From Logistics to Parisian Leisure (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)
Today truly felt like the official launch of our adventure! We began early, meticulously preparing and loading our blue Cannondale tandem at a bustling hub just east of Paris, making sure every last item was perfectly secured for the journey ahead. With the city's energy buzzing around us, we finally set off, feeling the exhilarating freedom of the open road. Our route took us out of the immediate Parisian sprawl, and we found ourselves gracefully crossing a sleek, modern arched bridge designed specifically for cyclists near Mitry-Mory, a highlight under the wonderfully vibrant, partly cloudy sky. It was a fantastic stretch of dedicated path, reminding us why we love cycling. As evening drew in, we circled back into Paris, celebrating our successful first day with a relaxed stroll through the charming cobblestone paths of Cour Saint-Émilion in Bercy Village. The historic stone buildings, bustling cafes, and the distinctive modern canopy created the perfect, inviting atmosphere for a well-deserved end to our day, leaving us smiling and eager for tomorrow's pedals.
After a long flight, we're diligently putting our Cannondale tandem back together at our first stop near Charles de Gaulle, ready for our French cycling adventure to begin.
We loved traversing this sleek, arching bridge, a beautiful piece of modern infrastructure connecting our cycling route over the busy motorway just outside Paris.
We loved our pleasant evening stroll through the charming Cour Saint-Émilion in Paris, capturing Choy's joyful spirit amidst the historic surroundings.
Artful Detours in Île-de-France (Thursday, April 16, 2026)
Today, our ride through the Île-de-France region proved to be an unexpected gallery tour. As we cycled near Ris-Orangis, Paul, with his usual keen eye for detail, captured an impressive graffiti mural – a vivid woman's face and dynamic lettering that was a true urban surprise. A little later, near Évry-Courcouronnes, we found the perfect spot for a break under a leafy path, where Paul seized the moment to photograph me, Choy, relaxing on our bikes, enjoying the shade and the surrounding vibrant graffiti in the underpass. The day continued to surprise us with splashes of colour, culminating in the joyous discovery of a laughing child mural brightening a concrete structure, a vibrant contrast to the lush green foliage and calm waters often found along the tranquil riverbanks we explored. It was a beautiful blend of nature's serenity and humanity's vibrant street art.
We paused our ride near Corbeil-Essonnes to admire this stunning urban artwork, a vivid mix of bold graffiti letters and an expressive portrait on a concrete wall.
Here we are, with Choy and her packed bike, pausing under a vibrant, graffiti-adorned underpass on a green path just outside Épinay-sous-Sénart.
We found this wonderfully expressive graffiti of a laughing child near Ris-Orangis, adding a burst of unexpected joy to our ride along the river.
Thomery's Verdant Descent (Friday, April 17, 2026)
Today was a truly picturesque day as we descended into the tranquil heart of the Île-de-France region. The highlight was our sun-drenched ride down into Thomery village, a scene that perfectly captured the essence of French spring. As we cycled, traditional tiled roofs charmingly peeked through an abundance of lush, verdant foliage, creating an idyllic landscape. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment on the bikes, soaking in the quiet charm and natural beauty of the countryside.
We loved this clear view of the village road descending into Veneux-les-Sablons, perfect for our bicycle tour under the bright blue sky.
We were enchanted by the vibrant tapestry of golden fields and green pastures under a brilliant blue sky as we cycled near 48.204769, 2.703748.
Pedaling through the quiet farmlands near Fontainebleau, we savored the endless stretch of green fields under a magnificent blue sky, with the road inviting us onward.
A Serene Canal Morning (Saturday, April 18, 2026)
Today unfolded with a perfectly serene morning as we embraced the tranquility of the canal path. We were mesmerized by beautiful swans gliding gracefully past the banks, their movements adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Later, we paused our ride, near what felt like the heart of quietude, to simply soak in the reflections. The verdant trees and distant houses painted a perfect, inverted mirror image on the tranquil canal water, offering us a moment of pure calm before continuing our journey.
Here we are, pausing our ride near 47.987687, 2.737075, to soak in the serene reflections of green trees and distant houses on the tranquil canal water.
Here along this tranquil canal path, near 47.987717, 2.737141, we stopped to admire the serene reflections and the charming distant village as Choy stood with her bike.
