Thanks for resting your eyeballs here for a moment.(They are resting, right?) If you rest them a little longer, you may learn some interesting,(hopefully)entertaining, and, yes, ocassionally BIZARRE things about FRENCH COUNTRY LIFE (more…)
Bicycle Gourmet | January 27th, 2017 | Continued
is different than the televised Tour de France.
In fact, The Bicycle Gourmet’s Tour de France is better. Not just for DA BG,but for you as well.
Here’s why:
1. Bicycle Gourmet’s Tour de France is longer. WWWay longer. Starting in late Spring and continuing until Early Autumn. (or whenever the weather stops playing nice.)
2. The Bicycle Gourmet’s Tour de France is sssssslower. (Yes, DA BG is the poster boy for the “slow bike movement.”) Slower means I actually see/enjoy the countryside, memorable moments with the locals, that my heads down mile-a-minute lycra clad cousins can’t.
3. The Bicycle Gourmet’s Tour de France is all about discovery and adventure. As my motto says : “Tasting the land and the people as well as the food and wine.” The speed crazed Tour de France is all about applause, medals and after shave/shaving foam/razor endorsements.
Remember I said at the start that The Bicycle Gourmet’s Tour de France is better than the classic one? for you also?
That’s because when DA BG glides down those sun dappled country roads – he records the beauty of it all -for you. In videos like this:
Chenonceau The Dream French Chateau is the one, of all I have known and seen – that I would like to be the owner of.
While it’s a cliche to say Chenonceau is “steeped in History” (and what French Chetau isn’t?) it is a history basically of rivalry and romance. The rivalry being between the Queen of that moment – Catherine de Medici, and Diane de Poitiers. The tutor, and later mistress of King Henri 2. My faithful readers ( all three of them) will recall I told this tale in THIS POST.
As the visual aspect of Chenonceau is it’s most distinctive and unique exterior feature, here are three videos that will give you -as you would imagine – three different flavors of this very large slice of French History:
Authors note: Chenonceau, although a classified Historical monument is owned by the Menier Family. (They of – at least in france – chocolate fame)
More Info HERE.
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
French Travel Secret Revealed is where I reveal the down side of being DA BG. Yes, Virginia, there IS a negative smiley face in my otherwise blissful existence. A subtle frown that creases the face of carefree revelry.
Like a wine that is almost perfect, My French Life has a touch of tannin. The bitter flavor of (ugh) responsibility. Which means that the French Cycling Gourmet is NEVER on a carefree holiday. Because dear reader, he’s always thinking of you. Thinking of how much you would enjoy what he is enjoying. And is therefore obliged to hip you to whatever trip he happens to be on.
This one is to a region of la Belle France that doesn’t get a lot of press. And for me, and the folks who dwell herein, that’s jus’ fine.
It is above the too famed Provence, and borders the Haute Alps and the Alps Maritime. Folks, meet la Drome Provencal. The southernmost part of la Drome proper. (my non altzheimer readers may recall THIS POST)
Like it’s southern neighbour, la Drome Provencal has an equally agreeable climate. Allowing it to produce wine, fruits and herbs in massive quantities. Sharing a big slice of Mt. Ventoux, means that it’s some serious sport candy for cyclists of the lyra clad “speed thrills” variety. (my cycling opposites, as you are no doubt well aware.)
Other than the ubiquitous tourism, Lavender and herbs are La Drome Provencal’s main exports.
What rattles my cage about this region is that it’s “the road less travelled”, (with virtually the same climate as the road too often travelled) there’s NO industry, (so, no pollution) and, with more villages than cities, plus mountains all around, you can get lost here.
With your camera, bien sur.
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
The Bicycle Gourmet invites you to join him on his adventures in France. Sign up for his FREE newsletter and get a copy of the BG's special report - Secret Treasures of France.
