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From the chateaux of the Loire Valley to Lyon, the countryside whispered its history and charm while it tickled our taste buds. Then Annecy's pure water and clean air at the base of the Alps refreshed our spirits. Pont du Gard and Avignon inspired us with the heartbeat of Provence, and finally, Nice beckoned us to its legendary shores to conclude the group travel portion of our Tour de France.
From the chateaux of the Loire Valley to Lyon, the countryside whispered its history and charm while it tickled our taste buds. Then Annecy's pure water and clean air at the base of the Alps refreshed our spirits. Pont du Gard and Avignon inspired us with the heartbeat of Provence, and finally, Nice beckoned us to its legendary shores to conclude the group travel portion of our Tour de France.
Amboise and the loire Valley
Amboise and the loire Valley
Our first group photo at Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chenonceau and the gardens were stunning.
The last home of Leonardo DaVinci, who was enticed to come to Amboise in 1516 for his last few years by the 20-year-old King Francis I. The king simply wanted to be friends with the Italian genius. He gave DaVinci a house with a studio, plus a garden which displays some of his attempted inventions and sculptures.
DaVinci's studio and garden
Lyon - The cultural capital
Lyon - The cultural capital
Markets are everywhere!
Chef Paul Bocuse, Lyon
Lyon surprised us with its rich history as a cultural and food capital. It is the third largest city in France, but rivals Marseille for urban influence.
With its combination of Roman ruins, World War II history, and a modern cuisine vibe, residents live by the saying, "How well you eat determines how well you live."
We ate very well.
We ate very well.
Cathedrals high and low are living museums.
Lyon's tunnels were used by the French Resistance during WWII to ferry messages and fugitives through the city.
Annecy
Annecy
Bridge of Love, Annecy
We had a memorable dinner at Annecy’s smallest restaurant, run by an Austrian man and his wife. The honeyed chicken was the most tender I have ever tasted. I asked him how they got it so tender, and he said his wife threw it on the ground and stomped on it. He also explained that our tap water was from the lake, but they had removed the plastic and you could hardly taste the dead things. When our glasses were empty, I asked in French, “Could we have more lake water, please?”
We had a memorable dinner at Annecy’s smallest restaurant, run by an Austrian man and his wife. The honeyed chicken was the most tender I have ever tasted. I asked him how they got it so tender, and he said his wife threw it on the ground and stomped on it. He also explained that our tap water was from the lake, but they had removed the plastic and you could hardly taste the dead things. When our glasses were empty, I asked in French, “Could we have more lake water, please?”
Some of our group took a day trip to Chamonix for a closer look at Mont Blanc. We stayed behind for a bike ride by the lake and market day in the ancient town built around a river.
avignon
avignon
Pont du Gard, a first century Roman aqueduct outside Avignon.
We stopped at a grocery store on the way to Pont du Gard to pick up picnic supplies - a classic Rick Steves moment - and a memorable highlight for the group, sharing simple foods in a timeless and classic setting.
Palace of the Pope from the 1300s when Avignon rivaled Rome for leadership of the Catholic world.
We celebrated Margaret's very special birthday, fitting for our very special guide.
Nice
Nice
The Mediterranean shore was surprisingly rocky. We strolled on the beach, but not with bare feet. A tour of the Rothschild Chateau at Cap Ferrat gave us a feel for what the region meant to the rich and famous of the Belle Epoque. We rounded the day off with a seaside lunch at Villefranche sur Mer. A friendly chat with a local globetrotter from Monaco over lunch completed the Mediterranean portion of our adventure.
Nice with its rocky beach
At Nice, we said au revoir to our tour group, and slowly worked our way home, beginning with a deeper experience in Provence.
At Nice, we said au revoir to our tour group, and slowly worked our way home, beginning with a deeper experience in Provence.
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