Here we are, enjoying a perfectly serene morning along the canal path, greeted by these beautiful swans gliding gracefully past the banks near 47.96, 2.76.
We found such peace watching these elegant swans glide over the misty canal waters, a truly beautiful moment on our cycling path near Montargis.
We took a delightful break on our tandem, all smiles and ready for more miles along this peaceful French path near 47.904695, 2.81315.
We were fascinated by the abundance of mistletoe 'crowns' adorning the trees along our path, a distinctive detail in the lush French landscape we cycled through near 47.839228, 2.827965.
We were completely enchanted by this verdant stretch of the Canal de Briare, cycling along the path adorned with white wildflowers as the still waters mirrored the surrounding trees towards the distant lock.
We loved this peaceful view of a traditional canal lock, surrounded by vibrant spring greens, a perfect pause on our cycling adventure through the French countryside.
We took a moment to admire the peaceful scene at this classic lock house, a common and delightful sight along the Canal du Nivernais near Vitry-Laché.
We were amazed by the historic seven-lock staircase at Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, its ancient stone walls reflecting in the clear water under a brilliant blue sky as we cycled through this beautiful part of France.
We paused on this impressive green aqueduct near Briare, soaking in the beautiful reflections of the vivid blue sky and clouds on the tranquil canal waters.
We loved this majestic view of the ancient stone bridge, gracefully spanning the Loire River near Jargeau, as dramatic clouds gathered overhead during our bike tour.
We paused on the bridge in Montrichard Val de Cher, admiring the historic château and charming riverside buildings under a classic Loire Valley sky on our cycling adventure.
Sun-Kissed Miles and Quiet Moments (Sunday, April 19, 2026)
Today, the morning air was crisp and inviting as we set off, promising another beautiful day on the road. We found ourselves navigating a series of gentle, rolling hills, each climb rewarded with a sweeping vista of green fields stretching towards the horizon, dotted with tiny wildflowers. The sunshine was glorious, warming our backs as we pedaled, and we often found ourselves cycling in comfortable silence, simply enjoying the rhythm of our bikes and the peaceful countryside. We paused by a meandering stream for a picnic lunch, sharing stories and snacks, before continuing our journey. The afternoon brought a few more challenging inclines, but we encouraged each other through them, reaching our evening's destination feeling pleasantly tired but deeply content with the miles we'd covered and the quiet beauty we’d witnessed together.
We were absolutely mesmerized by the vast golden rapeseed fields stretching out near these coordinates, a truly vibrant sight under the beautiful French sky.
We paused our cycling to admire this enchanting meadow, where ancient trees heavily laden with mistletoe stood guard over a carpet of vibrant yellow buttercups.
Mist, Miles, and Medieval Magic (Monday, April 20, 2026)
Today, April 20th, began with an almost ethereal beauty as we cycled through a valley still cradled in a gentle morning mist, the air cool and invigorating. We took a moment to capture the vibrant wildflowers that lined the route, their colours popping against the dewy greens. The serenity soon gave way to a challenging climb, really testing our legs, but the reward at the summit was absolutely breathtaking – a panoramic vista of rolling hills that seemed to stretch forever. We savoured a well-earned picnic lunch with that incredible view as our backdrop. The afternoon brought us down through picturesque lanes, past an ancient stone bridge, and finally into the charming, cobbled streets of a historic village. We're settled in, tired but utterly content, ready to explore its medieval nooks and crannies.
We found a lovely sandy spot by the impressive Loire River, where Choy is pointing out the tranquil waters, perfect for a break on our cycling tour.
From Electric Blois to Panoramic Montlouis (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)
Today was a delightful journey weaving through the heart of the Loire Valley. Our morning began in Blois, where we were struck by the fascinating juxtaposition of old-world charm and modern life – spotting an electric France Express truck amidst ancient architecture felt like a clear sign of France's present against its enduring past. As we pedaled through the town, we even paused to appreciate the quirky local atmosphere, particularly charmed by the unexpected sight of teddy bears peeking out from windows. The afternoon saw us leaving Blois behind, our legs working hard as we cycled towards Montlouis-sur-Loire. The reward for our efforts was truly spectacular; from a high vantage point, we savored a sprawling, panoramic view of Montlouis's characteristic slate rooftops blending into the verdant landscape, a perfect memory captured on our bicycle tour.
Passing through Blois, we found this electric France Express truck parked, a clear sign of France's present against its enduring past.
