Friday 19 December 2014

Reconnaissance in the Dentelles de Montmirail

A playground of limestone pinnacles above the Rhône Valley, the Dentelles de Montmirail offer spectacular hiking and superb vistas. Yesterday I updated route notes (Roadbook) for our self-guided tour, this the first of 5 walks:
Under the Silhouette of Mont Ventoux





The walk begins in the medieval village of Séguret, through the cobbled streets, here bathed in a morning light. Séguret is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. It was about 12°C yesterday and sunny: perfect walking conditions.  And I had the trails all to myself.




Updating route notes: yes, being paid to walk...  




...and cycle: since the walks are linear -- from A to B -- I needed to park the car at B and cycle to A. Then walk to B, and retrieve bike at A...
Does that make sense?
Sometimes it doesn't to me.




The vines above the village of Gigondas -- half-way through the walk -- terraced so that every usable square foot is carpeted with the coveted vines.




A short detour up to the jagged limestone pinnacles for magical views of the Rhône Valley.





The setting sun highlighting the perched village of Séguret from the Domaine de Cabasse hotel.




And just because my camera tends to over-contrast pictures, I decided to take one in black and white.