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Obscure Tours, Montpellier (2026)

20/09/2025

Today was our day of departures. One by one each headed off to new adventures far and wide. Some to join family, some to Croatia, some with the prospect of more cycling, one to Cambridge University and others to return to our homeland.

But there was still a www of Montpellier for the five remaining. Montpellier is a beautiful city, the second biggest learning centre in France. It is served by a very effective light rail system, (Auckland would do well to learn from it). The buildings are sandstone in Renaissance style architecture. There are many squares, a beautiful water chateau, the remains of a wall that used to house a palace and a fairly intact aqua duct.

The highest part of the city finds an imposing statue of Louis IV. There is an ancient garden and Europe's oldest medical University.

Of course no walking tour would be complete without a dose of retail therapy.

Final farewells were said at the train station and it was all over .

It has been a lovely tour. We began as a group of acquaintances and finished up good friends. The team was supportive of one another, cohesive and each prepared to do her bit to ensure we all got to our destination safely. Each brought a special talent to the group which contributed to its success. Special thanks to Betty for turning 75.

19/09/2025

After calling in to see St Sarah, patron saint of the Romani people and with other dubious claims to fame, we were on our way. Our first adventure was on a boat ferry where we were taken across, (the Mersey), but more likely a tributary of the Rhone. The next 10 or so KMS were along a tree lined country lane, alongside a lake. We comfortably negotiated a main road and lunched at the walled village of Aigues Mortes. This is known to be one of the finest medieval military settlements still in tact with 4.6 km of walls and high towers.

The last leg of the journey passed through typical Mediterranean resorts such as the Grand Motte.
Philippe met us on the outskirts of Montpellier and we caught the light rail into the city.

Dinner was a grand occasion at an old Roman bathhouse. We are getting used to this al fresco dining. It had been a hot day, 28 degrees, and was still balmy while we were dining. Our meal was delicious and although we missed Eileen and Fifi, it was a most enjoyable occasion.

18/09/2025

Bonjour from the Camargue!

We left Arles and almost immediately arrived at the Camargue. This is western Europe's largest estuary with many species of flora and fauna . Rice and salt are the two main crops, the latter having been farmed since antiquitie. The main attractions, however, were the white horses, bulls and greater flamingos. We were fortunate enough to see them all. The terrain was tricky but we all made it safely to our lunch destination.

It was a special lunch to celebrate Betty's birthday. The champagne she provided, the sweet treats and the egg throwing game made it quite an occasion.

St Maries de la Mer, our day's destination offered many options, taking in a bull fight, shopping, a quiet drink in a bar, a swim in the Mediterranean or a visit to a church containing St. Sarah, the patron saint of the Romani. This seaside village has a history steeped in myth and faith. Supposedly the three Mary's, Lazarus, Martha and Sarah arrived here from the Holy Land.

Dinner was a seafood affair. Beautiful oysters, scallops, prawns, salmon and fish were in offer.

Another scorching day ensured we were all ready for bed once it was over.

17/09/2025

Our aim today was to see what Arles has to offer so off we headed on foot to follow the footsteps of Van Gogh and see some Roman antiquities.

The colosseum had been used for a bull fight at the weekend. It was in good repair and a lot more accessible than the one in Rome. The amphitheatre has not stood the test of time as well as it's neighbour but in its day held 10,000 people.

An interesting way of visiting Van Gogh sites is to compare his paintings with what the site looks like these days. Les Alyscamps and the asylum into which he was committed were favourites.

No tour is complete without a Church. St Trophime was impressive with many relics including Pope John Paul II. The neighbouring Cloisters and refectory offered a good insight into monastic life.

Phew, the bell had gone and we were free!! We lunched, shopped and even swam in the hotel pool. Dinner was yummy and we all retired home having spent a nice day in Arles.

16/09/2025

Bonjour from Les Baux!

The day had arrived and we had to do it!! Our only problem occurred within 10 KMS of starting out. Jenny's bike had no power whatsoever but would you believe, not long before our ascent to Les Baux began, there was a bike repair shop!!! About 20 minutes later with electronics reconfigured, the bike was as good as new. It was like magic, we had never even seen this bike shop before.

The much dreaded ascent was easily dealt with by our very capable cyclists and it was wasn't long before we were lunching at the top.

The day's highlight was the Carrieres et Lumiere spectacle. The featured artists were Monet and Rousseau. We were all fascinated by the production

The descent was short and fast and after some tricky negotiation of Arles 5 o'clock traffic, we arrived at our hotel.

It had been another "scorcher" of a day, so some of us had a welcome swim in the hotel pool. Dinner was another yummy affair, outside, under the umbrellas, alongside a charming boulevard.

As we trooped off to bed, we all felt "pretty pleased with ourselves".

15/09/2025

Bonjour from France!

It was with some reluctance that we left the beautiful Uzès, most of us deciding that it was one of our favourite parts of France. It wasn't long before we reached our first port of call, the Haribo sweet factory, founded by a German man from Bonn but produced in France. It was a children's wonderland, brightly coloured and full of wonderful treats. It wasn't too bad for the older women either!!!

For the next hour or so we rode along country lanes through vineyards until we reached the Pont again. It is just as good being on it as it was under it. We lunched under its shadows and once again stood in admiration and wonderment.

From there our ride into Tarascon was along an easy converted rail trail, paved most of the way. Our accommodation here is quirky, with unusual features as a music room in which to sit and art covered walls, Hotel des Artistes.

