off to the beaches of Bordeaux

On the evening of the 25th we packed our gear and headed on a trip to Bordeaux, touring through the forests, villages and vinyards. That evening saw my first taste of driving (much to the horror of pasengers and driver alike). Thankfully I was tasked with driving on the open roads rather than trying to get to grips with french round-abouts and city streets. We camped savage near Gimmel les Cascades in a clearing in some woods. After a somewhat cold night we continued to the cascades, Beaulieu sur Dordogne for a picnic lunch and wander around a medieval cité.

We made our own pilgramage of sorts to Rocamadour, a church built into the side of a cliff and a fortress on top dating back from well before the 11th century. Sarlat le Canada was our next stop for glass (icecream) and the towns marchè, which included geese being herded (cute to emma and I, foie gras on legs to JJ). Deciding to go a bit more upmarket, we headed for a campground for the night.

We attempted to see prehistoric rock art at Las Caux, but were weylaid by a pastry shop and the huge lines for billets. Not ones for queues, we headed to Les Roque Saint Christopher to view impressive trologdites which were occupied for 50000 years. These are basically whole towns which were carved and erected into the side of limestone cliffs adjacent to rivers.

Then it was on our way to Bordeaux. The city is very impressive although I thought Lyon was a bit more elegant. We cycled through the city viewing the river, fountains and grande buildings. Dinner was at a wee tapa bar although in a classic french setting.

The following day we cruised round the city on our bikes again for a last look before making our way to the beach at Lacanuc. After getting a campsite we wandered down to the beach. Although it was fairly warm (25degrees) the sea mist had rolled in: really we were lucky to see about 50-100 metres in any direction. From what we could see, the beach is a lot like The Mount, just a few more french people, suprise suprise. Quite a few grommets out learning to surf and would have been fun to get back on a board, although the waves were pretty messy and onshore. After a swim we headed into town for drinks and dinner. Beautiful seafood as expected and a gorgeous sunset (the mist had finally dissipated).

Various photos to come :)

I would love to say that we made it home and got up the following morning for a tour of some bordeaux vineyards, however that was not to be (refer to cycle tour tip number 2). However, I am fine :)

Otherwise, the french is coming along. as well as being able to order a varity of food (generally by saying "I would like that please" and pointing to some form of delicious pastry or tart I have yet to have sampled), I can ask a few simple questions and understand basic directions. It seems though that you tend to understand more than you can say, especially as a lot of words are the same.