Freestyle
 
 
As summer creeps over Europe and the school holidays start we are off the France so James can do the Etape. The Etape is a race open to all that is competed over one of the mountain stages of the Tour de France. This year it is in the Pyrenees and includes the famed Col du Tourmalet and Hautacam. We set off from London on the Eurostar and picked up a car in Paris. From Paris we started a road trip that took in Chartres, Villeray, Saumur, Tours, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Lourdes, St Emilion, Souilliac and back to Paris. Here are a few of our snapshots France Road Trip July 2008
T enjoying in a bit of sunshine at Chartres after the eternal gloom of England
P chilling out as well
Notre Dame dominates the landscape of Chartres
Medieval light show
A side Alter
The garden at the Moulin de Villeray, our first stop
Hanging out the front of our cottage
T works the weir
The dinner setting
More garden
Our cottage
Miss P and T going incognito
J & P
A Castle near our mill
It looks like a fairy tale
The castle was amazing - but closed Tuesdays!!!
The village below the Castle
One of the many country manors we passed on our exploration of the Eure
P & T chasing Dragonflies
About the brave the river at Moulin de Villeray
Saumur - another movie set
Cinderella’s Castle
Saumur
Miss P, P & T catching the sun at Biarritz
Biarritz Beach
Biarritz Lighthouse
Registration at Pau - the etape build up begins
A hint of what is to come
Feeling a sense of trepidation as we check out the course
8.5% average but the next 10 kms included sections at 18.1% and 15.5%
The Haute Pyrenees
Where we are heading - Pic du Midi
Where we have just ridden
Approaching La Mongie- the road kicks up for the final 4 kms
The final climb up Col du Tourmalet
Nick and J at the summit
P & T just that bit higher
The descent
Lourdes
Another Chateau on the road to St Emilion - Ask J about the directions!
Making Bon Bons in Sarlat
T was a great helper as well
Markets in Sarlat
Sarlat
Miss P & Kids in the markets
More of Medieval Sarlat
Picturesque
Yet another Chateau this one is near Souilliac
Hanging by the Dordogne after our picnic
Champagne, Foie Gras and Racamour make everyone happy
The Church in Salijnac
P & T showed some interest in the Louvre. Perhaps next time a visit?
Perhaps not........
But it is a good spot to eat your lunch.