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Paris to Milan by bike
  • Pat Esler
  • Pat Esler

Paris to Milan by bike

Un’avventura di 59 giorni di Pat Leggi altro
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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Approaching Blois
    In Blois from near our picnic spot at the chateau.2Beautiful riding east of Blois on the north bank.Awesome view from our room of a carbon free power station.

    Mosnes to Saint-Laurent Nouan

    16 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    The morning started with a10km pre-breakfast ride. Breakfast was a much-relished picnic beside the Loire - spotted a small hawk or falcon hovering for prey while being dive bombed by swallows. Another 20km brought us to the beautiful Blois with its grey on grey decor, very light grey stone capped with very dark grey slate. Having very fortuitously run across an excellent Award winning bakery (morning tea -choc Eclair and great croissant - best yet!), we grabbed a coffee and proceeded through the old town to the chateau for lunch in the grounds (baguette & quiche Lorraine from said award winning bakery).
    Have I mentioned that this is a non-stop foodie tour?
    We have not toured through any of the chateaux as we did this some years ago. Orleans will be our first new territory.
    Our hotel is a bit away from the main cycle route, and after we crossed the river at Muides we struggled along a very poor section of track (poor, he says? - understatement! It was single track) (as you know she tends to exaggerate) until we could bail out onto the fairly busy road for the last few km.
    62km, 350m climbing.
    Total about 420km.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    1Crossing the Loire at Beaugency
    Jeanne d'Arc, LiberatriceChateau Beaugency2Sort of hippie squat cafe next to the bike path.2Meung sur Loire3A field of wild poppies

    Saint Laurent Louan to Orléans

    17 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    With only about 40km to go today to Orleans and our Airbnb booked we had a relaxed start this morning. We watched a replay of Orica Scott's Luca Mezgec winning stage 2 of the Tour of Slovenia over brekky in our room, then rode past the Saint-Laurent Nuclear Power Plant. We navigated on roads for about 11km, crossing the Loire at Beaugency to rejoin the official bike route. We had a fairly solid cross/headwind for most of the day. Settled in to our very pleasant Airbnb for two nights. Our self contained studio is off a garden courtyard hidden behind the street front buildings, and an easy walk to the centre of town.Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Hotel Groslot
    Statue of Jeanne d'Arc (Joan Duck)Lunch - Pat at 2nd table on leftOur AirbnbOur courtyardEntry to the courtyard, Loire at the end of the street.

    Orléans Rest Day

    18 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Housework done, we set out to explore Orléans. Our accommodation is superbly placed a few hundred metres from the Loire Á Velo and inside the ancienne ville.
    Wandering through the beautifully presented old town streets of Orléans, brought us to La Maison de Jeanne D'Arc, an excellent replica (the original was bombed in WW2) of Joan of Arc's half-timbered home in Place General De Gaulle. Nearby, in Place du Martroi is a cast bronze statue of the lady herself and only a short walk from there is the Cathedral Sainte-Croix. The gothic cathedral, flying buttresses, obligatoire gargoyles and all, has to be described as magnificent. It was originally built in the 13th century. Mass was underway when we visited, but clearly a very tolerant approach to tourists had been adopted. The dimensions and decorations make this a church worth a visit.
    Next, we toured Hotel Groslot, the sumptuous, renaissance private residence, where 17 year old King Francois 2nd died in 1560. Now it can be booked for weddings.
    Lunch in a small 'place' under a shady tree with a glass of rosé completed our Orléans sightseeing.
    When we got back to our Airbnb our key would not open the door to the courtyard. Fortunately the neighbors were just arriving home and noticed is having trouble. They said we weren't the first ones it had happened to. The man very kindly went through their apartment and climbed the high back wall to let us in.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Place du Martroi
    Jeanne d'ArcRue Jeanne d'Arc and Cathedral Saint CroixCathedral Saint CroixCathedral Saint Croix

    Orleans photos 1

    18 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    In the Loire Maritime Museum at ChateauneufThe Carolingian Church - St Gemigny-Des -PrésThe Abbaye de Fleury at Benoît-Sur-LoireChateau Sully1Chateau Sully sur Loire

