View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Category: Trips
Things my beloved says: “Would you like to go away next week?”
During my beloved’s recuperation from his broken leg, we’ve had an ongoing joke that I’ll deserve a break when he’s finally back on his feet. I haven’t yet decided when or where but I’m toying with Route du Sud in mid-June. So when my… Continue Reading “Things my beloved says: “Would you like to go away next week?””
Spring is just around the corner
Even though it’s much diminished in status (only three WorldTour teams), I much enjoy watching the Tour Cycliste International du Haut Var-Matin. Last week-end it was a cool, clear and sunny morning as I drove along the La Provençale motorway in the direction of… Continue Reading “Spring is just around the corner”
12 Days of Christmas – day 6
Racing in old kit and on old bikes is seemingly very popular in Italy. This group of cyclists were crossing posing at the finish line at this year’s Milan-San Remo which concludes just up the road from us. It’s the first Monument of the year… Continue Reading “12 Days of Christmas – day 6”
12 Days of Christmas – day 2
Next out of the bag is a photograph of the Promenade des Anglais taken in early March on the last day of the Paris-Nice race. I’ve chosen it in memory of all those who were injured or lost their lives there in a senseless act of… Continue Reading “12 Days of Christmas – day 2”
Date Night: John Newman
When we lived in London, my beloved and I were serial concert-goers. Since we’ve moved to France, our outings have become less frequent for a variety of reasons. Generally, only during the summer months at the various festivals held throughout the department. I scan all… Continue Reading “Date Night: John Newman”
Postcard from Sanremo
Saturday was just the most perfect spring day, perfect for a bike ride. Instead, I drove to Sanremo on the Italian Riviera to watch a bike race. I love the drive over there: 45 minutes on a motorway with one of the world’s best coastal… Continue Reading “Postcard from Sanremo”
Postcard from Nice
Yeah, I know it’s just up the road but it occurred to me that I don’t bang the drum enough about my home region and, this year, the final two stages of Paris-NeigeNice were both around Nice and the Niçois hinterland, and it WAS… Continue Reading “Postcard from Nice”
Postcards from Paris and New York
It was chilly, damp even, in Paris but finally the sun broke through to shine on Black Friday, though arguably that event was two weeks before. At Les Invalides, the French President led a memorial service for the 130 victims. Accordingly, Paris was a sombre… Continue Reading “Postcards from Paris and New York”
Postcard from Castres
It seems odd to have a few days away yet not be watching any bike racing. Though, in a way, our visit has a cycling connection. I was in Castres for a stage start of the 2013 Tour de France, found what little I saw… Continue Reading “Postcard from Castres”
