Mont Ventoux

Today we drove to Mont Ventoux, the mountain where the Tour De France races every several years.  If you watch the race you will recognize the mountain by it's bleakness and the large communication tower at the top.  We drove up the north side of the mountain where there are some 10-12% grades.  There were quite a few bike riders out of all ages but it was amazing the number of older riders.

We descended the south side of the mountain and stopped in a few towns and villages on the wayback to Vaison-la-Romaine.  Found an old chateau so we walked around and through it - it was very interesting.  It had been occupied by the Germans during the war - when they left they set it on fire and it burned for 10 days.

We stopped in Malaucene for a drink.  We sat next to two guys from England who had already ridden 900 kms on their holiday, including Mont Ventoux.

We checked out a few more small towns and villages.  All of the villages have a character of their own and it is fun just to walk around and check out the buildings, back streets and alleys and the people.  People-watching is great fun in France.