On the Road – Distance: 139km I 86miles I Elevation: 1628m I 5341ft

This was the longest day of the tour as we left Herault and entered into Languedoc’s most eastern region, Gard. With fewer undulations and such varied terrain the day was a delight, but HOT, 38C or 100.2 F!! We passed by the incredible Clamouse cave and took in the Gorges d’Herault and the majestic Pic Loup cliffs. All our picnics have been examples of excellent local fare but today with the longer distance, it was outstanding! Our destination tonight is the quaint town of Sommieres which has a rich Roman history and an impressive medieval centre.

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Dinner was exceptional at yet another Michelin star restaurant in Sommieres, Le Patio…..spicy tomato gazpacho, heirloom tomato caprese salad with basil sorbet, roasted duck breast confit in cassis sauce and almond quinoa, apricot custard with orange liqueur. We were greeted by head chef Guillaume afterwards.

Tomorrow we ride to Avignon and another rest day…..because the Giant awaits us in Provence!

Field Notes – Sommieres

Sommieres is an historic town, halfway between Montpellier and Nimes, first settled in the time of the Roman Emperor Tiberius in the 1st century. It is surrounded by the vineyards of the Gard department of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Due to its important historic monuments, Sommieres’ historic centre is now officially designated as a ‘secteur sauvegardé’ – that is, it is protected 1afrom further development to ensure it retains its medieval character.

The most important historic monument in Sommieres is the bridge across the river, dating from the 1st century and part of a trade route between Toulouse and Nîmes. Originally this bridge had 20 stone arches although the current bridge only retains seven of these, with the others now incorporated into the structure of the surrounding houses.

The Place du Marché in the centre of Sommieres is also picturesque with numerous arcaded properties – the town is very prone to flooding and the arcades help ensure the buildings are raised high enough to avoid the floods.