Day 13 – Moustiers Sainte Marie to Castellane - 50 miles

Penultimate morning briefing - all a bit demob happy!

Rob with his new coordinating sunglasses, purchased over the road for the princely sum of €3

Paying attention for our forthcoming day in the second largest canyon in the world (after The Grand Canyon). 

Andy

Mark, affectionally known as 'Skipper' as he would often lead the peloton (16 years my senior!)

Don

Fran in deep contemplation

Nigel had lost his voice, hence whispering tips about our ride to come - don't overheat, take plenty of photos, take more photos.
Despite five doctors in the group, none of us could help.

I’ve already used up my ‘Best hour’s cycling ever’. Now I need to use my ‘Best day’s cycling ever’. The Gorges du Verdon was absolutely exceptional in so many respects. 

From Moustiers our road headed towards Lac de Saint Croix    

Although there was some significant early climbing, Nigel had had rightly informed that the views make you forget about the climbs.    

San and Philip

Adrian has spent time learning about how to do the perfect male 'head shot'. Was he successful? Right shoulder lowered and slightly thrust forward. Head and jaw also protruded. Have a perfected my 'Blue steel' look?

Adrian and Don at one of the many fabulous stops overlooking the canyon.

These viewpoints are called 'balcons’ or ‘belvederes’.

An American magazine has described this as the best day's cycling in the world.

Numerous switchbacks helped us ascend with climbs rarely going above 9%. (Mt Ventoux had a long stretch of 12%)

At the rim, the views in all directions are stunning. 

At the base we could see the aquamarine Verdon River

At rim, the flora was very varied with varying habitats of woodland, garrigue (mediterranean scrub), grassland and plants growing from the limestone canyon walls.

...in places, the woodland was dense.

Experienced canoeists can navigate the river, but presumably when the water levels are higher.

It was surprising how well the trees grew at the rim,
perhaps from high rainfall

The Gorge is almost 25 kilometres long and reaches a depth  of 700 metres.    

The rock climbing on the cliffs attract climbers from around the world and the descent of the river to Lac de Saint Croix is a challenge for only experienced canoeists.    

One of many wild flowers.

This house was placed half way up the canyon face in a brief patch of flatter land. However, it was impossible to see how the inhabitants could get there.

See house at bottom of photo! 

Bridge crossing canyon just a few miles from lunch stop.

Omelette and chips. Good coffee. Fine company!

Brooding distant mountains

One of many medieval-looking churches

We stopped so frequently to take in views, gather at villages, taking photos, chatting, nobody rushing.

Water accompanied our ride, either deep below or as we descended and joined a road running by the Verdon River that afternoon.

Castellane, our destination

Dovecott

Fine tiles!

Fran and Chris descending at speed

Our afternoon along the edge of the Verdon River was less dramatic but very pretty.

The limestone strata added drama to our final run into Castellane.

Streaks of dark mineral staining 'dripping' down the limestone walls.

Can't quite see how this is helpful even if true. A sort of natural environment disclaimer.

We arrive at our destination, Castellane. This imposing rock has the most beautiful chapel, Notre Dame du Roc, overlooking the town.

It's a fine 30 minute walk to the chapel (or 16 minute run).

Alternatively, you could lie by the pool. 

Important statistics

Roadkill - none seen

Map

30 minute run with Rob up to Notre Dame du Roc. Fabulous view from top.

Note HR zone 123-130 on the ascent

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Not far but recovering from an injury (managed 4 runs 20-40 mins) - knee fine!

Pretty warm ascent. Note only burnt 298 calories despite the hard work of running up hill. My bottle of Orangina at the end was 90 calories - 208 deficit ruined by my 'Il Flottante' pudding. 

Moustiers to Castellane

 Warm at times reaching 32 degrees