09/06/2026
🚴♂️ The Long Way Home – France Tour Update 🇫🇷
This morning started with the ferry crossing from Royan. It’s funny how quickly these little crossings become part of the adventure. Bikes loaded, a short trip across the water, then straight back into French cycle-touring mode on the other side.
Not long after landing I stopped in a small town and spotted a miniature Statue of Liberty. I ended up reading about its connection with the area and how the original Statue of Liberty left from nearby Bordeaux before making its journey to America. One of those unexpected little discoveries that make travelling by bike so rewarding.
The weather has completely transformed compared to the rain and headwinds we battled earlier in the trip. Today was mostly sunshine, forests, quiet cycle paths and the smell of pine trees. The sort of riding that reminds you exactly why you decided to do something daft like cycle across France in the first place.
By the time I rolled into Montalivet I’d covered just under 76 km. Not a huge day by some standards, but after a run of bigger days it felt about right. Tent up, kettle on, cup of tea in hand and a lovely municipal campsite for the night.
One thing this trip keeps teaching me is that happiness can be surprisingly simple. A dry tent, a hot brew, a bit of sunshine and nowhere you absolutely have to be.
The Long Way Home continues south.
🇫🇷🚴♂️☕⛺
