Tour de France

I am sorely behind...so here is my attempt to catch up on the last week in France (mostly in pictures):

Wednesday-Friday, June 25-27 (somehow I was off on my dates earlier) was our version of the Tour de France. In Avignon, we were given bicycles, helmets, directions, instructions, and sent on our way. Our luggage was to be transported to our nights lodging at some point during the day. Before taking off, we happened to meet another couple who was doing the same bike tour as us, John and Kelly (from New York). They were extremely friendly, and it was fun to bump into them occasionally at different stops on the trip. 

The countryside of southern France was beautiful. We passed several fields, some filled with sunflowers or wildflowers, country houses - most with light blue shutters, and occasionally a couple of horses. There were also a few vineyards, orchards, and at one point during the the first day, we saw a sign to frommage de chèvre (goat cheese). Since our first day was a short and flat ride (12 miles), we had time to veer off the road and visit the farm. We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience became one of our favorite. The family who owns the farm gave us a warm welcome, first with the mom showing us all the different cheeses that they make (she only spoke French, but Emily became our interpreter). When the son showed up, he took us on a personal tour of the farm and even let us hold the one week old baby goat, milk another goat, and feed the baby with the bottle. Lastly, the father showed up, and talked to us (well, mostly Emily since it was all in French) for probably half an hour. They were so friendly, and we tested and bought the best goat cheese I have ever tasted!! 

Our cute little espresso cups at a brunch stop:

A daddy goat chillin:

That night, we stayed in St. Remy, a beautiful, quaint little town. The next day was the challenging day, because we rode over 33 miles with quite a bit of climbing, especially one particular climb to reach a castle- Les Beaux. We enjoyed our break by touring the castle, eating ice cream, and since it was high up on a hill...taking in the beautiful views and surrounding landscapes. That evening, we arrived in Arles, ate a late dinner, got bit by Mosquitos, then went to bed. 

Early that day we stopped to visit old Roman ruins in St. Remy:

Les Beaux

Continuing our ride:

Arrived in Arles:

After a good night's rest, we finished our tour by riding another 33 miles from Arles to Avignon, but this time on flat surfaces. We passed by and visited another castle in Terascon (which we liked much better), had lunch, then rode back and returned our bikes. 

Getting ready to leave Arles:

Lunch in Terascon:

We took a taxi to our lodging for the night...a barge on the Rhóne River!! It was one of the best lodging experiences of my life. The owners of the barge were extremely friendly, made us coffee, drove us into town where we had dinner (my favorite meal here so far), picked us up, then made us a breakfast of fresh fruit sprinkled with coconut, yogurt, croissants, and coffee in the morning. It was so peaceful and also reminded me of when my family would stay on my grandpa's boat when I was young. 

My amazing dinner of fish and veg:

Emily's dinner:

Stephen's dinner:

Are you hungry yet? :)