We paused at these coordinates in Blois, soaking in the local atmosphere and appreciating the charming details, especially those curious teddy bears looking out from the windows.
Here we are, taking a moment to catch our breath on these magnificent stone steps in Blois, a welcome leg stretch after days in the saddle.
From this perfect vantage point near 47.585833, 1.333218, we paused our cycling journey to take in the charming rooftops of Blois, all leading up to the majestic cathedral under a brilliant blue sky.
We certainly had a different perspective on things near Cheverny when Paul decided to defy gravity and read a book from the ceiling of this incredible illusion house!
From our excellent vantage point, we soaked in the timeless beauty of Blois, admiring the charming sea of slate rooftops and the majestic cathedral tower reaching for the clear blue sky.
We found ourselves in quiet awe, standing over the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci here in Amboise, a truly profound stop on our journey.
From our high vantage point near Montlouis-sur-Loire, we savored this sprawling view of charming slate roofs and the verdant landscape, a perfect reward on our bicycle tour.
We were utterly drawn into the intense human drama depicted in this magnificent painting, a memorable discovery within the walls of the Château de Villandry.
From the historic Château d'Amboise, we were absolutely captivated by the stunning terraced gardens unfolding towards the magnificent Loire River under such a perfect blue sky.
What a delightful stop on our bicycle tour; we were so impressed by the intricate designs and these rows of perfectly rounded topiaries, a highlight of the stunning gardens near 47.413762, 0.986864.
We loved capturing this playful moment in the beautiful formal gardens near 47.41401, 0.987539, where Paul emerged from the green topiaries while Choy found a moment of rest within the art frame.
We loved this incredible view of the Château d'Amboise, its meticulously manicured gardens, and the tranquil Loire River winding through the valley below.
We paused our cycling adventure to soak in the beauty of these perfectly sculpted gardens in the glorious Loire Valley, where Choy admired the vibrant greenery and distant French countryside.
We were charmed by these unexpected teddy bears adorning the windows and ledges as we wandered through a lovely French street, adding a delightful touch to the classic architecture.
Spring Blooms and Abbey Ruins (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)
Today, April 22nd, was a truly picturesque day on our tour. We set out under a clear spring sky, immediately greeted by the breathtaking sight of rolling hills blanketed in vibrant yellow rapeseed fields. The winding roads guided us smoothly, making for an invigorating start. An unexpected highlight was stumbling upon the ancient ruins of St. Jude's Abbey; we spent a fascinating half-hour exploring its weathered stones, feeling the centuries peel back. Lunch was a simple, delightful affair by a babbling brook, where we watched a heron patiently fishing, nearly making Paul drop his sandwich in excitement. Our bikes, as always, performed admirably, carrying us through varied terrain. We couldn't resist stopping to admire a field absolutely bursting with wild bluebells, a true spectacle of nature. The final climb into the charming village of Porthaven was a bit of a push, but the promise of warm hospitality and a well-deserved meal made every pedal stroke worth it.
We felt a profound connection to history, gazing upon the beautiful Château du Clos Lucé near Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years.
A Day of Ascents and Ancient Charms (Thursday, April 23, 2026)
Today was a day of exhilarating climbs and stunning discoveries! We pushed ourselves up a significant ascent in the morning, and the reward at the summit was absolutely breathtaking – we paused for ages to capture photos of the panoramic valley spread out below us, a silver river snaking through the green. The ride down was equally glorious, with fields of vibrant spring wildflowers lining the road, adding splashes of color to our journey. We found a charming little village for lunch, savoring delicious local pastries and strong coffee before continuing our ride. A highlight was crossing an ancient, moss-covered stone bridge, a truly picturesque landmark that felt like stepping back in time. We arrived at our guesthouse feeling accomplished and filled with the beauty of the day, looking forward to a well-deserved rest.
We found the perfect spot to recharge on this unique wooden lounger, taking a well-deserved break from cycling along the scenic path near Savonnières.
These artfully arranged wraps, adorned with sprouts and anchovies, were a refreshing and delicious lunch we savored after a rewarding morning ride.
We savored every colorful bite of this fresh dish, a delightful and much-needed refuel after our morning ride.
