Blog Day 15-July 16
This is our last full day in France, and my last day blogging. Tomorrow we'll be on the road by six and heading to Marseille for a 10:00 AM flight to Dublin, and then a flight from Dublin to Boston.
Being my last day, I added a few extra roads to my ride and totaled 30 km, although I still stopped in Rousillon for the paper, a coffee, and a croissant.
For our 7th and last breakfast at Kevin's B&B, we had crepes stuffed with apricots, and they were fabulous...very, very light.
After breakfast we drove to Rousillon, mailed our big box, and Joni surveyed the shops, but it was too early.
The view looking east from my coffee spot in Rousillon.
A painted doorway in Rouisillon. Everything in Rousillon is a shade of Ochre.
We then headed east, about 45 km to Velleron to return my rental bike to Luberon Biking. Chatted briefly with owner Hubert Flechais who asked if we would be returning next summer. I said hopefully yes, and if we do I will definitely rent a bike again.
From Velleron we drove to Mazan, shopped for some supplies for a picnic lunch on top of Mont Ventoux. We picked up some quiche, pastries, apricot juice, water, and a bottle of rose from the winery in Mazan, Canterperdix. They don't export to the US.
On the way to Ventoux, we stopped in Bedoin for some quick shopping. I love Bedoin; it's filled with cyclists and bike shops. Bedoin is probably the biggest launchng point for anyone riding up Ventoux. Sault and Malaucene are the other busy bike centers. Leaving Bedoin, we start immediately climbing toward the summit, 26 km away and 6000 feet up! We passed lots of bikers coming up and going down. Those descending present the biggest worry. They're going really fast and if they take one of the many hairpins too wide. Splat....
We stopped for our picnic about 2 km from the summit. The temp dropped from 31 C in Bedoin to 21 C on the summit...a welcome break from the heat. Today was exceptionally clear on the summit of Ventoux, so we really enjoyed the views and snapped a few photos.
Joni, a bite of quiche, and a lot of rose!
We took a lavender route back to our B&B...oceans and oceans of lavender.
I can't imagine coming here in other months when there's no lavender. By the time we got to our B&B, the temp had risen to 36 C...which is pushing 95+. That's AFRICA HOT.
Definitely taking a swim before dinner.
For dinner we drove about 20 km to the tiny village of Les Baumettes. We had a wonderful meal, and a very fitting last supper in France. The restaurant was called, "Le Fleur de Sel"
Here are pix of the menu and our courses:
That's it for my blog. This trip was wondeful; Joni's planning really paid off. See you soon!
Au revoir!
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