GR – Phil, UK 2018

6 Jun 2018 by Julia VeloRoo

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We kinda nailed this mornings sunrise 😁👍 exc

We kinda nailed this mornings sunrise 😁👍 exciting VéloRoo developments are in progress. Stay Tuned 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️☕️🥐😁 #livelaughride #rideveloroo #sunride #sunrise

Our 3rd “Curiosities from the South of France”

Our 3rd “Curiosities from the South of France” is the wine region we call home, Faugeres “Grand Vins de Nature”
For a wine region, it covers a small area, not quite 1,900 hectares. But it packs an incredible number of unique features into its small footprint. 7 villages & a few hamlets, 59 independent wineries & 1 co-op. Since 1982 it’s been AOC classified, and upgraded to the prestigious AOP in 2017.
There is a magic here that makes people feel at home and not want to leave.
The mosaic landscape of vines and garrigue is deliberate and nurtured. Each benefitting each other. (That’s another post!- but the network of quiet roads that follow the contours of this beautiful landscape makes every ride a journey of wonder and discovery.
#livelaughride #rideveloroo #avantmonts #faugères #vineyards #wine #springtime #autumn

Welcome to our 2nd post of “Curiosities from the

Welcome to our 2nd post of “Curiosities from the South of France”
What’s this?
It’s the Precious Orchid. Awe - Pretty.
Anything special about it? Yes actually! This variety is endangered. Their season is only about 2 weeks a year - so our spring cycling groups can enjoy a special surprise!
What’s being done to protect them? Our region has always been highly regarded in France for the quality of its produce. Wine, Mediterranean foods - Olives, Artichokes, Tomatoes and sooo much more 😋Fundamentally due to traditions of organic and responsible agricultural practises, long before it became a “thing” why?because it tastes better ... and you know how fussy the French are with food taste!
Anyway, over recent years this has expanded to include all aspects of village life in the communities. Soooo now we are enjoying more roadside beauty on our Spring rides!
Even hardened cyclists are compelled to stop and take photos - that is an Aussie Farmer capturing a moment of embracing beauty in photo 4 - how his wife laughed! #livelaughride #spring #rideveloroo #avantmonts #preciousmoments

What’s this? Its a old Romanesque Tower. Old .

What’s this? Its a old Romanesque Tower.
Old ... so how old is old? 11th Century ... 11th Century!
Wow, where is it? In the South of France near VéloRoo HQ beside a small country road, surrounded by vineyards ... and pine trees.
So why’s it there? Rome’s a long way away by horse and chariot! It was built close to some important Gallo-Roman villas, now gone. The Romans were once big time here and although they’d long gone by the time the tower was built, they must have still held some presence.
It’s survived nearly 1,000 years, why?
I’m glad you asked! Due to its location near the villas,
it was thought to be sacred. Later Benedictine Monks attached a chapel to it, but that got destroyed before 1232 AD. Feeling overwhelmed but these dates? Don’t worry we are blown away by them too! More recently the current cemetery surrounding it was established during the French Revolution!
Surprise us with something about the building itself!
It is 26 meters tall, keeping watch over the vineyards like a good Roman Sentry.
It has 6 floors. The first two are closed in, but fixing points are still visible on the first floor from the chapel whose name was Saint-Étienne-de-Pézan.
But it is higher up that the architectural party kicks off!
The 3rd floor has partially blocked windows, that are dressed with alternately laid brown stone and black basalt.
The 4th and 5th floors are intricately decorated with ** wait for it** triple double-ébrasement windows. The bows and arches are finished with alternating brown and basalt blocks too. The detail is exquisite.
Finally, the top floor is pierced by the large round openings call Oculus. More bling has been added with a basalt cord. Finishing off the masterpiece is a striking seven arched frieze called Cordon de Charlemagne under the classic terracotta roof.
So has anything special happened lately ? Well, Australia’s great Cadel Evans whizzed past it on his way to standing on the top step of the Champs Élysées podium! Now THAT is a fabulous fact!
Live, Laugh, Ride ...
Stay safe, care for each other & wash your hands! #livelaughride #history #avantmonts

Live, Laugh, Ride... @veloroo