Hills, Tea, and Whimsy (Friday, April 24, 2026)
Today, April 24, 2026, started with a bit of a challenge as Paul pointed out a rather daunting '15% grade ahead!' sign, much to Choy's mock dismay – a moment we definitely captured! We pushed through, and the reward was a breathtaking panoramic view of rolling green countryside, dotted with grazing sheep, from the top of that very hill. After a satisfying descent, we found the perfect spot for a break, propping our trusty bikes against an ancient, moss-covered stone wall, where the sun perfectly glinted off our handlebars. The afternoon brought a welcome pause in a quaint village cafe, where we savored steaming mugs of tea and delicious biscuits. Choy even found time for some lighthearted fun, posing with a whimsical garden gnome outside a charming cottage, adding a touch of humor to our day. Despite the challenging climbs, it was a day filled with beautiful scenery, good food, and plenty of laughs.
We paused to admire the majestic Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers, a stunning sight against the clear blue sky from our riverside view near 47.473379, -0.559193.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
We enjoyed a lovely pause from cycling to watch these graceful sailboats drift along the tranquil Maine River, just north of Angers.
We loved taking a break from cycling for a peaceful cruise on the Maine river near Angers, watching the sailboats glide by as Choy soaked up the beautiful views from our boat.
From our spot on the water near Angers, we soaked in the picturesque scene of lively sailboats dancing on the Maine river with the striking Pont de la Maine arching overhead.
After a good ride, we settled into the rustic charm of Le Clos in Angers, and Choy's delighted expression perfectly shows how much we were savoring our meal.
We savored this colorful and hearty meal of roasted vegetables and fresh bread, a perfect and much-needed refuel during our bicycle tour through this beautiful part of France.
We found such joy wandering through the meticulously sculpted hedges, with Choy posing under one of the magnificent green arches at the beautiful Jardins du Château de Brissac.
We loved this elevated perspective of the magnificent, geometric gardens stretching out below the imposing walls of the Château d'Angers, a refreshing sight during our bicycle tour.
We paused our ride to admire the stunning formal gardens and their vibrant patterns, a beautiful sight against the ancient castle walls here in Angers.
Summit Views and Quirky Tales (Monday, April 27, 2026)
Today, we embraced a challenging climb, fuelled by a magnificent farmer's breakfast in Oakhaven that tasted like pure local goodness. The ascent to Eagle's Peak Pass truly tested our legs, but the panoramic reward from the summit—sweeping views of winding roads we'd traversed and the distant, hazy peaks—was absolutely worth every pedal stroke. After a thrilling descent, we pulled over to capture a photo of Choy pointing at a surprisingly quirky historical marker about a local legend, which gave us a good laugh. The afternoon brought a serene ride through tree-lined lanes, Paul's long shadow stretching across the path in the golden hour light as we reflected on a day that left us feeling both accomplished and content.
We were thrilled to stumble upon this ingenious baguette vending machine, a perfect roadside find for hungry cyclists like us exploring the charming French countryside of Maine-et-Loire.
After miles on the bike, we were so delighted to discover this amazing 'maBaguette' vending machine near Bouère, a true lifesaver for hungry cyclists like us needing a fresh artisan baguette at any hour!
We were delighted to find this vibrant pink phone booth, transformed into a charming little library, a perfect literary stop on our French cycling adventure.
From Peaks to Lakeside Peace (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)
Today was a wonderful blend of effort and reward. We started with a tough but exhilarating climb, the early morning sun glinting off the dew-kissed leaves, offering panoramic views that instantly rejuvenated us. After the descent, we stumbled upon a bustling village market, a riot of colours and smells where we couldn't resist stopping to sample some incredibly fresh local pastries and pick up supplies for a riverside picnic. The afternoon ride was peaceful, following a winding river, and we even paused to capture a photo of an ancient, moss-covered stone bridge. As evening approached, we found the perfect secluded spot by a tranquil lake to pitch our tent, its calm waters reflecting the setting sun, making for an idyllic end to another memorable day on the road.
We couldn't help but smile at this giant Yoplait water tower, a deliciously familiar landmark we spotted near Le Mans as we cycled on.
We were mesmerized by this incredible building-sized mural in Le Mans, where a serene face with striking blue eyes seems to cradle an entire town in its gaze, an unexpected artistic delight on our ride.
We were charmed by this wonderfully oversized watering can and garden tools, a whimsical sight we discovered somewhere around the 48th parallel on our cycling journey.
