It was more like English weather today as Dagmar and I cycled alongside the R. Gardon de St Jean. It rained and then it was windy. This is an unspoilt area and I forgave the weather for an otherwise pleasant journey. It was one of contrasts. On the one hand, the vineyards had gone to be replaced by dark brooding woods that overlooked the valley. One could easily be forgiven for thinking wolves roam here but instead dogs barked from isolated farmsteads. However down by the river, the little fields and banks looked ideal for summer camping where children could swim and run free.
I loved an old steam train at St Jean du Gard and lunch was delicious in a nearby cafe where time seemed to stand still.
We had intended to take a road through the Col de St Pierre but the wind was strong and we abandoned it favour of the lower route. Even so, the wind was still strong and we stopped early at St Andre de Valborgne. With a population now just over 400, it used to be thriving a hundred years ago being self contained with once farmed interesting terraces on the hillsides. We took an evening ride into the hills and found the most interesting scenery of the day.
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