    Orléans to Sully sur Loire

    19 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    The route today had a succession of very pretty and interesting small towns.
    First came Chateauneuf-Sur-Loire, with its small but interesting museum, explaining life on the Loire over the centuries, the enormous floods and the use of ultra shallow draft boats (70cm) to ply trade on what was not a navigable river. The traps of hiring a boat and times of pressganging were also detailed.
    Next came Germigny-Des-Prés with its unremarkable Carolingian church.
    The Abbaye de Fleury at Benoît-Sur-Loire, which apparently still has bits of St Benedict in it, was an unusual church constructed from a very white rock.
    We pass many areas with signs "Sables Mouvants", indicating that the area has quicksand and that swimming is forbidden.
    The campground at Sully-Sur-Loire was great, with grassy areas in deep shade and a swimming pool, which we spent about 3 hours at. Dinner was over the bridge at a 'pub' on the corner.
    The fairytale chateau was constructed around 1400 and still looks beautiful - the sort of smallish chateau one could consider living in. Plenty of room for guests!    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    The amazing canal bridge at Briare.
    Gien looks very nice from a distance.But the roads are busy and the truck drivers are impatient.Picnic lunch after Gien with patient bandaged up.Canal just in front of our hotel.

    Sully sur Loire to Briare

    20 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    35 degrees forecast so a short day was planned. We got a good early start from the campsite. The bike route took us away from the Loire to Saint Florent. There was a bit of climbing but not too steep and generally through shady forests. After a nice descent back to the river we followed the south bank for a while. We decided to cross to Gien to have a look around and get some coffee and food.

    The roads in Gien were busy, and the combination of an impatient French truck driver and a bad decision by Tracey resulted in a minor gravity-related incident. This required a sit in the shade while Pat went to the Pharmacie for some large bandages and some spray-on antiseptic. Nothing damaged but skin and confidence.

    Our impression is that while French drivers are pretty good with cyclists, and certainly better than Australian drivers, they (especially the truck and van drivers) are perhaps not as good as other European countries we have toured in.

    After the fall and some first aid and shopping we had a pretty slow trip, and rode over the canal bridge (that's a canal on a bridge that crosses a river!) mid afternoon to our hotel in Briare. It was very hot and there was no aircon in the hotel. After a few drinks next to the canal, since it was too hot in the hotel dining room so we went for a walk and ended up having some nice cheap food in a kebab shop. At least that had a fan!    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    1The church at Chatillon.
    As close as we got to Sancerre.

    Briare to Puilly

    21 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Another very hot day forecast so we got an early start. We got chatting to a German couple out the front of the hotel. They were two months into a three month cycle tour from their home in northern Germany, and had done about 4,800km. They were heading the same way as us, but after yesterday's incident we were traveling pretty slowly so they quickly left us behind.

    We did a small detour and climb to have a look at Chatillon, then continued on the route which today was generally very good. Quite a few shady sections through forest, and no clouds of sticky insects. Near Belleville we rode past our third nuclear power station. At the boulangerie/patisserie (below par) we ran into a group doing a barge and bike tour. There were five Aussies in the group. They were suffering in the heatwave on the barge at night.

    Due to the extreme heat and our fairly slow rate of progress, we decided not to climb up to Sancerre. After a very pleasant stop for a drink at a riverside restaurant at Saint Thibault we rode on to cross the river at Puilly, arriving at our very nice airconditioned(!!) hotel at about 1:30.

    Tomorrow we head for Nevers, a rest day with two nights in an airconditioned hotel (not easy to find).

    67km today, good effort in the heat for the injured one (who is currently asleep). About 630km so far.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Marseilles les Aubigny
    Crossing another canal bridge near NeversBeautiful shady path into NeversLoire river swimming spot across the road from our hotel.Good gargoyles on the cathedral.

    Puilly sur Loire to Nevers

    22 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    When we came through Puilly on the way to our hotel yesterday we couldn't buy milk for brekky because the shops closed for their midday break till 3pm. Another very hot day forecast so this morning we got an early start, bought some milk a few km along the road, and had our muesli and coffee at a picnic spot near La Charitè sur Loire. After a few minor navigational hiccups we crossed the river to rejoin the official cycle route. The route from there to Nevers was very good, with lots of wide smooth shady sections beside canals.
    We have now completed the official Loire à Velo route from the mouth of the river at Saint Nazaire to Nevers. We might have to celebrate with some bubbly on our rest day.
    The forecast looks more normal for the next week or so, with maximums in the mid to low 20s where we are headed, which is further south along the Loire.

