May 3, 2023
Bonnieux - Roussillon
A short day today so that we have time to investigate the fantastic ochre mines and savor the colors of Roussillon. Although short, today's ride is even more impressive than the previous two days, which were already some of the best riding one could imagine.
When we leave, I am relieved to see we don't have to go down the treacherous little streets we came up on last night. It's smooth sailing on a road that descends at a more acceptable gradient.
We are on our way, to either side of the road are iconic cypresses, red poppies and the perfume of gorse is in the air.
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11 months ago
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When we stop in Apt for lunch fixings we find a bakery with baguette sandwiches and which also has a little tearoom where you can take your food and sit. A helpful French cyclist, also having lunch there, comes in and tells Susan that he has locked her bicycle to his. Just being friendly and helpful. He didn't seem interested in locking his bike to ours.
We have a bit of a rail trail leaving Apt, not too interesting but it keeps us off the road. And then comes some more great countryside and views of great patches of bright red and yellow in between fields of green.
Today the wind is minimal. thank goodness. Almost in Roussillon we stop at an ochre quarry, Vargas, for some pictures. Last climb is up to Roussillon. We lose Susan for a moment as we charge through a red light on a steep incline, not inclined to stop. But we are all eqipped to find our way, and we meet about five minuutes later in front of the hotel, Maison des Ocres. Janos and I have a very pleasant room, quiet, and again on the ground floor while Susan is again two flights up. Sometimes life just isn't fair.
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11 months ago
11 months ago
It's hot today, I'm feeling in need of rest, Janos is too, so we miss Roussilon's highlight and don't explore the ochre quarry here. Susan is off for the long walk in the park and around town and we appreciate her phantastic photos in lieu of seeing the sights in person. I do take a few snaps on the way to dinner, though.
Dinner is at Restaurant David, one of the best so far. First of all the panorama is fantastic, we have views from our table of the red cliffs, the valley and Luberon mountain ridge. The meal is excellent and on par with the view. Janos has fish, I have lamb, and Susan has porc. Dessert is equally magnificent, a lemon creation for me, chocolate bliss for Janos and a rhubarb and strawberry concoction for Susan.
A day of superlatives.
Today's ride: 26 km (16 miles)
Total: 112 km (70 miles)
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11 months ago
11 months ago