Tramontane = Howling Winds

We enjoyed a smooth steep descent from the coll de Banyuls. To the knowledgeable (Holly), things now felt distinctly French - the buildings, shutters, road signs, cars... Then, as we arrived in Banyuls sur Mer we got to experience our first taste of the tramontane winds. Strongs winds that blow from northwest, from the mountains to the sea. Even on the downhills we struggled against the winds, with strong gusts knocking us off the road. After a break in Port Vendres to get some tasty treats at the Saturday market, it was a struggle for the rest of the day into headwinds and crosswinds as we worked our way to Sainte Hippolyte, where we thankfully had a place to stay inside out of the winds with Warmshowers host Jacques. Only ~800 km to go on the Mediterranean coast!Read more