Montpellier to Arles – 80km

(River Lez bike path, D21 – bike path, D59, D255, D62, D46, D58, D38c, D570)

Raindrops and tears were falling as we bid farewell to  our Paris-based family after a wonderful week together sightseeing, eating, playing with and cuddling our 7-week old grandson and 21-month old granddaughter. Despite unseasonably cold weather and broken nights, our son and daughter in law were determined to make the most of  this vacation, for which we are in awe and hugely appreciative! We were also pleased that our nephew, Marius and his wife, Helen (aka as “Team Twite” from previous cycle trip blogs) flew from Derby to join us at the end of the week. Unable to accompany us on their tandem this time, Marius and Helen took the train to Arles, where we met up again later for a superb meal together at Le Criquet.

The route from Montpelier was on bike paths almost all the way to the coast and on to La Grande-Motte. It should have been an easy ride,  but to the coast we  cycled into a strong blustery on-shore wind, which blew sand and salt into our faces.  The waves were high and apparently too dangerous for wind surfing. The wind continued to be a challenge for the rest of the day as we traversed the northern part of the Camargue past rice fields. We saw  Camargue Horses  beside the road.

Parkinson’s note: This is the last day of Parkinson’s Awareness Month. For those who are thinking of donating to PSBC, we encourage your support!

 The stormy Mediterranean (video)