Other Recent Articles
Bicycle Gourmet’s French Photo Tour Workshop 2020
Bicycle Gourmet’s French Photo Tour Workshop 2020 – guided, bien sur by DA BG is chock full of Photo Ops.
As a Professional Photographer, I can confirm that the beauty and variety of the French Landscape is nothing short of Awesome. With a capital “A.”
But France is much more than just Photo Ops. It’s History. Culture. Cuisine. Wine. Fashions. And most importantly – the incredible genuine hospitality of the French People.
That’s why every year – my other committments permitting – I cycle through the French Country backroads with 6 or 8 lucky Francophiles (never more) sharing the Treasures of France I know intimately.
These voyages of discovery go down in June, July and September. (NEVER August. The month all the French take their holidays!)
Here’s the skinny:
June – The Loire Valley.
Ok, first of all, Da Bg lives there. That should tell ya something – right? And when, you experience the rich tapestry of this region, you’ll understand why it was the playground for the ancient Kings of France. Naturally we won’t neglect the marvy Chateau’s in which they cavorted – but “Da Bg Advantage” is my intimate knowledge of the tiny villages and off the beaten track spots – that are not in the guidebooks.
July – The Drome Provencal.
This region, is just above(north) of the PACA(Provence Alps Cote D’Azur) region. It being too famous for the Riviera, Cannes, Nice, etc.
The main advantages of “le Drome” are that it has virtually the same climate as it’s way more crowded Southern neighbour,(and thus the same fruits and veggies), and is WAY less crowded. Plus dotted with picture postcard villages, filled with friendly (not picture postcard) people.
September – Vaucluse. Hilltop Villages in the Luberon National Park.
This one is “first among equals” for Da Bg – as I used to hang my (non-existant) hat there.
While the village of Gordes is the most over famous/touristated, there is much more charm (and fewer visitors) in the adjoining villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste ( Chateau of the Marquis de Sade – the original “tough love” guy) and Roussillon. Renowned for it’s ocre cliffs. And the dust from them. Prized by artists the World over.
All of this – in a National Park! What more could ya want?
The Nitty Gritty:
- I only do one tour per month.
- Prices vary each season. Due to those items I provide (accomodation/food/bike rentals, etc.) whose prices also vary each year. Contact me for this season’s rates.
- There is no “singles supplement.”
- You arrive on a Sunday. Welcome meal on me. Then 10 days in the saddle. Goodbye meal(on me) on the second Wednesday. Thursday – you go home.
- Difficulty . A piece of cake (The Loire) to moderate (The Drome) to moderate with an occasional challenge. (Hilltop Villages)
Here’s how previous client’s rated “Da Bg Experience:”
“A truly incredible experience – on all levels. Photographic, senic and human. if you love france and photography, the bicycle gourmet has got your back!”
Larry and Meg Evans, Beverly hills, CA.
“As brits who’ve visited France many times, we thought we’d seen it all. We were wrong! Very wrong. Our eyes, and our insights were opened wide by the knowledge and talent of Christopher Strong. He Shared his “Secret France” with us, and our small band of photo adventurers…leaving us with incredible memories and equally incredible images. We will be back!
Nigel and Daphne Cavendish, London, UK
“What impressed us most about the Bicycle Gourmet’s Photo Workshop was his amazing knowledge of incredible photographic locations, most of them not in any guidebook. This enabled even technically challenged photographers(like us!) to come away with images so fantastic, our friends couldn’t believe we took them. Christopher’s patience,accessibility, and obvious delight in sharing his love for France was contagious and very inspirational. Highly recommended!
Sven and Gudren Larssen, Stockholm, Sweden
What to do now:
Tell me what tour(s) you’d like, with preferred dates (and at least one alternate)- and we’ll go from there.
Contact me here : bgtof@yahoo.com, with “tours” in the subject line.
I reply personally to every mail.
Da Bg is Ready. France is Ready. Are you?
French Revolution – France is Revolting
French Revolution – France is Revolting. And it’ s not the first time. As you are no doubt well aware.
In the first French Revolution, many people lost their heads, in a revolt that started over the shortage of bread. A “selective” one. As there was plently to go around for the Royals. (Suprise, suprise.)
BTW – There’s no evidence to confirm that Marie Antoinette actually responded to the peasant’s bread-less plight by saying: “Let them eat cake.”( Although you have to admit, it’s a great sound bite.)
France Revolting for the second time was much more recent, and, happily this time, the “losing of heads” was emotional and not (mortally) physical. I explained this “revolting” state of affairs,which is still marginally continuing, in THIS POST.
