Today we bid farewell to the south and began the trek north and home. It has been an eventful few weeks but very enjoyable.

Today was full of contrasts except for the wind. Yet again it has blown and gusted so it put paid to any cycling activity. At times it was so strong that it blew the van about on the motorway but the views were worth the wobbling of the vehicle.

After leaving Lambesc, and buying six bottles of wine from the local cave, we headed west towards Arles and the Carmague. This should have provided us with an opportunity to get the bikes out for a couple of miles touring across the flats of the mouth of the Rhone. However, when we arrived at the designated spot to the south west of Arles the wind made this impossible. We tried to see the birds but I think they were keeping their heads down so it was a disappointing morning.

We then headed north towards Millau and the iconic bridge. After heavy traffic in Montpellier we headed onto the A75 and began the long slow climb into the hills. Along with the wind.

This area is called the Causse du Larzac and it is a wild area, with large outcops of rock, few trees and steep cliffs. Part of the drive involved climbing up to Le Caylar which stands nearly 3000 feet above sea level and involved a slow winding climb up the side of a valley. The views at the top were worth the effort. But it was cold in the wind!

Finally we headed for the Millau Viaduct, although the question of whether it would be open (because of the wind) was always present. It was open and the sight was spectacular. We obviously had to stop and climb to the viewing area, along with many other people. The view down the valley towards Millau and beyond was tremendous, marred a little by the lack of sunshine but worth the effort. It is hard to imagine that a few years ago all traffic had to wend its way along the valley floor and through the town; probably a grim prospect in the summer holiday rush.

Following all of that we now had to find our campsite which was north of MIllau in a valley. Narrow twisty roads beneath steep cliffs and the nearest village several miles away was the result. Set alongside the River Tarn it is very quiet and peaceful with only bird song to disturb the evening. That is until I begin to snore!