La Belle France September 2022

[Tricky]

So after the debacle that was my last solo trip in October 2021 which resulted in my Harley being recovered from the docks at Portsmouth...



this season I decided to take a proper bike...

My trusty 2018 GSA




Monday 12/09

After a bit of autoroute I headed towards Troyes via Champagne country.







The Hotel Les Comtes De Champagne in Troyes is right in the middle of the Medieval Centre and in a great location.

 

[Tricky]

Tuesday 13/09

Heading south and my destination tonight was Castellane on the Route Napoleon for two nights.

My host was a bit of an old hippy as the place reeked of joss sticks and patchouli oil but she made me very welcome.

Wednesday 14/09

Breakfast was served in her cosy sitting room.

With the biggest cup for coffee I have ever witnessed!

I checked the weather...

Pissing down everywhere with thunderstorms overnight.

Beer O Clock started earlier

From tomorrow mind all was to be set fair however.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Excellent

 

[Doc]

All looks very nice Tricky.

 

[Tricky]

Wednesday 14/09

With sunshine and blue sky ahead I headed for Barcelonnette for the next two nights and part of the lower Route De Grand Alpes.

Going up the Col Du Allos

My base for the next two nights. The White Horse Inn.

 

[Tricky]

Thursday 15/09 continued. Previous post should have been Thursday 15/09/22

That afternoon I went up the Col Du Bonette.

I've been here a few times but its the first occasion when there has been no snow... not even on the peak tops.

France has had a very hot summer for sure.

Coffee and a chocolate brownie at the bottom.

And then walked into town and had a beer and watched the sun go down.

 

[Tricky]

Friday 16/09

Early breakfast.

With company!

Picked a route up to Briancon via the Col Du Vars and then back down to Barcelonette via the Col d'Izoard.

Stopped for a while to enjoy the peace and quiet and take it all in...

Then heard this bizarre screaming noise like an industrial hairdryer on full chat...

The answer

Lovely at the top.

Coffee time.

I suppose if this guy's customers needed to complain about his services he'd understand exactly what their beef was about.

Heading towards Briancon.

And then south to the Izoard.

Bucking the usual UKGser trend I opted for a lite lunch.

Like the countdown traffic lights... very common in these parts!

Back over the Vars and a few of these Alpine Cars having a day out.

 

[EVskiy]

My host was a bit of an old hippy as the place reeked of joss sticks and patchouli oil but she made me very welcome.

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Wife and I Walked past the said place just a few days earlier, as we were coming down from the trek to see the church up top. She loved it!

 

[Tricky]

Saturday 17/09

Time to head West to the quieter roads of the Drome, Massif Central, Dordogne and Limousin.

Never refuse the opportunity for a coffee break.

The Drome area is often ignored as folks tend to head for the Alps but is wild, beautiful and empty.

Going up the Col du Pennes.

Then onto the Massif Central.

I booked a room at St Flour and got there just as the sun was setting.

 

[Arsey]

Saturday 17/09

Time to head West to the quieter roads of the Drome, Massif Central, Dordogne and Limousin.

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Oi, that’s my fav lunch spot on the D93 !

 

[Tricky]

Sunday 18/09

On street parking opposite my Hotel and right in front of the church so no prayers needed for its safety.

So lucky with the weather this trip... unlike some.

No breakfast at the Hotel so popped to a local cake shop for my usual.

Watched these Microlites buzzing around for a while..

You'll have to wait buddy cos I've got more important business to attend to!!

Okay who shat on the road...

The culprits!

The beautiful Dordogne.

Piggy chase.

I had an offer to stay in my friends Gites for the night so packed some provisions.

On arrival they said the water was off due to a leak.

No problem as I came prepared for anything.

Hello smiler

One lady owner and never been used in the rain.

What a peaceful place.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Looks like you had a ball, fair play to you.
Nice to see a properly stickered up GSA too.

 

[Tricky]

Wife and I Walked past the said place just a few days earlier, as we were coming down from the trek to see the church up top. She loved it!

If I stayed there again I’d be taking my kaftan and peace pipe… so as to blend in more.

 

[Tricky]

Oi, that’s my fav lunch spot on the D93 !

I thought I noted a Captains Chair next to the bench.

 

[BigAlSoS]

Very nice, sir… inspiring to make that trip some time. Done a lot of European countries, but haven’t made it to the French Alps, must put that right.

 

[Tricky]

Nice to see a properly stickered up GSA too.

I’am but a mere amateur compared to you!

 

[steve hughes]

Stunning weather and views, looks like a great relaxing week

 

[Tricky]

Very nice, sir… inspiring to make that trip some time. Done a lot of European countries, but haven’t made it to the French Alps, must put that right.

The French Alps are great but avoid the popular passes on weekends during good weather on summer months as they can get very busy.

I purposely left on the Saturday morning to go and enjoy the other quieter regions where the riding is arguably more enjoyable.

 

[Tricky]

Monday 20/09

Another lovely day dawned.

The breakfast of a king.

Now heading north to the Limousin.

Just the best place to ride a bike.

Coffee in Treignac.

Following the D940 towards Limoges I didn't see another vehicle for about 40kms

Best beef in the world.

Followed the Loire River.

Last night in Saumur.

Shrimps and Spaghetti...

Last packing of my BMW branded pannier liners. Strong and waterproof and for life! Recommended

Thanks for looking.

 

[Arsey]

You went right past Riders Rest in Treignac. Could have popped in for spag bol !!!

Did you stay in the Mercure in Saumur as looks a similar angle as from my room last week ?