Blogs from Sisteron, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, Europe

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This entry by Tom. The overnight thunderstorm did little or nothing to lower the expected temperatures today. I guess by now it doesn’t matter much because we’re used to it. After the most American-style hotel breakfast I can remember in France--maybe because we are at a Best Western--I installed my new cleats and headed out. The plan was for Luce and Donna to drive Caroline up to the top of the first col on a 70-km route we had planned to get us to Sisteron where they would drop her off and we’d ride the rest of the way together. Then they’d immediately drive to Sisteron, unload the bags at our hotel, then take Sue and Josée to Marseille where they have a hotel tonight and a flight home tomorrow morning. Sounds a bit complicated but ... read more
Caroline at Col de Sarraut

Europe » France » Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur » Sisteron September 9th 2016

Another glorious day. Perfect for a scooter ride. Only 12 km to Sisteron along the quieter D4 on the campsite side of the river so plenty of time to stop in Volonne on the way as Friday is market day. Hmm that was a mini market methinks. We didn’t stop long ! Off to Sisteron along the river, a nice ride. Over the bridge and into the town. Sisteron is sometimes called the "Gateway to Provence" because it is in a narrow gap between two long mountain ridges and is perched up above the Durance river. This is a really old town, inhabited for 4000 years. It's also very attractive and glad we visited this time as we've driven through before and wanted to. We found several buildings marked as birth places of local people from ... read more
Sisteron from the East side of the river
Sisteron Citadel
Sisteron

Europe » France » Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur » Sisteron September 8th 2016

Yesterday’s drive was good. Today’s was brilliant. So scenic we had to stop several times just to admire. Another drop dead gorgeous blue sky day as well and if anything slightly hotter than before. We left Le Bourg d’Oisans via the Col d’Ornon. Not too scary a route and we saw a bus stop so other big vehicles obviously use it too. Such a pretty route though. The sun was perfectly located to brighten everything and the scenery was wonderful in all directions with mountains and towering rocks appearing round every bend as well as glimpses of lakes and rivers and dried river beds. Absolutely stunning. All very green and lush and pretty villages to drive through too. Love the sight of alpine chalets, decorated with geraniums and with a backdrop of a mountain and the ... read more
Up the col togther with lots of cyclists
A fantastic wooden bridge
Corps


Gorge Saint May – Sisteron- Saint Paul Trois Chateaux Have you ever sat up late at night watching television coverage of Le Tour de France? At times I have felt saddened to see the riders processing toward Le Champs-Elysees on the last day of the race; sad because I have to wait another year before I can sit up late at night to watch the race again. It’s scary to see the riders pelting down those steep winding hills, riding three, four and five abreast at speeds that would blow the gendarme’s radar off the scale; and then pirouette through hairpin bends in the towns and villages before crunching their leg muscles as they career uphill burning energy o abundantly that it must surely be sourced from a nuclear power station. At times when I watch ... read more
2 Sisteron (7)
Gorge du Saint May (8)
1 Sisteron (6)

Europe » France » Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur » Sisteron September 26th 2012

Although yesterday we had little idea where to go but then we had a breakthrough thought. The short drive to Sisteron had always been an option after speaking to the young couple from Chichester. So it was to be Sisteron. Neither of us have been before so it was to be a first for us. It sounded a lovely place and worth a detour on our way home. Our journey followed the River Durance which ran just alongside the main road. The town itself is situated on the banks of the river and the town is sometimes called the Gateway to Provence. There is an excellent small aire in the lower town with parking for cars and around 10 or 12 motorhomes. Motorhome parking is free and there is a water borne on site. I imagine ... read more
Sisteron
Sisteron
Near to Sisteron




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