Faucon (Provence) - Apr/May '12
Part two of our South of France trip saw us arriving in an unseasonably cold Provence and looking out of the gite window at rolling fields of vines on to the looming mass of Mont Ventoux.
Another wonderful home from home with a little log burning stove for heating which got a good workout for a couple of weeks until the sun decided to shine. Not that the weather would stop the riding, maybe just delay the inevitable assault on Ventoux - the headline of this stay of course.
Aside from the cycling, which is truly amazing in this part of the world (many cols and valleys to explore aside from the main event of Ventoux) we really enjoyed a lot more relaxation and the chance to discover numerous gems here in Provence.
The astute viewer will notice that Pratiwi & I were joined by her sister for a short part of the time here which made the stay even more enjoyable.
Saturday 14 April 2012
Evening arrival at our 2nd gite. View from the bedroom shows Ventoux shrouded in cloud. Other hills look nice too! 
Sunday 15 April 2012
Integrating at the local 'Flower Festival'. Not many flowers, but they had crêpes & other goodies so who cares? 
Sunday 15 April 2012
Winter hasn't quite let go yet with some chilly nights. So we get to enjoy the log burner - in more ways than one
Friday 20 April 2012
For those curious as to why I haven't mentioned riding Mont Ventoux yet... the view from our bedroom explains it
Saturday 21 April 2012
View NE-ish from Col d'Ey, 2nd of 3 cols on the morning ride. The descent was awesome, and final one even more so!
Thursday 26 April 2012
Le Mont Ventoux. Last snow of spring in the last light of day.
Saturday 28 April 2012
The girls at dinner in Vaison-la-Romaine. A little celebration as it's been a while 
Sunday 29 April 2012
Upon discovering la supermarché closes midday on a Sunday one just has to make do with wares from la boulangerie
Tuesday 1 May 2012
As it was covered in cloud, only shots from top of Mt Ventoux are pretty poor 
Nice views half way down though
Thursday 3 May 2012
What a beautiful ride this morning with Pratiwi. Stopped for many pictures and a slice (or 2) of cake in Brantes
Friday 4 May 2012
Friday morning markets at Carpentras. Lots more goodies collected for lunch
Saturday 5 May 2012
Ideally the tower on Ventoux should be silhouetted by this 'super moon' but it wasn't to be. Oh well - next time
Monday 7 May 2012
Part of this morning's ride passed from Suzette to Malaucène. Great views on this stretch & a great ride of course
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Had an easy ride with the ladies today. Here's Pratiwi and Vicki and the view from just below Col de Propiac
Thursday 10 May 2012
Hmmmmm... roast chicken for lunch. Although the Indonesian interpretation of roast potatoes is a little unusual
Friday 11 May 2012
A glorious day here to head back up Mt Ventoux. Could actually see something other than cloud at the top!
Saturday 12 May 2012
A 2nd trip to Avignon is a bit nicer. Lesson: do not approach a city from it's train station for the best impression.
Saturday 12 May 2012
Time for a quick look at Le Barroux. Or the view to be more precise. Think I prefer mountains to plains though.
Saturday 12 May 2012
Lunch in Malaucène. Entrée and main... don't think desert was on the table long enough for a picture
Saturday 12 May 2012
Trip computer said 95km range left but thought it time to refuel. Still, 822km since last time is pretty good, eh?
Sunday 13 May 2012
Wasn't going to go riding this arvo (it's a bit windy & want to watch the Giro). But now thinking I perhaps should 
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Views from this morning's jolly (but rather cold and windy would you believe?!) ride over a few cols.
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Vulture spotting on the cliffs above Rémuzat. Got some half decent shots & amazing to see these guys flying so close.
Thursday 17 May 2012
Views from the road, above St May, from above Rémuzat, South of Col de Soubeyrand & South Col d'Ey. Great day out.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Earlier today: View passing Montbrun-les-Bains & later water stop. The sun is shining again after few days of rain
Thursday 24 May 2012
A bit late maybe, but time for a look round the medieval bit of Vaison-la-Romaine. Very nice. Plus lunch of course
Thursday 24 May 2012
Crazy light this evening. Little more so due to processing perhaps? Car will be for sale next year if you fancy it
Friday 25 May 2012
Last day here in Faucon: time to pack for some. For others the sun is out & there are still new roads to ride!
Friday 25 May 2012
Last Faucon ride done (sob!). Bike wash done. Time to hang on the drying tree before being packed for the trip ahead.
Saturday 26 May 2012
Time to leave Faucon so a quick reminder of what has been a wonderful home for the last 6 weeks. We'll miss it here
Saturday 26 May 2012
Routes cycled around Faucon. Ventoux is the grey-ish blob top/centre. Look at all those juicy cols & valleys too!