    57km today, 687km total.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Ducal Palace
    Pat's 'Coiffure'Street in NeversPalais de Justice

    Nevers (Out of order)

    23 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    A big day in Nevers - sightseeing, bike shop for repairs to Tracey's bottom bracket, haircut for Pat & laundromat. Nevers has got everything you need without being too big, as well as having the requisite gothic cathedral, ducal palace and a beach on the Loire right behind our accommodation.Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    "Albert"
    Canal Lateral À La LoireGannay-Sur-Loire

    Nevers to Gannay-Sur-Loire

    24 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    The heatwave has passed. Forecast 26 degrees maximum. Just a few hundred meters from our hotel back to the canal path and on our way. Beautiful riding, with the first 46km on sealed canal tow paths and the rest on quiet country roads. After about 35km we stopped in Decise for a coffee and picked up a chocolate eclair and tarte framboise (raspberry - very yummy) to share for morning tea and a ham and cheese "sandwich" (half a baguette) for lunch.
    We rolled into the little campground feeling pretty good at around 1:30. Lovely shady spot, nice cheap local beer "Blonde de Gannay". The place is run by a Dutch couple, and all the other campers seem to be Dutch, as is the lady who runs the local epicerie (convenience store).
    We are booked in for dinner.
    Later... At dinner we all sat together, us, Isabel and Annette a German couple, French David and his son William, and our Dutch hosts Peter and Trudy. We actually briefly formed an international music group but we felt the world wasn't quite ready for us yet.
    72km today, total about 760km.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    1Basilique du Sacré Coeur in the evening light
    Along the Canal du CentreArriving in Paray le MonialCrossing another canal bridgeA window through a windowHotel de Ville

    Gannay sur Loire to Paray la Monial

    25 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    After 30km of rolling roads - the first real hills we've faced - we hit the tow path again and it was smooth sailing.
    At Bourbon-Lancy, we happened upon the local fresh marché and had the bright idea to buy some freshly cooked ham to put in our baguette for lunch. So we asked for 4 slices - well he saw us coming - they were the thickest slices I've ever seen and we walked away with 645gm of very nice ham. Hard to believe that we actually managed to squash most of it into one baguette.
    It was great to roll into Paray la Monial. We checked out the park for a small 2nd lunch (guess what of) and then enjoyed the town markets. A South American busker was playing the pan pipes, which we love, so we settled in with a panache to listen, before booking into our accommodation, which is right in the centre of this lovely, lively town.
    Many thanks to Knud and Erica for suggesting this top spot and the ride along the Canal De Centre.
    71km today, total 831km.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    1Paray Le Monial Streetscape
    St Nicholas TourBasilique Du Sacré Cœur

    Paray le Monial 1

    26 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Paray-Le-Monial is a pilgrimage town. As well as having the 11th-12th century Romanesque Basilica of the Sacred Heart and numerous other religious treasures, it is the home of the"visitation nun Margaret Mary " and a notable pilgrimage destination. We met some Irish travelers at breakfast this morning, who come every year for the festival of the Sacred Heart. The town is beautifully maintained and decorated with flower boxes. Parks, cloister gardens, outdoor churches designed with plane trees in the shape of a cross, etc make it a very pleasant spot for the religious and heathens alike. Unfortunately, the well regarded Hieron museum was closed today.
    We are staying at Inter-Hotel Hostellerie Des Trois Pigeons which is located perfectly, very nice, spacious and good value at AU$105 per night.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    2About half way along the brand new rail trail.
    Arriving in St Maurice.St JeanSt Jean church yard2The view from our room in St Maurice

