We have actually arrived in the south of France. The legendary Mont Ventoux accompanied us on the last stage to Avignon, where we sit tonight at a balmy 23 degrees celsius. Cicadas sing and there is no wind. Tomorrow morning the tent will be dry, so we can continue towards the Mediterranean Sea at any time after breakfast.
Avignon -Palace des Papes 
Avignon
France surprises us positively. Since Belgium we cycle one bike path after the other down to the south – the Maas/Meuse to the source at Langres, the pretty town with a sensational view from the campsite.
Belgium, at the Meuse 
Dinant (Belgium) 
Rest on the central place in Charleville-Meziers. It is the coldest city in France. 
Verdun
Langres – City Run 
Langres – Cathedral
The Canal Burgogne with countless locks and lock keeper’s houses.
Showers await 
The railway track in the south Burgogne, one of the oldest cycle paths.
Our campsite at the railway route 
Vineyards 
Through the 1.8km long tunnel and at the end the sun shines 
One of the castles
Along the Saone river we ride to Lyon. We are blinded by the beautiful light in the city and have to think again of Otfrid’s homage of Stockholm. Many times we had passed this city on the Route del Sol in our holidays, had been glad if we had bypassed it somewhat without congestion. Now we get a totally different impression.
And now down the ViaRhone (Euro Velo 17).
Large portion icecream – and then very thirsty 
Cycling maps are available in the tourist office 
Valence 
One of the places that stick like an eagle’s nest at the hill 
Cooling towers of nuclear power plants are part of the landscape in France 
Creative bridge builders had been at work here 
We share our way through France with Emmanuele. We met him on a campsite at the Meuse. Freshly retired, he drives 200 kilometres further west from us to the south.
I love the pictures of the buildings and the bridges!