Thurday, July 3, 2008

La Route des Grandes Alpes Day 8: Sospel to Bouyon

112.5 km total
Col de Castillon 706m
Col d’Eze 508m
Col des Quatre Chemins 321m

As we had stopped early in Sospel on our way south, adding >20 extra kms to our return trip, we decided to split the first 2 stages on the way back into 3 stages. This extra day would turn out to be a smart decision.

So, today we first had to complete our trip to Menton over the easy Col de Castillon. Coming from the north, the descent is twice the climb as we would go down to sea level. The mandatory “sea in the background” pictures were taken before the batteries ran out (Katy's fault ).

We continued further along the coast to Monaco. From there, we rode up over Beausoleil, Mont des Mules towards La Turbie. Over the Grande Corniche, Col d’Eze straight into Nice.

After days of “bread and cheese”, Katy was begging for some Asian take-away. Well, after all the small villages, Nice was the place to take care of that craving and so we did.

The next challenge was to respect the 20 kmh speed limit on the Promenade des Anglais. Fun ends when you get closer to the airport. Big buildings and businesses lined along the multiple lane speedway where cars push to be first. Luckily for us, there is a freshly finished cycling lane all the way to Saint-Laurent-du-Var where we left the coast behind.

Finding our road towards Les Pugets, Gattières, Carroz-Village, le Broc and finally to Bouyon was fairly easy. The road became nicer and quieter soon after Gattières and we were once again cycling in paradise.

Tonight we would even dine and sleep in paradise as we were staying at La Catounière in Bouyon. This is life in the south of France as it once was. The owners received us as royals. We advise that you have a look in the picture section and experience it for yourself. Also don’t forget to order a Limoncello after diner.

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