    Paray le Monial to St Maurice

    27 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    We navigated on quiet country roads the first 10km to St Yan. From there a brand new rail trail runs for 25km of the way towards Roanne - it was shady and relaxing. The last 25km, Pat had us on very quiet country roads. We arrived in Roanne by about 12.30, expecting to use our early check-in offer, but the accommodation renigged, so we waited for standard check-in at 2pm, only to find they could offer no refrigeration for my medicine (1st time for everything, I guess). A bit disgusted by this time and having had a look at the pretty ordinary city, we decided to push on.
    The positive was we pushed on to Saint Jean and Saint Maurice Sur Loire. What a heavenly spot! Perched atop a little mountain, these two mediaeval villages are authentic and the views are divine. Overlooking Lac de Villarest and surrounded by hills, these villages are reminiscent of Tuscan hilltop towns or Motovun,in Istria. The churches are the romanesque style, dating back to 11th & 12th century and lots of the buildings look like they have stood for many centuries- solid rock. Bell-ringing is a particular feature of the churches in this area! Our room, at L'Echauguette, is beautiful, decorated with antiques,spacious and a welcome haven from the storm that is raging outside. We just made it back to St Maurice, from our Saint Jean pizzeria, ahead of a big storm front - thunder and lightning are rattling the windows as I write.
    Today 79km, 470m climbing. Total 910km    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    2Chateau de la Roche
    1The street in front of our b&bPat, being city hallSt Etienne

    St Maurice to St Etienne

    28 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Breakfast at the bed & breakfast was in our host's dining room overlooking the lake. The ride this morning was hilly but very nice. A cool day, with max forecast 19 degrees, mostly quiet roads through forest and small villages and straight past the amazing Chateau de La Roche. After about 40km and 520m of climbing we stopped in Balbigny for coffee and lunch. The weather was looking very threatening (it was actually raining, but Pat couldn't see it on his radar) so we decided to catch the train to Saint Etienne and ride to Lyon tomorrow.Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Hugo and Blaise drove is back to our bikes at the scene of the crime.
    Confluence architectureConfluence architectureConfluence architectureConfluence architectureConfluence shopping mall & vaporetto stop

    Saint Etienne to Lyon

    29 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Riding through built up area for most of the first 25km. Stopped for coffee at Rive de Gien. Bikes were leaning against cafe window but slightly out of direct line of sight. When we finished our coffee Pat's front panniers were gone. Cctv also and busy area with customers. Spent rest of morning with police -very nice policeman, Hugo, will be at the top of Mont Du Chat in Superman suit. We must try and spot him.
    With rain looming and the joy gone from the day, we trained to Lyon.
    Nice apartment in the Confluence district and fairly close to big shopping centre for supplies. This district had been turned from an industrial wasteland to an architecturally interesting and environmentally sustainable area, a great endeavour.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Find the real peopleLe Comptoir Abel

    Lyon

    30 giugno 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Spent the morning shopping to replace panniers and Pats shoes. Then headed into town - Place Bellecour- to tourist info. If you come to Lyon & need assistance ask for Lorreen. By the time we left we had a full itinerary and everything we needed. Lyon is a very big city - next after Paris and the gastronomic capital of France. Unbelievable the array of cafes, restaurants, boulangeries, chocolatiers, patisseries, bistrots, bars and, most Lyonnaise of all, the Bouchon - a traditional French affair, with a relaxed atmosphere and extremely, hearty servings.

    We found the best coffee in France at Slake coffee shop on the Rue Ancienne in Centre Ville - the brownies and carrot cake weren't too shabby either ( This sort of research required repeat visits- morning & afternoon tea).
    In between times we managed to take a Bateaux boat ride on La Saône and the Petit Train, which toured around The Croix Rousse area of Lyon - the old Silk weaving district. From the late 18th, early 19th century, the city's silk weaving industry made the Lyonnaise wealthy, while keeping the weavers in shocking conditions. Strikes and battles followed with hundreds of deaths, but conditions gradually improved.