Dinner was once again al fresco with the interesting concept menu of choosing small, medium or large servings.

The 30 degree day ensured we were ready for bed on our return home.

14/09/2025

Bonjour from Uzes!

"Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billets doux". We had heard all about it and the day had arrived. Off we all went, knowing our suitcases were full to overflowing, but money burning holes in our pockets. Our purchases ranged from toothpaste to beautiful jackets and shirts. 13 ladies couldn't think of a better way of spending the morning. Such fun.

We started our walking tour but were thwarted by heavy rain and thunder. What to do? A recommended art gallery provided shelter and more opportunities to spend.
We returned to the hotel to ride out the storm and played the dice game, left, right, centre. Chris was the victor and very kindly put her winnings on the table for night drinks.
The storm had abated so we headed off again, took in a wedding, saw a bit more of what the walking tour had to offer and ended up at an interesting wine tasting. Dinner was at an Italian cantina.
A day with a bit of everything.

13/09/2025

Bonjour from the Pont du Gard!

Today was the biggie. The padded shorts were replaced by lightweights and after breakfast we were picked up and off we went to the Gardon River. We paired up and headed downstream. It wasn't long before we struck our first small rapid. This was good because it gave us the opportunity to hone up on our techniques. We managed to negotiate it and had a period of time with calm waters, the odd heron and abseilers clamouring up and down the escarpments to amuse us. With the water levels being quite low the next rapid contained lots of rocks to negotiate and our skill levels were put to the test.

After about 6kms with one or two more rapids (barely a blip now that we knew what to do) we rounded a bend and "Thar she be" - the Pont du Gard in all her splendour. Impressive, spectacular and to quote Rabelais " seems more divine than humanity". Betty and Fifi had a swim, numerous photos from every which way, were taken and we basked in its glory.

The next 4 or 5kms were relatively uneventful and at the end, having all made it safely, we were extremely proud of our efforts.
We lunched back at our delightful accommodation and after about a 20km ride, arrived in beautiful Uzès. Francoise was there to meet us and our quaint, art filled hotel bedazzled us.

The rooftop dinner was delicious and it was 13 exhausted women who retired to bed.

12/09/2025

Bonjour from Remoulins!

After a somewhat shaky start, these bikes are driving us to drink, we were on the road to Remoulins.

Our stay at Avignon had been interesting and most enjoyable but the countryside beckoned. Our path followed the Rhone for a large proportion of the morning, then we lunched at a nice little spot in Aramon. From then on it was a more or less a vineyard ride with a few undulations.

We arrived to a 28 degree Remoulins so most of us were in the pool enjoying the lovely atmosphere of our quaint hotel.
Pre dinner drinks and dinner were under the festooned lights in the plane trees. There was lots of laughter and merriment over all sorts of topics and I think we all went to bed with smiles on our faces.

11/09/2025

Bonjour from Chateau Neuf de Pape!

With somewhat trepidation, but mainly excitement we headed off to Philippe to collect our bikes and begin our cycling. Today's ride was fairly technical with chicanes, busy roundabouts and traffic lights to negotiate. After a bit of practice all seemed within our capabilities.
Sandy and Jenny excelled at lunchtime. With a 11th century chapel on one side, Chateau Neuf grapes on the other we listened to French classics on Deb's boom box.
It was then on to 3 tastings of delicious, very expensive red wine.
Throughout the day we had the odd mechanical problem but eventually we made it home.
Our dinner setting was in the courtyard of an art museum and we all enjoyed delicious fare.
It was a tiring, interesting and enjoyable day.

10/09/2025

Bonjour from Provence!

A sunny day dawned and by lunchtime the majority of our group had arrived in Avignon. After a brief explanation we headed along the ramparts. These are still in tact after 5 centuries, at least 4 KMS long with crenulated towers and 42 ports. It is an impressive sight to behold. The teinturiers (those who dye fabric) Street still had 3 functioning water wheels on the Sorgue river. The church of St Peter of Luxembourg still contains his vestments and relics dating back to the 15th century. How small people were back then.

No visit to Avignon would be complete without a trip to the Pont and then it was on to the Palais Des Papes to learn about papal life in France after the schism.
By pre dinner drink time we had our full complement and our al fresco dining under plane trees, surrounded by Cloisters was enchanting.

05/09/2025

Thursday is Market day in Obernai. It was a produce and knick knack market where you can fossick round for "puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billetsdoux".

We wiled away an hour only covering a small part of it.
It was then on our bikes for the last time, out of Obernai and on to Strasbourg. We continued to experience pretty villages, stopping to take the odd pic, having coffee in Molsheim, then on to a lovely little lunch stop. Al and Juliet excelled with beautiful quiches, rolls and cheeses.

The last leg of the journey was along a serene canal and we were able to reflect on the last 10 days. With Juliet's help (alot of responsibilities fell on her shoulders today) we negotiated the Strasbourg 's avenues and alleyways and arrived safely at the bike shop.

Pre dinner drinks were accompanied by a fun dice game with 33 euros at stake. Dinner was a joyous event.

This has been a fabulous trip. Our team has been enthusiastic, supportive and a pleasure to be with. All ages assisted each other and were prepared to get outside their comfort zones to make the experience great for all. We had loads of laughs, earned lots of points for all sorts of reasons and just embraced the total experience.

Thank you to each and every one of you. If you enjoyed it as much as we did, we will be doiñg very well. Travel safely.

Obscure Tours

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