Jonquieres campsite, France
82 days and 2,300 miles later
Time to go home!

Le Barroux, France
This fortified château with its distinct Renaissance style has had a turbulent history. In the 12th century the château belonged to the lords of Baux. It was then passed on to several noble families. In the 16th century the fortress was converted into one of the most beautiful Renaissance homes of the region. It was damaged during the revolution, sold and then abandoned in the 19th century, and had to wait until 1929 for reconstruction to begin. Unfortunately in 1944 it was damaged by a fire started by German troops. However, this did not discourage the owners who began restoration work in 1960

Bedarrides, France
Painted window which matched other windows of the house.

Jonquieres, France (2 of 2)
Lunch Menu. Tomato soup - Melon, cold meat, pate, chutney - Salmon parcel, peppers - Chicken, pork, aubergine parcel, curry pickle - Cheeses - Ice-cream, pineapple, sauce and biscuit. Never ending supply of baquettes and wine. Superb!!
More caves, champagne, sorbet and fruit juice before returning to campsite at 8.30 for 'picnic' for those who went on Velo Vigne, BBQ sausages, own food and more wine. Still hot and very tired after being on feet in sun for most of the day but one of the highlights of our trip!

Jonquieres, France (1 of 2)
We met at Marie at 8.30 for coffee and croissants. Headed off following lead car for family bicycle tour of local vineyards. First stop was honey produce. Then 3 caves, Domaine Duplessis, Domaine Rigot and Chateau Malijay. We were allowed onto the roof of the Chateau and had views of Mont Ventoux. Then on to a Potager. Lunch was at Domaine De l'aurore which lasted from 1.30 to 4p.m. 40-50 people seated on one long table outside in the shade, mostly French. We had a very good, fun afternoon with them, especially after a lot of wine!

Seguret, France
Cycle ride from campsite to the hills today. Took scenic route stopping at Sablet, a round village
characterised by the fact that its streets and houses wind in a spiral around the church. The encircling ramparts and towers (14th century) are a reminder that Sablet has a tumultous past. Continued to Seguret which lies at the foot of a hill topped by the ruins of its feudal château. Séguret is one of the official "most beautiful villages in France". Fields of sunflowers are now bowing over like 'lots of sad faces!'

Orange, France
Cycled to Orange from campsite taking all fresh food with us to eat, as too hot to leave in tent. Shops close at 12 today so tinned food for dinner. Have been buying boxed lollies from local supermarket and eating 2 each, to cool down! Crossed River Aigues, quite wide, which was completely dry. Went to top of Parc Colline where you have a view across Orange and down into the Roman Theatre. Walked around taking photo's of interest. A 'vagrant' looking man stopped to talk to us in French but I told him we did not understand as we were a bit wary of what he wanted. When he realised we were English he changed to near perfect English and asked us about our travels. When we parted he thanked us for speaking to him. There's a moral there somewhere!

Bedarrides, France
Decided to stay at Jonquieres campsite for rest of tour as was near to Orange, our pick up point, and was a quiet place within easy reach of many interesting villages. Weather was also now very hot, 40+ at times, so we could leave all our luggage in one place and not have to find campsites. We visited Bedarrides a few times as it was very cool next to the river and one of a few with water still flowing. An old man, Vic Mildrew type character, told us in French it was too hot to cycle in Provence, got in his car and gesticulated to push hot air out of the windows and waved good bye.
Made us smile!

View from Pont du Gard, France
Cycled from Sourvignargues to Remoulins 37 miles, mostly open road. Very hot and hilly, climbing slowly. Stopped at boulangerie in Sanilhac where baker heated quiches in bread oven and we ate under shade of trees. Stopped many times for drinks. Long descent along gorge into Collias. Took a long route to find campsite, Vers, Castillon du Gard and St. Hilaire d'Ozilhan. Tourist Office found us a place near River Gardon.

Pont du Gard, France
The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct constructed by the Roman Empire. It is built on three levels, the Pont is 49 m high, and the longest level is 275 m long. On its first level it carries a road and at the top of the third level, a water conduit, which is 1.8 metres high and 1.2 meters wide and has a gradient of 0.4 percent. It was constructed entirely without the use of mortar. The aqueduct's stones, some of which weigh up to 6 tons, were precisely cut to fit perfectly together eliminating the need for mortar.

Montpellier, France
Took one pannier each with food, cameras, valuables etc. Took road to Sommieres, quite busy with traffic and slowly uphill. Then on to Galargues, very hot already. Went through St. Drezery and Teyran. Walked about Montpellier
looking at places of interest and ate lunch in the square before returning to campsite. Stopped at Sommieres on way back. Very old town on the edge of The Camargue with riverside cafes and narrow old streets with lovely restaurants.

Montpellier, France 2,007 miles
Visited Uzes on way to Souvignargues, old town with historic buildings. Stopped at Pougnadoresse and sat in shade on church steps to eat lunch. Cycled along very straight open road getting roasted but couldn't find campsite or B&B. until 45 miles later in very hot temperature. Full but
managed to stay 2 nights. Left all luggage at camp and decided to leave at 8a.m. for Montpellier (48mile round trip)

Chartreuse de Valbonne, France
Set in the heart of a magnificent thousand-year-old forest, the Chartreuse de Valbonne, historic monument dating from the 13th century , is located between the gorges of the Ardeche and the Ceze river valley. Heading towards Goudargues, a scenic route although some pushing required. Ate picnic by the vineyard. Very busy around L'Ardeche as is now holiday season, campsites are full and roads much busier.

Viviers, France
There is an extensive warren of narrow and cobbled streets, with roof tops which look as if they almost meet when viewed from above. Thinking of going home when we reach Montpellier as it is now too hot, the campsites are hard to find and very dusty. Visited coiffure and had very short haircut due to the heat.

Viviers, France
Ornate altar in Cathedral