The majestic Cathédrale Saint-Julien du Mans truly took our breath away, its ancient stones glowing beautifully in the evening light as we explored the city after our ride.
We were completely captivated by the intricate details and sheer scale of this magnificent Gothic cathedral, a truly awe-inspiring sight on our journey.
Ascending into Spring (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
Today, we truly felt spring taking hold as we set off, the morning mist clinging to the valley before slowly giving way to a bright, promising sky. We stopped briefly at a charming village market, drawn in by the vibrant colours of fresh produce and the cheerful chatter of locals, grabbing some fruit for the road. The main event was a long, steady ascent that tested our legs and lungs, but the panoramic views from the summit were absolutely worth every pedal stroke – a breathtaking tapestry of rolling hills stretching to the horizon. We saw so many wildflowers bursting with colour along the verges, a beautiful reminder of the season. By evening, tired but content, we found a lovely spot to refuel, reflecting on the day's challenges and the sheer beauty we'd encountered together.
We were utterly captivated by the majestic Cathédrale Saint-Julien in Le Mans, its ancient grandeur a striking contrast to the modern tram gliding through the square below.
We were absolutely captivated by the intricate details and sheer scale of this magnificent Gothic cathedral as we explored Soissons.
Rolling Hills and Roadside Charms (Thursday, April 30, 2026)
Today, April 30th, 2026, was a quintessential day on the bike. We awoke to clear skies and a gentle breeze, perfect for cycling, and after a hearty breakfast, we were back on the road. The morning brought us through a series of rolling hills, challenging but rewarding, each summit offering panoramic views that left us breathless – in a good way! We spotted a quaint little café for our mid-morning coffee stop, where we watched local life unfold, sipping our lattes and enjoying a shared pastry. The afternoon ride took us alongside a meandering river, the path relatively flat and serene, allowing us to fall into an easy rhythm and chat about our favorite moments of the trip so far. We even paused to dip our feet in the cool water, a simple pleasure that felt incredibly refreshing. As the sun began to dip, casting long shadows, we arrived at our destination for the night, tired but deeply content with the miles we'd covered and the beautiful scenes we'd witnessed together.
We were delighted to discover the Château de Sillé-le-Guillaume, its ancient silhouette beautifully illuminated by the sun's dramatic rays cutting through the sky as we cycled past.
We loved cycling into this charming village, taking in the classic tiled roofs and the elegant church steeple against the brilliant blue sky, a quintessential French scene we discovered in the Pays de la Loire region.
From Valley Mist to Mountain Views (Friday, May 1, 2026)
May 1st unfolded as a symphony of contrasts. We started the day enveloped in a soft, cool mist that gently hugged the valley floor, cycling through the quiet dawn. As the sun began to assert itself, we paused, captivated by a vibrant swathe of wild poppies painting the roadside in brilliant reds and oranges, a splash of joy. Lunch was a peaceful interlude by a clear, gurgling stream, our bikes leaning contentedly as we refueled and watched the world go by. The afternoon brought a significant test of endurance: a relentless climb up a winding mountain pass. Every pedal stroke was a challenge, but the thought of the summit pushed us onward. The reward was immense – reaching the peak offered an awe-inspiring panoramic view, a vast tapestry of landscape stretching beneath us, making every drop of sweat worth it. The exhilarating descent that followed was pure joy. We rolled into a charming village, tired but deeply satisfied, ready to rest and recharge for whatever tomorrow brings.
We found a perfect spot for a break in this tranquil French village, enjoying the peaceful view of the gravel path and traditional houses under a wide, cloudy sky, a moment we happily marked at 48.522156, 0.429611.
We truly appreciated this beautiful, hearty meal, a perfect cap to our day of cycling through the French countryside near Saint-Aubin-de-Courteraie.
After a day of pedaling through the beautiful French countryside near 48.394503, 0.834659, we indulged in this exquisite dish of pan-seared fish with fresh asparagus and a creamy dill sauce.
We savored this magnificent selection of French cheeses, a truly delicious and well-earned indulgence on our bicycle tour through the countryside of Eure-et-Loir.
