September 21, 2022
Day 21: Sault to Forcalquier
We’re starting to realize that this dream trip is coming to an end. When we set out we thought this would be a long adventure … but it’s amazing how fast the days fly by. Wait, was that days or was it kilometers?
When we left the hotel in Sault today, we walked through the market that was in full swing. Actually this is one of the oldest markets around … signs indicate that the market has been going on since the year 1515.
This display was incredibly colorful. I ended up buying a spice and herb mix from a great salesman. It wasn’t big or heavy, so it fit on the bike. I think Chuck has been enjoying my ‘clipped wings’ when it’s come to buying momentoes.
Adding the nostalgic climb was a great idea. We’re so glad we did it! Now we’re off to the little town of Banon and we’re hoping the cheese making is under control. You see, when we visited in 2007 they were processing the cheese and, well, Banon cheese is one of the stinkiest French cheeses.
Today’s route took us through lavender field after lavender field. Seems odd going for corn and sunflower fields to grape vines to lavender fields as we’ve crossed France.
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Sorry we can’t share the scent with you. It smelled lovely today.
We rolled into Banon with 5 minutes to spare - the boulangerie was closing. We met a couple from Vancouver, BC, who were riding the same route as us. We compared notes and chatted about the highlights we’ve enjoyed. Shortly afterwards a groups of ladies riding with Blue Sky Tours arrived and filled the restaurant tables. We met them at the top of Mont Ventoux yesterday and they were surprised to see us again. A couple of the ladies shared their tandem stories with us - kids are the captains and it scares them, or the dust is too deep on the tandem. Fun! We wished them well and rode off.
This rock village was sitting above the road.
Just outside of Forcalquier we saw this borie. A must stop for photos. These were built by stacking rocks - dry rock - as in no mortar.
The skies clouded up and became dark causing a bit of concern. But, thankfully, it dissipated a couple of hours later. We set off to explore Forcalquier, a village we haven’t seen before.
We popped into the cathedral which was to dark for good photos. The organ was quite unusual.
Then we hiked up to the top of the hill in the village to see the Citadel. 360 degree view: Alps in the distance to the east. The route up was a rock road - I need to read up on the history.
After exploring Forcalquier, we rode back to our chambre d’hôtes, Bergerie La Beaudine. When we arrived we were greeted by a colorful sky.
We had a great dinner at Les Terraces de La Bastide that was a mere 2 minute walk from our chambre d’hôtes. Fantastic service and delicious meals. Now we’re settled in for a good night’s sleep.
Stats: 52.1 kilometers 495 meters elevation
Today's ride: 52 km (32 miles)
Total: 1,702 km (1,057 miles)
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