Day 5 - Wednesday 25th July 2007

Le Ventoux

Well, it wasn't a quiet night with fireworks and disco down the road followed by a windy night (the mistral we assume) but when we awoke things were still intact. It was still breezy at breakfast, but not too chilly at 19 degrees. After showers and shopping at the local Shopi we headed off on a tour towards Le Ventoux, first stop was Baume de Venise, just up the road, home of a famous dessert wine and of an olive oil mill. This is its church...

...and the doorway.

We then headed up towards the Dentelles de Montmirail, spectacular in the bright sunlight with blue sky behind.

We could see the Ventoux in the distance.

We made a number of stops for photos.

The view from our shady lunch stop by the roadside was good.

This Defender wasnt really abandoned in the trees, it just looks that way.

There were olives in olive groves, and olives by the roadside.

Craggy mountains over grape-heavy vines.

As we headed east we found lavender fields aplenty - and lavendar by the roadside.

Even horses for Bridget.

We drove right round the north side of Mont Ventoux then ascended from the east. At the top we climbed to the summit, with its weather station.

The view was wide but hazy.

Proof that "we were here!"

On the way back we stopped at a chateau. Rosie took this in the chapel.

The view from the castle walls.

The castle itself.

Rosie leaving the castle.

A classic Provencal view