71 miles ridden – 4600 feet climbed- temperature 32C

We woke up to a beautiful day. The sky was clear, the air warm and sweet.

At breakfast we were all moving slowly, getting in and out of chairs gingerly, and it was quieter than usual. Mont Ventoux had taken its toll. We had 70 miles to cover today with the promise of no steep climbs and the most picturesque day of the trip. We were all a touch cynical at the morning briefing.

But it was picturesque:

Mont Ventoux was behind us. Right behind us watching over us as we moved away:

Our first brew stop was in the town of Banon and from there we had to travel on fairly busy roads to lunch at La Brillaine so the least said about that the better.

We have been in lavender country all day. Although it’s not in full bloom it projects a blue hue across the landscape and a smattering of red poppies and other meadow flowers enhanced the beauty of the day.

By the time we left lunch it was hot and we had a long climb about 6 miles after lunch. It wasn’t steep but it was long and in the full afternoon sun. We were already sapped of energy and the heat just added to the challenge. We were all cycling slower and struggling up the rolling hills – but we arrived in Moustier-Ste-Marie just before a couple of afternoon showers passed through.

I will sleep well tonight – the smell of lavender is everywhere especially in our room as Sue has been shopping.