Day 20 Grenoble-Risoul

Today we are going to watch the race come through Le Bourg D'Oisans as this is where we are staying and we can walk. We thought we would soak up the atmosphere in D'Oisans, have a coffee, speak with the crowds that were building, great banter, visit the tourist office pick up a few maps etc.

Peter in Le Bourg D'Oisans

This is a beautiful small town in the heart of the Alps (known as The Dauphine Alps). If you were contemplating a central location to camp, motorhome or hotel this would be high on the list.Grenoble is a large centre, population approx 200,000 only 50 klm away, in the summer all the classic mountains are on this same route, Col du Glandon, Alpe D'Huez,(1865 mtr) Col du Galibier,(2645 mtr) Col d'Izoard, (2360 mtr) great mountains for hiking, mountain bikes, horses, and lakes. When we were on Alpe d'Huez the chalets were open, markets happening, activities for the family such as flying fox, trampolines play ground activities, luge rides, helicopter or light aircraft, beautiful food and relaxation and not crowded. As a bonus you could ski in the winter if you wanted to visit at that time of year. The ski fields on Alpe d'Huez which range from 1250 mtr to 3300 mtr, (The village is at 1865 mtr) boasts 250klm of ski runs.

We found our spot alongside two Australian ladies whose husbands were riding up Alpe d' Huez. Communicated back home our GPS location to Sarah, (yawn! yawn! thinks Sarah). Thank goodness some others were watching even if you weren't Sarah, as we appeared on the TV again.

Peter and Paul with flags with ladies from Oz. D'Oisans

It was a warm day with high cloud cover and we were only about 200 mtrs from the shops and the race (above).as soon as the tour had passed through we headed for the next stage. We had already pre-booked a night in a country farm house near Sisteron, so we set off through the ranges via a road known as The Gap. Peter had previously used this route and I was very interested historically in The French revolution and The Napoleonic Wars which was my favourite period in history. Napoleon had used this route in 1815 on his way from Elba (after escaping) via the French Riviera on his way to the famous battle at Waterloo. It is a beautiful drive with markers to the Man himself who made this pass famous.

The WiFi not working....at least the view was worth it.

Arrive in Sisteron what can I say about French towns and villages(pop 7000) Situated on the River Durance, thank goodness I took notes, This is a fortified city with the beautiful Sisteron Cathedral, during Napoleon's march he came through this town, which was a Royalist city, who gave him a wide berth and let him pass.

Cathedral

This was just a quick stop for petrol and an ale in the hope of using their WiFi. Not working Monsieur, too late to retract the ale order then!

Off to the accommodation point approx 30 mins from Sisteron. This was a pleasant surprise for Peter and myself as we were not expecting this type of accommodation. An 18th Century farmhouse in the hills around Sisteron, run by husband/wife & children, stone floors and stairways, dog wandering around intermingling with the guests, very monastic in its setting and ambiance a good time to reflect and soak up the Sounds of Silence. Two couples up from Spain on motorbikes, and a family holidaying. A lovely spot.

Bedroom View

Farmhouse

NB Possible interest to future travellers. Campsite D'Oisans 35Euro, laundry 4E, Drier 2E,(worth the cost for the people you meet, thanks Jurgen great stories) Tolls 7E, Sisteron 75E