Blogs from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, Rhône-Alpes, France, Europe

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Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Vallon-Pont-d'Arc June 22nd 2014

It could've been the road conditions (mostly pretty rough). It might have been the heat (~30 degrees). Or maybe there really is something to the notion that when you take a break from prolonged intense activity your body thinks "thank god that's over" and shuts down (which is purportedly why Tour de France competitors still ride on their rest days). More likely it was all of the above plus the 1530m of climbing that made today's ride seem somewhat arduous. Things started off fairly well, with some glorious riding in the (relative) cool of the morning, as I rolled through the valleys/vineyards of Provence. In fact the only negative thing of note (and it lasted only a few minutes) was riding into swarms of gnats so small as to have been invisible (although not tasteless) near ... read more
mt-ventoux-looming
preventing-raisins
obligatory-lavender-shot

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Vallon-Pont-d'Arc September 27th 2013

Our last day in France was spent in the magnificent Gorges de L’Ardèche, situated south-west of Nyons. It took us about 1½ hours to get there but we were rewarded with wonderful vistas and amazing rock formations. The limestone in this area contained some ochre due to weathering and this contributed to the variety of colours in the cliff faces. Many caves dotted the cliffs and some small ones were right next to the road. Some of the larger caves in the area (called “grottes”) can be visited but we opted for a day in the open air. Our first stop was Vallon Pont d’Arc at one end of the main gorge. We had a tasty lunch at Auberge du Pont D’Arc, very close to the biggest natural limestone bridge (the Pont d’Arc) over an active ... read more
Gorges de l'Ardeche
Gorges de l'Ardeche
Gorges de l'Ardeche

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Vallon-Pont-d'Arc September 20th 2012

Had a lovely, quite busy day today. We started off with a leisurely scoot into Vallon Pont D’arc town – just a couple of kilometres across the bridge and up the hill. We had no idea what was there so we (me especially !) were delighted to find a market. Not a little market either, but one which filled nearly every street in town as well as a big area down at the bottom. Had a lovely wander and found some Montelimar nougat, just what I was wanting as well as a few other must have bits and pieces. A most eclectic selection of goods on sales really and not all traditionally local. Provencal yellow and purple tablecloths, of course. Lavender, Sausages, olives, cheeses, local wines but also mattresses (!?), Thai ornaments, ethnic clothing, lots of ... read more
Market stall in the main square at Vallon
Loved the tables at this restaurant in Vallon
Bob sunning himself on the banks of the Ardeche

Europe » France » Rhône-Alpes » Vallon-Pont-d'Arc September 19th 2012

Bob managed to get the scooter back into the garage again but only after moving the Tandy down from its ramps and out of the olive tree where it had taken up temporary residence with the ants. Once the scooter was in place and the garage repacked we set off for our next campsite, heading North. This direction was very important as, so far we have only been going south, but have now run out of south to go to. North is a bit scary. We are hearing tales from home of ground frosts and needing cardigans, sweaters and central heating ! We really have, to date, done exceedingly well, weather wise and the plan, to spend the time on the south coast as late as possible into the trip, to make the best of the ... read more
Last view of the vineyards on the south coast backed by the row of rocky hills
Marseilles is not a great place to drive through
Avignon on the other hand Is always a pleasure to see




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