We’ve made it! Ten days, 512.5km, and 13,022m of ascent later, and we have reached the Mediterranean at Menton!
Needless to say, we are delighted, and plan to celebrate tonight in suitable style (ie, another beer). Today alone was another difficult day, climbing the Col de Turini, one of the steepest of the trip, then following that with a breathtaking descent down the mountain, passing the Notre Dame de la Menour which is perched dramatically on a cliff edge, then down to the old town of Sospel for lunch. The afternoon was spent with our last climb, rather easier, to the Col de Castillon, and finally our descent to Menton and the coast. Today’s totals: 68.7km, 1588 m ascent.
The arrival in Menton has been a bit of a shock to the system. We have become used to beautiful countryside, sleepy villages and peace and quiet. Menton is the opposite of all that: a big, brash, noisy Riviera city. Nonetheless, the lure of sea swimming and a bit of culture (there are even museums here) means we plan to rest here for a few days before cycling on to Nice. We then have to get back to Ste Foy. Watch this space, because we are contemplating a cycle back, this time following the Rhône valley for as long as we can….
I should stay where you are! You can’t buy alcohol after 8pm in Nice due to lockdown restrictions!
Good advice! Menton is much more relaxed, we were listening to a live band last night till after midnight (our latest night of the trip).