Travel
le Point d’Arc
Belvédère du Serre de Tourre
The classic view of le Point d’Arc rock bridge marks the top end of the Gorges of the Ardèche. The high and wide omega loops further downstream that the Ardèche river has eroded in the layers of limestone rock make it a spectacular feature to see both from the rim road and by canoe or kayak. There’s a footpath though the gorge alongside the river bank with a bivouac site midway that’s popular with parties of schoolkids; apparently camping is prohibited in the caves but it seems everyone has done it at some time.
Plenty of water and green vegetation after recent rain, our early start again caught the best light before the clouds and afternoon storms.
The fortified medieval city standing hard above the scrubland and marshes of the Camargue. The towers date from 1246 AD.
A train ride across the border to Ventimiglia from Menton. You know you’re in Italy when the streets are lined with scooters. Ventimiglia’s renowned traffic congestion was enlivened by a rally of Ferraris passing through while we enjoyed a real Italian coffee with interesting ice cream.
Seen from above, the Grand Canyon of the Verdon is a huge crack in the limestone rock of Provence. The Route des Crêtes runs to the highest point (1319 m.) on the north rim, allowing a panoramic view of the surrounding topography and the Verdon flowing 800 metres below.
Another fantastic clear early morning but the clouds and then the rain came along quite soon.
More photos: Crack in the rock: Grand Canyon du Verdon - Alpes-de-Haut-Provence 2
Dawn with mist in the Grand Canyon of the Verdon
Journey to the sources of the River Verdon at the Col d’Allos (2240 m.) touring the Alpes-de-Haut-Provence. Fine weather in the morning but stormy in the afternoons.
More photos: To the sources of the Verdon - Alpes-de-Haut-Provence 1