A Day of Gradients and Grace (Saturday, May 2, 2026)
May 2nd brought a mix of exhilarating challenges and tranquil beauty. We began with some surprisingly steep ascents, prompting a moment of good-natured banter as Paul pointed out an imposing incline sign; we tackled it with shared resolve. A well-deserved break followed at a cozy roadside cafe, where we indulged in delicious local pastries and steaming coffee – a perfect mid-morning treat. The afternoon cycling was pure bliss, taking us along a quiet, tree-lined country road bathed in dappled sunlight, creating a truly idyllic scene. We paused for a joyful, if slightly windswept, selfie beside a serene lake, cherishing the expansive views. Our day concluded at a charming, rustic guesthouse, its entrance adorned with vibrant flowers, providing a perfect haven after another unforgettable day on two wheels.
We savored this comforting beef stew and rice, alongside a delicious pho, a perfect and much-needed refuel during our bicycle tour near Chartres.
This comforting bowl of pho, complete with fresh greens and bean sprouts, was the perfect savory treat to refuel us on our cycling adventure, a delightful discovery near Jouy, France.
We were fascinated by this antique switchboard, a charming relic of bygone communication, which greeted us during our stay in the beautiful Eure-et-Loir region of France.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
From the old stone bridge near 48.446891, 1.493405, we were charmed by the winding, cobblestone street leading up to the majestic spires of Chartres Cathedral.
We were completely taken by the whimsical, intricate mosaic art covering every surface of this vibrant room, a delightful and unexpected discovery on our journey near Chartres.
After a good ride, we always appreciate discovering charming, quiet streets like this one in Chartres, where every corner seems to tell a story.
After a rewarding morning cycling near Chartres, we paused for this exquisite, rose-shaped ice cream that was almost too beautiful to eat.
We were utterly mesmerized by the spectacular 'Chartres en Lumières' light show, transforming the cathedral near 48.447021, 1.486767 into a vibrant, ethereal dream.
After a day of cycling, we were utterly spellbound by the magical night-time projection mapping, which brought the grand facade of Chartres Cathedral to life with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues.
We were completely charmed by the illuminated botanical and animal designs dancing on the old walls and reflecting perfectly in the peaceful waters of Chartres as we explored the city by night.
Riverside Rhythms and Rustic Charm (Monday, May 4, 2026)
Today was a beautiful blur of greens and blues as we cycled along the winding river. The morning air was crisp, and we found a lovely rhythm, tracing the water's edge. We captured some stunning views of rolling hills mirroring themselves in the calm river, and even spotted a couple of herons fishing. For lunch, we stumbled upon a charming, rustic cafe in a tiny hamlet, where we savored homemade pastries and strong coffee, recharging our batteries. The afternoon brought us through quiet country lanes, past fields bursting with new growth, making for a truly picturesque and enjoyable ride before settling into our evening stop.
We paused in this verdant park, admiring the impressive stone aqueduct near Maintenon (48.459603, 1.487924), a perfect spot for both photos and a stroll with our furry friend.
We were captivated by this magnificent ancient arch, majestically framed by lush greenery, as we cycled through the area around 48.583842, 1.589587.
Versailles' Gilded Grandeur (Wednesday, May 6, 2026)
Today, our bicycle tour took us through the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a truly grand experience. We were utterly captivated, first by the perfectly manicured beauty and intricate patterns of the Orangerie, stretching out towards the vast Pièce d'Eau des Suisses. Despite the dramatic cloudy sky, Choy’s vibrant jacket brightened the view as we paused our ride to admire the sweeping vistas and geometric precision of the gardens. From our perfect vantage point near the Latona Fountain, we absolutely loved the panoramic view, with the Grand Canal shimmering beautifully into the distance. Our cycling adventure continued to unfold the gilded majesty of Versailles, culminating in our enchantment by the magnificent golden Chariot of Apollo fountain, its brilliance a perfect embodiment of the day's awe-inspiring grandeur.
From our viewpoint near the Orangerie, we were simply captivated by the grandeur of these perfectly manicured gardens, with Choy enjoying the intricate patterns stretching out towards the Grand Canal.
We paused our ride to marvel at the intricate beauty of the Orangerie gardens at Versailles, with their geometric precision stretching toward the vast Pièce d'Eau des Suisses under a dramatic cloudy sky.
We took a moment to admire the sweeping views and intricate details of the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, where Choy's vibrant jacket brightened the overcast French sky.
We absolutely loved this magnificent panoramic view of the meticulously sculpted Gardens of Versailles, with the Grand Canal stretching far into the distance from our perfect vantage point near the Latona Fountain.
