As lots of , I used to be as soon as a cycle tour information in Europe (which was the genesis of this weblog). The corporate the place I labored for all these years, Blue Marble Journey, has formed my life in numerous methods however sadly not exists. Just a few weeks in the past, I used to be again in France, driving a type of Blue Marble routes, however not as a information; this time I used to be driving solo.
Right now is the one “loop day” of my journey, which implies that the bike trip begins and ends in the identical city; thus, there is no such thing as a must pack up earlier than heading out. Often, that may be a excellent factor as familiarity often results in consolation or a minimum of much less stress.
However.
Meyrueis is an “fascinating” city. Whereas it’s situated in a unbelievable spot to discover the pure fantastic thing about the Gorges du Tarn, the Gorges de la Jonte, and the Gorges du Trévezel, the city is a bit, properly, grim. Don’t get me incorrect, a stroll about city is definitely worth the effort (it is not going to take all that lengthy), however when in comparison with the opposite cities I had already visited on this journey, Meyrueis by comparability is, properly, a bit grim.
That is additionally mirrored in each my lodge and the restaurant alternatives on the town. My lodge, grandly named L’Hôtel de l’Europe, was tremendous, however I doubt anybody would give it something north of three stars on Yelp. After a cold, lengthy day within the saddle, I spent the final a number of kilometers approaching the city salivating over the considered a heat bathe. Properly, it took about twenty minutes for the water to warmth up.
It’s that sort of lodge.
The eating scene on the town isn’t a lot better. The truth that what most take into account the finest restaurant on the town, Le Saint-Saveur, was inexplicably closed the 2 nights I used to be there. There have been a couple of different eating places that appeared to deal with regional specialties, which is generally proper up my alley, however one was full of cigarette smoke (actually? in 2024?) and the opposite had just one alternative for the primary dish: frog legs. I’m not averse to the stereotypical French “delicacy”, frog legs are a dedication; they’re quite a lot of work for little or no sustenance. Oh. And the frog factor.
However the driving? Nothing in need of magical. I’ve ridden my bike in just about each area of France, however the driving down right here within the Cévennes would possibly win for “most beautiful pure magnificence” (though the Alps…).
As you may see, the route for the day is a bit daunting; 50 miles and over 4,000 toes of climbing. Whereas the gap isn’t all that scary, it might actually take six months of driving just about each day to get that sort of elevation achieve in Houston.
The route didn’t present many lunch choices, so I made a decision to have my salad in Meyrueis earlier than heading out.
The tiny perched city of Cantorbes.
Extra Cantorbes.
Yet one more Gorges, this one carved by the Dourbie River.
The even tinier “city” of La Roque-Sainte-Marguerite.
La Roque-Ste.-Marguerite up shut.
The hills of La Causse Noir.
No frog legs for dinner, however reasonably a little bit of pasta Bolognese (mine is best).
That’s all for this leg of the journey, again once more subsequent week with extra!