    This tour is highly recommended, as is the Lyon city card. The city has a very good, but complex, public transport system that uses buses, trams, trains, vaporettos and funiculars. We used all of them to get around. Buying tickets would have been a nightmare without the city card. All are free with the city card, as are all museums, the boat tour and the Petit train.
    Took the vaporetto home to change for dinner!
    The highlight of the day was dinner at Le Comptoir Abel, a highly recommended and authentic establishment. We both had traditional Lyonnaise dishes. Entree was a shared crayfish salad. Tracey's main was Quenelle de brochet en gratin maison ( like a souffle with creamy fish (Pike) sauce) and Pats was Gratin d’écrevisses ( crayfish gratin). Shared desert was marron gateau. Delicious food and wine!    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    On the guided walking tour.
    Inside the basilica.1She obviously agrees with me.So ornateView from near the basilica.Multicultural Festival

    Lyon 2

    1 luglio 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Another spot of shopping to fill Pat's panniers and we were off sightseeing on a 2 hour guided walk around Vieux Lyon, the oldest part of town. Lyon was founded in 43BC by the Romans and there is plenty of evidence to prove it, including two adjoining amphitheatres on the Fourviere hill - the oldest part of town.
    Lyon became a leading publishing city in the 15th century, as well as becoming involved in the finance industry and the beautiful old gothic and renaissance buildings built by its wealthy merchants over many centuries have been preserved and are now a UNESCO world heritage site.
    The silk workers built passageways between their workshops, warehouses and shops, for convenience and to protect the silk from the weather. These were called Traboules. During the Second World War, they were used by the resistance. Lyon suffered badly at the hands of Klaus Barbie, 'The Butcher of Lyon'.
    The Funicular lifts you from riverside to the Basilique Notre Dame du Fourviére. It is a beautiful confection inside and the terrace outside has commanding views of the city.
    Returning to Centre Ville, we found ourselves in the middle of a Multicultural festival in Place Bellecour. Pat was particularly intrigued by an impromptu Madagascan dancer who seemed to be able to move all sorts of body parts independently of the other matching part.
    Dinner at a 'pub' in Place Carnot, home to the Statue De La Republique, near Perrache Station.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    3The Matterhorn from Zermatt
    The MatterhornTraditional Swiss buildings

    Lyon to Zermatt

    2 luglio 2017, Svizzera ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Spent most of the day taking 3 trains -Lyon to Geneve, Geneve to Visp, and Visp to Zermatt which is a cog railway. On the stretch from Martigny to Visp we could see from the trees that there was a howling westerly wind blowing. We plan to ride back that way, but if that wind is still blowing we will be on the train!
    Arrived at Zermatt, around 5pm. The crowded streets were unbelievable, especially the large groups of Asian tourists. Our Hotel Garni,Tannenhof, is central and comfy.
    Walking around town, we absorbed the thought - the word on the street was that the Matt was visible - that now was the time to head up to the terrace at the top end of town. The Matterhorn was in full sun! And there it was, looking magnificent. Apparently, it is often shrouded in cloud.
    We still needed to replace a few things that were stolen, most urgently a small reasonably packable backpack. Zermatt has lots of very expensive outdoor shops, but we found one with a very suitable Salomon Trail 10 in the sale basket for half price.
    Minestrone soup at Hotel Monte Rosa for dinner rounded out the evening.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    1
    1View of a glacier from Gornergrat.32The Zermatt marathon signs have inspired Tracey!Waiting for the Sunnegga

    Zermatt 1

    3 luglio 2017, Svizzera ⋅ 🌙 4 °C

    We had decided to come to Zermatt due to a promising weather forecast. After the cloudy, cool and windy day before, today looked much better. Everything is very expensive in Zermatt, so with some help from the tourist info centre we made a plan for the day which involved buying tickets to the top on the Gornergrat Express and part of the way back down. A return ticket to the top costs 94 Swiss Francs, or about AU$130.

    We left the train at Riffelberg and followed walk 19 via Riffelsee to re-board the train at Rotenboden. We saw large groups walking on other trails but almost had our trail to ourselves until we got to Riffelsee where you see a reflection of the Matterhorn in the lake.

    We had a coffee at Gornergrat, sitting in brilliant sunshine. When we moved to get away from a smoker we got talking to a local couple who have spent a total of 6 years in Australia. After coffee we walked up to the panoramic viewpoint nearby, then caught the train down to Riffelalp where we followed the number 21 walk to the top of the SunneggaExpress, an underground funicular railway.

