Lyon to Montalieu-Vercieu

Day 22, 15 July, Lyon. 0kms

Yesterday was Bastille Day in France, so there were great celebrations in Lyon.

Last night we had a late night (for us) and wandered around enjoying the celebrations.  There was a big fireworks display centered on the Basilica which sits high above the old town.

Today was spent doing general sightseeing.  Rides on the furnicular, visited the Musee de Beaux Arts, murals around the city, St Jean Cathedral, which houses an ancient astrological clock. It was possible to get quite close to the clock and read all the dates, months and numbers. We also looked thru the traboules (secret passages used by the resistance movement in WW2) and roman ruins which are now being used as a 4,500 amphitheatre for concerts. We will miss Bob Dylan who is playing this Wednesday!! and general wandering around.  The general consensus was that Lyon rated as an interesting, lively city.  Shame the shops aren’t open on Sundays.

Day 23, 16 July, Lyon – Montalieu-Vercieu. 74kms

Today’s ride was a mixed bag.

We managed to navigate ourselves out of Lyon without too much trouble, although we didn’t endear ourselves to the local gendarmerie when we took a wrong turn and started to head onto an A road – a definite no-no for cyclists.  He saw us just as we were about to retrace our route, put his siren on and gesticulated to us.  We got the message and then found the correct road to head out of town.

Most of the morning’s ride was quite pleasant, although we found a head wind later on.  A few breaks were had along the way to refuel and take in the sites.  We are riding through the Rhone Valley which has huge peaks either side of the valley, making the riding very interesting as far as scenery goes.

We asked numerous people directions to the campsite, all with different variations.  We eventually decided to trust the Garmin again which directed us with no problems.

The camp is very large and part of a larger complex with a hotel and restaurants. Still only 10 euros per couple, per night with free use of a swimming pool and reasonable toilet facilities. A lack of supermarkets along the way has meant we will have to test out one of the restaurants tonight.