The road looks more interesting than the Peage
We are heading north, usually this is the area of France where the typical tourist is traveling from the Pyrenees or Spain, up and over to Provence and the land of the Romans. The transfer is a long drive on the Peage. I don't get off the highway, usually on a mission to hop over to Mont Ventoux (in Provence), so it is nice to finally see the countryside as the riders ride along the smaller side roads.>
Where are we now in the Tour de France ?
Seven stages remain in the 2011 Tour de France and we head north into the Alps and Italy!
Today: stage 15 - Limoux Montpellier 192.5 km
We are heading north, usually this is the area of France where the typical tourist is traveling from the Pyrenees or Spain, up and over to Provence and the land of the Romans. The transfer is a long drive on the Peage. I don't get off the highway, usually on a mission to hop over to Mont Ventoux (in Provence), so it is nice to finally see the countryside as the riders ride along the smaller side roads.>
Where are we now in the Tour de France ?
Seven stages remain in the 2011 Tour de France and we head north into the Alps and Italy!
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| Tour de France regions - a map by PedalDancer.com |
Today: stage 15 - Limoux Montpellier 192.5 km
We are traveling through the region of Languedoc-Roussillon. Beginning south of Carcassonne in Limoux.
A region extending from the eastern side of the Pyrenees through the vineyards and wind swept lands along the Mediterranean north to Provence.
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| Carcassonne Photo by PedalDancer.com |
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| Pyrenees to Provence - a map by PedalDancer.com |
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| Vineyards of France Photo by PedalDancer.com |
Home to the Pont du Gard (really worth a visit)
and other Roman ruins in the back yard
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| Vaison-la-Romain Photo by PedalDancer.com |
The Tour skips over Provence this year, yet still it is a very popular area for tourists and worth visiting if you are traveling between the Pyrenees and the Alps. The town names on this maps are probably familiar to you.
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| Pyrenees tp Mont Ventoux to Alps, a map by PedalDancer.com |
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| Lavender fields, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
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| Bed & Breakfast in Gordes, Provence, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
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| Rooftops of Provence, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
Home of Mont Ventoux
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| Bonnieux, Luberon, France, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
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| Mont Ventoux, France, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
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| Road to Ventoux, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
Provence morning markets are some of the best morning markets in France.
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| A morning market in Provence, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
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| market baskets in Provence, Photo by PedalDancer.com |
We hear Tour de France commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen frequently talking about Departments and Regions in France. That is because to make accommodations, to buy maps, and to know who is paying for what in the Tour de France, it is helpful to know the regions, they are almost like states. All cars have number plates with their department numbers, so you will know where your fellow tourists are from. Regions and departments are very important to understand when traveling through France. Click maps to enlarge
The Tour de France continues on the road to Italy and the Alps for Stage 16 on Tuesday. Tomorrow is a rest day after finish the stage in Montpellier, France, the teams will rest in Département de la Drôme.
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| Regions of France |
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| Departments of France |