    We didn't have tickets for the Sunnegga, but had been told we could take it to the bottom and buy a ticket there. There was some problem with the train, so we joined the large number of people sitting on the cold damp steps from which you board the steeply sloping train. After an hour the problem was apparently fixed and we were allowed to board. In France we have yet to have our tickets checked on any train or tram. In Switzerland you pay or you walk, with conductors checking tickets on every train, and at Zermatt your electronic ticket is required to get either on or off every lift or train.

    We suggested to the man supervising the exit gates that, since we had waited for a full hour due to a fault, perhaps he could just let us out without having to buy tickets. He didn't take too much persuading and opened the gate for us.

    Dinner included a very nice bratwurst from the barbeque in front of the butcher shop.

    So many wildflowers I have created a Google Photos album: https://goo.gl/photos/mYWQYmBUcTvSTi517

    11km 511mts climbing    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    1Two old goats
    Climbers memorial15th-16th century buildings1Ned Kelly Alive & Well

    Zermatt 2 Rest Day

    4 luglio 2017, Svizzera ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Strolled around Zermatt, watched stage 4 of the tour and caught up on bits and pieces.
    There is a cluster of very old buildings in the centre of Zermatt - all wooden, some 15th-16th century and obviously protected to the irritation of developers, I'd say.
    The cemetery is lined with the graves of young men, particularly young englishmen, who died in their attempt on the Matterhorn, the slightly bigger Weisshorn or one of the other very big surrounding peaks.
    After another bratwurst from the Metzgerei barbeque we had a drink at a bar in the main drag. The small beer and glass of rosè cost about AU$10 each, but we were served by an Italian reincarnation on Ned Kelly.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    On the way down from Zermatt
    On the Rhone cycle route.A friendly face once we hit the Rhone bike pathOur campground in SierreSwiss Plage campground - the next morningSwiss Plage

    Zermatt to Sierre

    5 luglio 2017, Svizzera ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Do not attempt the ride down from Zermatt. Busy, narrow road, broken up surface, fast cars, trucks and buses, 4 of whom attempted murder on the poor Aussie cyclist. But we lived to tell the tale!
    Once we hit the Eurovelo 17, the Rhone Cycle route, at Visp, the route was very good.
    Since we have to catch a train tomorrow we just headed for a campground we liked the look of. Our little tent is under some shady trees (33 degrees this afternoon) next to a lake and the wifi from the restaurant reaches to it. We had a quick refreshing swim in the lake.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Shortly after leaving Vallorcine
    Between Vallorcine and ArgentiereFrom the centre of ChamonixVaudagneChappelle de Vaudagne

    Sierre to St Gervais les Bains

    6 luglio 2017, Francia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We were held up leaving our campground in Sierre, as nothing opened until 9am & we couldn't pick up the meds. So we missed the early train back to France. The trip up from Sierre through Martigny to Le Chatelard on the Swiss-French border was, as expected, very scenic and made more enjoyable by a chat with some friendly yanks from Utah. At Le Chatelard, we transferred to a bus, which dropped us a few kilometres later at Vallorcine, to start our climb towards St Gervais Les Bains. The road to Chamonix was nice, but the traffic increased thereafter. Chamonix was very touristy, as you'd expect. Our ride took us through Argentiere, Chamonix, and through long, steep rolling hills, mostly newly surfaced, around Les Houches and Vaudagne to our gite, a few kilometres before St Gervais Les Bains. The last few kilometres were particularly steep, heavily trafficked and a bit of a challenge, coming late in the day.
    But the gite, Gite Mont Joly, was fantastic.
    We were welcomed by Brendan, asking whether we wanted a beer, wine or shower first. He and Miranda and the children, Finn, Eoin & Oisin (about 15 mths old and obsessed with parapentes), made us feel like family and we enjoyed their generous hosting, their good rosé and good company. We "cooked" potato gratin dauphinois and quiche? for dinner and enjoyed the peaceful family atmosphere.
    50km, 710m climbing.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    The first 10km was seriously uphill.
    MegeveMegeve is a very nice town4Top of the last big climb of the day. Steep.Swimming Lac D'Annecy Doussard

