day off | ch3 - blog

(19km)

I had already decided from the day before that I would spend at least a day in Bordeaux. So I woke up when I was ready to, took my time, chatted a little more with the English cyclists and then made my way to the town center.

It is indeed a very beautiful city, with the big river of Garonne crossing it and dozens of pedestrianized streets in the center full of old buildings. I spend most of the day wondering around the center, getting lost in the alleys and looking into the nice shops. It’s always very interesting to go back to a lively and busy city after spending so much time by my self in the country side.

: The view of the city from the river

The city had plenty of those gates

Many alleys like this one

Saint Andre Cathedral

The typical French outdoor cafes and restaurants

Tourists in the mist

Being in a big city was a good opportunity for me to buy a couple of things I needed. I bought the next two maps and I finally managed to buy a stove and several supplies, with which I made my first warm dinner that will make my mom proud.

Maps to go all around the globe

My first tent-made dinner

(55km)

Yesterday, when I wrote about day off, I meant I would stay in the same camp site, but didn’t mean I willÂ not cycle.

After such a hot day, it was a big surprise to wake up in the rain. I got a little bit annoyed as I had so many things I wanted to see and do in the area. After my late breakfast I put all my waterproofs on and headed for the town of La Rochelle which was a little further than I thought.

Go away black cloud!

La Rochelle is very beautiful, maybe one of my best so far. Had loads of small alleys and old buildings with character, as well as an old port. Unfortunately I didn’t stay as much as I wanted, as I also wanted to cross to the island. I think it’s a place that I should revisit some time as it has so many things to offer.

By the post office at La Rochelle

La Rochelle port

To go to the island of Re, I had to cycle about 10km and cross another big bridge, which luckily had a dedicated cycle path, so things were kind of easy.

Crossing the bridge. Notice in which direction the wind blows again!

The 4km bridge as seen from the island

Again when I got to the island, I didn’t have to leave the cycle paths, as you can go to any little village on them. That’s why I saw numerous shops rending bikes. I didn’t want to cycle all the way to the west end of the island, as that was 30 kilometres away and didn’t fit with my day off. I visited La Flotte and Saint Martin De Re villages, both very beautiful.