Brignole

August 23, 2019

Riding the beautiful hills of Provence

Last night we had talked a lot about what to do. I wanted to ride to Brignole while Ken wanted to push on another 25 or 30 km to St Maximine. I am really glad I won because although we loved the ride, with constant hills it was taxing - I think my battery would have lasted another 30km but I couldnt have been sure about it.

Waiting at the Hotel Victoria once more. Can you get all this plus the big red bag on two bikes?

The Hotel Victoria was OK but rather weird We seemed to spend a good deal of the time sitting on the steps waiting for someone to open up first when we arrived, then when Ken went for a walk in the afternoon and again this morning when we were attempting to get our bikes out It was easy to find our route out of town which took us up a long, busy hill. After this it continued to be busy but the gradient had eased a lot.

Lorgues when we came to was exactly the sort of little village we like. Ken found one of his favourite PMUs for a coffee, it was the end of a pedestrian only street. An antique fair was on and this time it was not a junk sale at all but there were some lovely things. Further along the street was a regular market but this time not overwhelmed by cheap clothes but with all the bounty from the country around. From here on the roads were tiny D roads with little traffic. There were vineyards and olive groves. Ken can’t get the viticulturalist out of his system and took a delight in examining the vines. In this area the mature vines are not supported on trellising at all but by their own trunks. He announced that they really weren’t far off ripe so no doubt harvesting begins

Ken loves PMUs - rather strange as he is so anti gambling and smoking.

Just a few green berries and the red ones have a high sugar content

Our next little town was Le Thoronet, this was the centre of bauxite mining in the district an industry that continued until the mines closed in 1979 - which doesn’t seem very long ago to me.. The way we are following is “The Bauxite Velo Route” so around us the exposed cliffs are all red. The big tourist draw around here is La Abbaye du Thoronet. It is beautiful built in the 12th century and set in the forest. We went down to the entrance debating whether to go in but in the end gave it a miss as there was no security for leaving bikes at all just a bike park in the big car park across the road. Today the abbey is not only a museum but because of its very superior acoustics hosts concerts.

Perched up there I liked the look of this church

To get to our hotel we largely bypassed Brignole (but will see it tomorrow) We are staying in an Ibis up by the motorway, largely I think catering for long distance motorists. However it is quite and peaceful with a lovely garden and swimming pool. The restaurant is first rate and we had delicious salads for lunch and at no time have had to sit on the front steps.

Today's ride: 50 km (31 miles)
Total: 1,352 km (840 miles)

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Suzanne GibsonLooks like you are in a lovely area now. Gorgeous salads! Loving your narrative, Tricia! So alive and full of enthusiasm.
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5 years ago

Tricia GrahamTo Suzanne GibsonIt is lovely here Suzanne. The cycling isn’t particularly easy because there are constant hills and it is hot so it means short stages. We feel so fortunate to be doing this. We have only seen one group of cycle tourists since Genoa. I imagine we will see more once we get on more commonly travelled routes
Ciao
Tricia
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5 years ago

Kathleen JonesI'm really impressed with the way you two are handling the hills and the heat. I feel better when you get to your hotel so I can relax too.
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5 years ago

Tricia GrahamTo Kathleen JonesIt’s ok when we leave very early just get to the hotel embarrassingly early. A very short day today. Thanks for your interest
Tricia
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5 years ago