A short post to cover a long (450km) day.
I thought that the journey to Die would provide plenty of suitably punning opportunities ('roads to Die for' etc) but, in fact, whereas Fi and I came across the dramatic Death Valley-type landscapes of this part of France from the relatively gentle hills of north-western Italy, Charlie and I had already been spoiled by the super drama of the Swiss alps. So it was less dramatic though no less beautiful.
If you're looking for drama I'd recommend the Pra Loup: a death-defying series of unprotected bends that snake their way up a vertiginous mountain somewhere near Barcellonetta. If you're into your Tour de France history, you'll know that this is the spot where Eddie Meryx did something pretty special back in the days when Lucozade was considered to be a performance-enhancing cocktail. If not, take it from me that we were seriously considering this as France's late entry to the 'Best Road of the Tour' competition.
With a lot ground to cover, we just made it to our next stop, Cipieres, as dusk was falling. We're a few miles north of Nice, staying with a friend who is lucky enough to live here all year round. This is the most south easterly point of our trip. Day off tomorrow. From now on, we're heading west and then north, largely retracing the path that I took by bicycle last autumn.
I thought that the journey to Die would provide plenty of suitably punning opportunities ('roads to Die for' etc) but, in fact, whereas Fi and I came across the dramatic Death Valley-type landscapes of this part of France from the relatively gentle hills of north-western Italy, Charlie and I had already been spoiled by the super drama of the Swiss alps. So it was less dramatic though no less beautiful.
If you're looking for drama I'd recommend the Pra Loup: a death-defying series of unprotected bends that snake their way up a vertiginous mountain somewhere near Barcellonetta. If you're into your Tour de France history, you'll know that this is the spot where Eddie Meryx did something pretty special back in the days when Lucozade was considered to be a performance-enhancing cocktail. If not, take it from me that we were seriously considering this as France's late entry to the 'Best Road of the Tour' competition.
With a lot ground to cover, we just made it to our next stop, Cipieres, as dusk was falling. We're a few miles north of Nice, staying with a friend who is lucky enough to live here all year round. This is the most south easterly point of our trip. Day off tomorrow. From now on, we're heading west and then north, largely retracing the path that I took by bicycle last autumn.
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