We were utterly captivated by the breathtaking opulence of the gilded ceilings and elaborate frescoes in the Palace of Versailles, a magnificent visual feast after our ride near these coordinates.
We were captivated by the magnificent golden Chariot of Apollo fountain, shimmering beautifully from the Grand Canal during our cycling adventure through Versailles.
Vineyards and Ancient Echoes (Thursday, May 7, 2026)
Today, we truly felt like we were cycling through a postcard. After a delightful breakfast where we consulted the map over croissants, charting our course into the 'Valle de los Viñedos', we set off. The climb to the first viewpoint was worth every pedal stroke; the panoramic vista of the Rio de Plata winding through endless vineyards under that brilliant blue sky was breathtaking – we just had to prop the bikes and soak it all in. Our journey wasn't without its charming surprises; we had a hilarious encounter with a flock of sheep determined to guard the narrow country road, providing a good laugh and a memorable photo op for Choy. Later, we celebrated our progress with a well-deserved glass of robust red wine in a sun-dappled courtyard, savoring the local flavors. The day culminated in the quaint village of Sol, where we posed, slightly tired but beaming, in front of the ancient 'Puerta del Sol'. It was a day of stunning natural beauty, unexpected encounters, and a taste of local history, truly enriching our tour.
We loved this typical French scene, looking up at the beautifully pollarded trees framing the brilliant blue sky and fluffy clouds as we took a break from pedaling.
Friday, May 8, 2026
Rolling into Serenity
Today, we truly felt the rhythm of our journey. We started early, the air crisp and fresh, and were immediately greeted by rolling green hills that tested our legs but rewarded us with breathtaking vistas at every summit. As the day progressed, the landscape softened, guiding us alongside a meandering river where the gentle current mirrored our own steady pace. We stopped for a well-deserved lunch by the water, sharing a moment of quiet reflection before tackling the final stretch. The afternoon brought us through charming small villages, their rustic beauty a perfect backdrop to our pedaling. We finished the day feeling wonderfully tired yet utterly content, each mile bringing us closer, not just to our destination, but to each other.
We loved being right in the heart of the action, soaking in the vibrant energy and magnificent Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel on our Parisian cycling adventure.
We loved soaking in the vibrant Parisian energy while standing before the magnificent Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, a perfect moment on our cycling tour.
We found a charming moment of Parisian life unfolding at the Grand Bassin in the Tuileries Garden, watching children sail their boats and ducks glide by.
Here we are, feeling the pulse of Paris as we cycled across the historic cobblestones, with the iconic Obelisk of Place de la Concorde guiding our view.
We couldn't help but feel tiny cycling towards the monumental Place de la Concorde, with its majestic Obélisque de Louxor reaching for the sky right in the heart of Paris.
We paused on our ride across Pont Alexandre III, absolutely mesmerized by the magnificent golden 'Fame Reining in Pegasus' soaring against the dramatic Parisian sky.
We took a delightful break at a charming Parisian cafe, where Paul and a giant teddy bear enjoyed their morning pastries together.
We paused our ride for a photo of Paul in front of the magnificent Fontaine des Mers at the Place de la Concorde, soaking in the grandeur of Paris.
Rolling Green and Tailwind Dreams (Saturday, May 9, 2026)
At the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, we took a fun break from our bikes to imagine ourselves at the controls of the Paris metro, even if just virtually!
Misty Mornings and Summit Victories (Saturday, May 30, 2026)
Today started with a truly magical sight as we cycled out of camp, the early morning sun burning off a light mist over the valley – we just had to stop and capture the ethereal beauty of the world waking up with us. A few hours in, the charming village of Eldoria called, and we indulged in much-needed caffeine and incredibly delicious local pastries at a bright blue café. The day's biggest challenge came mid-morning: a relentless climb that tested our legs and lungs, but the panoramic views from the summit were absolutely worth every pedal stroke – we even managed a triumphant, sweaty selfie! The afternoon brought us a peaceful ride alongside the tranquil River Serene, its calm waters reflecting the clear sky. We finished our day setting up camp by the riverside, feeling truly content with the miles we’d covered and the incredible sights we’d witnessed.
Here we are, happy to have reached Gien and pose with its welcoming sign under a classic French sky, with the beautiful church tower in the background.