Cafe Terrace at Night

March 29th Aigues Mort to Arles

After a long very comfy sleep we cycled a very flat route with very little in the way of villages to Arles. Just a coffee along the route to break the monotony. The Camargue is an unusual place, but I personally won't be returning. Arles was much quieter than last time, we had a walk about in the evening and did at least find the yellow cafe this time.

March 28th Sete to Aigues Morts

Not the most attractive coast this, and to be honest probably continues to be my least favourite part of France. Not terribly friendly even in this quiet season and boring cycling. Dry day at least as it looks like conditions not so good in rest of France. Eventually arrived after a couple of detours in Aigues Morts which both of us remember as prettier than it seems this time. Anyway in an hotel a bit out of town so not too big a problem. Super U shop and heading for an early night again. Off to Arles tomorrow,last day of retracing steps,then into Provence. Woop!!!

March 27th Beziers to Sete

Should have been an easy ride this. Initially fine along the Canal de midi to Agde. Following in old tracks, no probs. Lunch stop at Agde. Then should have followed my instincts and gone down the road I remembered, unfortunately followed a different sign and in order to avoid big road we ended up in Cap d'Agde. A jungle of holiday apartments that we just couldn't get out of,Truman story came to mind. Thankfully office de tourism open and she pointed us in right direction, where we had been 1.5hrs earlier!!!! Eventually got to Sete to Christine's air b and b. Very welcoming. Her first visitors. After shower and pasta, theme here,we went for a walk into Sete itself. Quite a treck. Worth it though as they had a festival of boats, tall ships, in the lovely port of Sete. Coffee,then walk back and early night.

March 26th Millau to Beziers on the train.

Hottest day yet ironically, which made me feel more of a wimp as we hung about waiting for the 13.30 train. Millau even prettier in the sunshine. As we left on the train we could see just how hilly it was so then felt a little less of a wimp. One hour and 40 mins later we arrived at Beziers. Seriously worry how people in wheel chairs or reduced mobility would manage at the station, we had to carry the bikes down and then up a set of stairs. We then found our air b and b. Beautiful central apartment, very quirky and classy. Quick shower and pasta then out to explore a beautiful city. Lovely evening, then back to meet Sinone the host of the apartment. Lovely young lady. 

March 25th - Good Friday.

Pont de salars to Millau


Good night's sleep after a couple of beers in the delightful and kitsch hotel des voyageurs. Woke to the cold cloudy day forecast. We have booked a hotel in Millau but on further examination of maps/terrain routes on the tablet Google maps I have become increasingly anxious that we are heading into a zone that the only way out of is at some point a 1:10 cycle for at least 10 km. I know my limitations..........so with only a little persuasion required we have decided to utilise a train from Millau, the last opportunity to do so. 

After decision made off we set. 3km cycle up out off pont de salars and into increasingly inclement weather, past the lac de pateloup, which on a sunny day would be stunning. Sleet falling after 15 km we stopped for coffee at Sales Curran. Onward, feeling pretty cold we cycled steadily upwards, which did warm us up, into the cloud line then a steep descent, which cooled us back down, to St Beauzely where Dave took a photo of the boars head, probably to use as a photo description of me. Another 3km uphill climb then along to the road down into Millau. Not a pleasant descent but better than the road to Rodez.

Tickets out of here!!!

WHEN WILL KATH START EATING BACON AGAIN???!!

We stopped for a coffee in small bar, served by a quiet, gently spoken French woman....then found our porky friend , hanging on the wall!!!!

March 24th 2016

A very quiet nights sleep in the countryside saw us awakened to a lovely breakfast and day, care of Bernard. With the view complete with small red deer we set off on the road again. A delightful stop in Marcillac vallon which saw us stop for deux noussetes at a cafe that wasn't a cafe at all but an epicerie selling noussetes, the nut kind, but which ended up with us having two coffees and mama's cake for nothing with a purchase of said noussetes and all round amusement. We then cycled through a beautiful valley with a steady rise up to Rodez.

Now if this blog does anything it will prevent any cyclist ever setting a wheel inside this city! A cyclists nightmare! Everyone seemed intent on cutting us up. Being a part of the Tour de France I feel I need to check whether this is where historically urine has been thrown at participants. I feel that it could not have been due to discord re potential drug doping but just a general dislike of cyclists in general. Truly a city lacking in any normal bonne de vivre with regard those in two wheels. 

After a sharp exit we astonishingly quickly got back into calm countryside and made our way steadily up hill to pont de salars. A nice village with the lovely Hotel de voyageurs, where we are to spend the night.