Tuesday 10th October 2017
Today the plan was to drive over to Mont Ventoux, the famous mountain in Provence, topping out at 1912 metres above sea level. The mountain has been climbed many times by the riders of the Tour De France, with stage finishes there numbering ten. The wind at the top has been measured at over 200mph at times but we were lucky as the wind was relatively calm, and the temperature was a balmy 8 degrees as we reached the top. The temperature as we started the climb was 22! On the way up we enjoyed some excellent autumnal colours of the trees.
As we continued to climb we passed a number of cyclists pursuing their dream of climbing this mountain. How they endure the stress of the continual 21.8km climb at an average gradient of 7.43% is beyond me. This must be an extremely welcoming sight to them all.
As you climb, the trees start to thin out and the terrain starts to resemble the surface of the moon.
At the peak there is a weather station, constructed in 1882, but it is no longer in use.
We wandered around the peak taking in the superb views for a while, then rewarded ourselves with a coffee & madeleines as we watched more & more cyclists complete the climb. On the way down, whilst using engine braking to save our brakes, we were overtaken by one keen descender, he must have been doing 50mph! Chapeau!
On the way home, because we are huge fans of the regions work, we detoured to pass through Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the famous wine growing village & region. The whole of the surrounding area is dedicated to growing grapevines, an amazing sight.
Back at the caravan we enjoyed a marvellous sunset with a cheeky G&T while watching the bats overhead.
