 miles (97 km)

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Rich FrasierA beautiful day to be out on the bike! Great pics!
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2 weeks ago

Nancy GrahamShort rides in such beauty. Who could ask for anything more! Great photos to give us a feel of some of that peaceful beauty.
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2 weeks ago

Karen PoretGlad you are able to enjoy this, despite your unfortunate mishaps recently. With Spring is renewed enjoyment..elsewhere!
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2 weeks ago

Susan CarpenterTo Rich FrasierThanks Rich - it's hard to take a bad picture when cycling through countryside like this
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2 weeks ago

Susan CarpenterTo Nancy GrahamThanks Nancy - the serenity has been especially welcome
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2 weeks ago

Susan CarpenterTo Karen PoretAnd renewals are alway welcome!
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2 weeks ago