French Revolution No. 3 is now upon us. And it is a Blockbuster. The Mother of all Revolutions French.
Because the entire country is revolting!
Train drivers/conductors. Lawyers. Doctors. Nurses. Office workers. Secretaries. Plumbers. Electricians. Longshoremen.
Bottom line: Everyone not wearing a $200 suit and/or driving a $50,000 car.
Refineries are being blocked. Gas stations low on/and/or out of gas. Ports shut down by “revolters.” Ships can’t unload cargo. Ditto for long haul truckers stuck as revolters barricade highways.
And this time it’s NOT about bread. This Third French Revolution is all about the French Retirement age. Which the Government wants to extend by two years, and institute a “one size fits all” financial rewards system.
Which, as even a high school dropout(me) can understand, is several light years past planet pathetic.(In the galaxy of stupid.)
Here’s why: different occupations have different “game over” ages.
Ballet dancers are “over the hill” at 45. (If not earlier) Office workers can go the distance to 62 with no sweat.
Other occupations, roofer, for example, are more physically demanding and/or more dangerous.
Traditionally, the differences in these occupations was taken into account at cash out time. Now – new ball game – if the elyseè palace has it’s way.
And that – is what has (almost) all the French Panties in a knot.
As you would expect – as tempers rise and tensions come along for the ride – there are “incidents” on both sides of the fence.
Cops stepping “out of line” – revolters smashing shops and burning cars. The “business as usual” aspects of any “demonstration” with unequal participants with (often) different agendas. (ie – the “casseurs” and the “gilet jaunes” – you DID read THIS POST – right?)
One of the cornerstones of the French Constitution is the “right to demonstrate.” (Their word is: “manifestation.”)
And, this Revolution notwithstanding, the French are totally ready to “manifest” at the drop of a hat/and/or privilege denied.
So much so, that many French refer to their country, jokingly, but accurately as “le paye du grevè. (The country of strikes.”)
Where/when will this Revolting French Revolution end?
“God only knows. God makes his plans. The informations not available to the mortal man.”
– Slip Slidin’ Away – Paul Simon –
THROW ME A BONE HERE PEOPLE!
WHAT ARE YA THINKIN’?
Bicycle Gourmet’s French Backroads
Bicycle Gourmet’s French Backroads. Don’t own them. But often feel like it. After gliding down them for the past zillion and a half years.
And even after all that time, for Da BG, the Backroads of France never cease to amaze, delight, and provoke no small quantities of wonder and awe.
How could it be otherwise in a country where everything changes every 50 KM. The landscape, the food, the wine, the monuments, the local twist on the language.
One thing that, happily doesn’t change, is the genuine warmth and hospitality of the French People. Particularly along the French Country Backroads of “La France Profunde.”
These are the “Treasures of France” which, while they are on the map, are attracting few to no tourists. Because their only attraction is silence.(the occasional tractor or herd of cows/sheep on the road notwithstanding.)
Yes, “La France Profunde” is mainly agricultural. A place where you will have no trouble finding “miles and miles of miles.” However, finding an ATM will definitely be a challenge.
Likewise bread. Yes, a shocker I know. As we folks from “over there” fantasize there is a boulangerie in every French Village.
Au contraire mon frerè. In “Hamlets” – settlements smaller than a village – bread is delivered to/sold at the local tobacconists. Or whatever other store most locals use.
This – for me – is the beauty of “France in the slow lane.” It’s never going to change. Because in addition to never being a tourist “attraction” – French law regards virtually every empty field as a “cultural heritage.”
Meaning that any enterprising froggie dreaming of turning that acreage into a boutique and swingin’ hot spot is definitely S.O.L.
While every region of France has it’s own variation of “senic beauty” – that wonderfulness, obviously changes with the seasons.
Plus – in “La France Profunde” – given it’s miles and miles of miles – there is not much variation. And virtually no color.
Alors – what better destination on the French Country Backroads for Black and White photography?
And – it just so happens that Da Bg has some. (The Infa-Red Variety)*
Voila! – a little visual taste of the French Country Backroads.
FYI – photo buffs, and/or those who photograph in the buff, these images shot with a Samsung WB500/Schneider 24mm ultra wide lens, converted to IR. No photoshop. All images here directly from the camera.
More of my photo madness at:
http://strongeditions.best
http://artpix4.me
*infa-red photography – Google it!
Throw Me Bone Here People!
What are ya Thinkin’?
