70.48 miles, ascent 1451 metres, average speed 12.5 mph, elapsed time 5 hrs 39 mins.
Had a great celebratory meal last night with everyone in high spirits. The patron of the hotel made a special gateau, very light and delicious.
What a difference a day makes! We woke to a cloudless blue sky with a clear view of the tower at summit of Ventoux, something we couldn’t see yesterday even from the top. The route out to our first brew stop at Banon was a gradual climb interspersed with some welcome downhills. The road was lined with fields of lavender, most of which, unfortunately, had been harvested. Even at 8 miles out, looking back, Ventoux still dominated the horizon.
By the time we reached our picnic lunch at La Brillanne the sun had warmed up nicely and it was time to shed the leggings and arm warmers and put on some sun screen.This day had been a long time coming!
There was a long downhill section after lunch and with the warm sun on our backs we made good progress to the afternoon break at Valensole after 52 miles. Most of the day’s climbing was now to come with a long section of “false flat” where the road appears to be downhill but actually goes up, most demoralising. Our destination of Moustier Sainte Marie is set into the hillside and is very picturesque.
For information, the plateau of Valensole sheltered the rockets of the French nuclear force. They have now been dismantled in favor of submarines and aviation. It is also the region par excellence of the culture of lavender and its inimitable perfume.Ce blue sky that you know now is a little emblem of Provence. Sweetness of life, varied landscapes and unique scents. Good continuation.