Break out the gold card! (photo is actually of St Tropez for the eagle-eyed out there)

The seemingly unvarying landscape of the previous weeks was definately broken through this section. We were treated to endless vineyards, secluded forest tracks and long sandy beaches. Spent a couple of days cycling through the Medoc wine region before pulling up in Bordeaux. Took an organised wine tour to the St Emilion region, visiting the vineyard of Chateau Cantin as well as the town of St Emilion itself. The vineyard visit was interesting and the town v...

Jumped back on the bikes after waiting for the rain to clear although the tghe improved conditions were only temporary as most of this leg was tackeld in the rain and wind. First notable stop was Le Mont St Michel (see photo). This granite rock sits proud in the tidal flats of the bay and becomes an island during high tide, linked to mainland by a solitary causeway. We enjoyed a sunny afternoon wandering its many narrow, steep streets and wondering at the am...

480miles/770klms later we find ourself in Normandy. So far we have journeyed through the major towns of Brugge, Ghent and Ypres in Belguim and south through the French contryside to the historic region of Normandy. The cycling in Belguim consisted mainly of canal paths and some unintended detours thanks to the confusing directions of the locals. Cyclists everywhere and of every age. Thankfully the terrain was flat, allowing time for the legs and backsides to adju...