Cycle tour France - 19th June

Left the village by the lake and as the laconic Mick intimated last night there is "a bit of a climb first up". 14km to gain 1200m with a couple of lookout points and the reliable Scott with a water stop. We were all grateful for the lower temp than yesterday and no wind to speak of.

The de Gorges du Verdon were an absolute highlight, including the road that hugs the rock faces.

Goodbye to the lake.

Reliable Scott at the half point of the climb with water.

You see these and shudder but actually not too bad.

See the road both sides. Once at the top it dips and climbs for 13km across the tops.

Very pleased with ourselves at the main lookout. Beauty of being early, apart from lower temps, is no hoards of tourists.

A very long way down, surreal place almost overwhelming such is the power of geology.

I had a clear run!

There were birds of prey circling above then drop on to the rock face, hard to capture.  Wingspan 2mtr according to one of the cycle guides.

The bus won this argument.

Lunch stop was an eye opener being a carnavores affair. Huge plates of sausages, pork ribs, chicken and frites. Thankfully those of us with a delicate constitution were able to have pan fried fish with salad. Still had to cycle 30km after lunch but the guys were in heaven. 

Cycles lined up for carnavore heaven

Opposite the lunch stop.

A lovely run down beside an inviting river brought us to Castellane. Another quirky French town, a base for de Gorges and camping by the river. The hotel had a bar/pool so much excitement to cool down. Incredible rock overlooks the town is quite iconic.

It is a hard life.

Seemingly you can climb to the memorial at the top, one a cool morning would be fab views.