16 July 2012

A fabulous place in Provence

Really enjoyed my stay in Provence

Yesterday and today I have been in Provence at one of the nicest place I have ever stayed. Maybe the nicest. Simple casual beauty and perfect French hospitality. Muriel at Les Bois Dormant is wonderful, so too is her lovely home. I enjoyed the pool and patio and beautiful garden, a good sleep and a delicious breakfast. I also took a great bike ride yesterday up a road to the Col du Mur. The kind of climbed that I reached then descended and continuously thought - I climbed this, I climbed all this, I don't remember climbing this far. I guess I needed to ride my bike and the time flew by while being immersed in the beautiful landscape that engulfed me.

My friend Monica, of course, missed all of it. We were to meet up 2 nights ago in Avignon and enjoy this place together, but she remains in Paris, her bags remain in a cargo hold on a plane, we hope to arrive this afternoon. A three day delay and little help in delivering a bike and luggage from United Airlines is very poor indeed. I am headed to the Pyrenees and to le sauque of a friend. Maybe Monica will arrive by TGV into Pau at 11pm tonight, but most things are a maybe here. For now I will head out on my bike through the Luberon, for another beautiful bike ride.

Images from yesterday in Provence

A morning drive through the vineyards
The vineyard near Châteauneuf du Pape

Sunday Morning Market in l'Isle-sure-la-sorgue 

Market in Isle-sur-la-sourge
Of course I had to stop and put my feet in the river too, live music played nearby.

A highly recommended accommodation - Le Bois Dormant

Just off of the D4 (junction between D4 and D60 and D2) road east of Gordes, this bed and breakfast is perfect and welcomes cyclists. I am always so pleased when I find that perfect rare combination in an accommodation of comfort, location, hospitality and suitable for cyclists. I am close to Ventoux, to the wonderful loop ride I recommended the other day near Gigondas, to morning markets, nice restaurants, and so many more rides that wind through small villages. I really prefer this side of the Luberon. This is a great place to stop between cycling in the Alps and cycling in the Pyrenees. (info: Le Bois Dormant, St.Saturin les Apt, Vacluse, France.

Contact: ti@le-bois-dormant.com or www.le.bois-dormant.com at *33 (0)4 90 05 77 41.
The peaceful garden of Le Bois Dormant
A fantastic welcome at a highly recommended B&B - Le Mas Dormant

Views and perfect hilly roads for cycling, leading to the nearby Col de Murs. No exact recommended route - just get on your bike and enjoy.


Ok, more riding, then a long drive to Pau!