    Saint Gervais les Bains to Doussard

    7 luglio 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    We got an early start from the gite, leaving the fee inside the hosts "prive" door, so as not to wake them. The traffic had not yet reached its full peak, when we turned right off the main road a few kms of steepish climbing later, in St Gervais Les Bains. After 10-12 km of constant climbing and steadily worsening traffic, it was a relief to roll into stylish Megeve, with its extensive morning markets just starting to kick off.
    We had coffee and cake in a lovely corner watching the market activity.
    The traffic wasn't too bad after Megeve, and Tracey made it up the 10% climb on the bypass without strangling me at the top. There was a long steep descent to negotiate, but, fortunately, most of it was newly surfaced.
    Lunch in Ugine from the Boulangerie and eaten pique-nique style beside the gloriously smooth, gloriously fIat, gloriously traffic-free and shady CYCLE PATH. The path led all the way to Doussard.
    We met our friends, Karen and Eric, in the campervan in Doussard and camped next to the lake - a great evening of swimming, catching up, eating and drinking ensued.
    60km, 810m climbing.    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Practising for tomorrow.Georgie out front on "Aussie corner"

    Doussard to Mont du Chat

    8 luglio 2017, Francia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We drove to the top of Mont du Chat. Absolutely packed out anywhere near the top so we turned around and drove down 5km to find a spot to park the campervan. After giving hearty congratulations to Erik for finding a spot with plenty of room and a spectacular view, and a celebratory beer/wine, we mounted the Swedish, Norwegian and Aussie flags. Many thanks to Knud and Erica for Aussie flag, which still, thankfully, always gets a great response.
    After a few beers we heard a car go past with Aussies yelling out. Pat went around to the front of the van to give them a wave. Unbelievably, in a car a few behind the Aussies was a group of young French men including Hugo, the young French policeman who had helped us when the panniers had been stolen. They stopped and Hugo came over to say hello. Unbelievable.
    Later still, more friends arrived - Aussies who now lived in Finland, but were holidaying in southern Europe. Welcome Alex, Georgie, Sienna & Leo - lovely folk, who added much needed style to "Aussie corner".
    In Georgie's words:-
    " We drove the route and realised the urgency in which the decision had to be made. The mountain was filling rapidly with boisterous spectators dribbling into every available piece of road verge, with still 24 hours remaining before the riders hit! As we climbed the 15 km of Mont du Chat’s windy, narrow road we could feel the excitement in the air. The atmosphere was electric and we were instantly addicted, we had to be part of this. As we wound back down the mountainside we came across a group of fellow Aussie’s, flags flying flamboyantly! Pulling up alongside their monster of a camper van there was an instant bond over chants of ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie’. They invited us to join their festivities ready for the race the following day. There was a small space just large enough for our van beside their camper. Let’s do it!
    *
    Our race was on, we had 1.5 hour to get down the hill, fill the van with water, buy food and drinks to last the next 24 hours, and ready our potable toilet. The mountain road was due to be closed off at 5.30 that evening! We achieved the impossible again and were reversing the van into our tight position at 5.30pm with just millimeters to spare between the road and imminent death toppling over the cliff! We’d made it, we couldn’t believe it was really happening, we were road side in our camper at the Tour de France!". You can find Georgie's blog at
    https://readysteadyfinnish.wordpress.com/2017/0…    Leggi altro

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  • Pat EslerParis to Milan by bikePat Esler
    Aussie corner1

    Tour de France 2017 Stage 9

    9 luglio 2017, Francia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    So much fun was had by all today.
    The preparatory barracking sessions, the scramble for Le Tour Caravan goodies - won by Pat- the fabulous food, wine and company. It was a day to remember. Thank you to Karen, Eric, Alex, Georgie, Sienna, Leo, Hugo & friends and all the aussies who stopped to chat.
    In Georgie's words:-
    "We shared a fabulous 24 hours on the mountain with our new friends Tracey, Pat, Karen and Eric. We shared travel tales, politics and caught up on news from Australia. The day was a massive success and definitely lived up to all our very high expectations. Oh, and the race was pretty fabulous too!"
    The only low note came when we realised Ritchie Porte had crashed.    Leggi altro

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