High & Lows in the Verdon Gorge and a Run in with Douane!
To paraphrase “We get up when we want, Except on Thursdays
When We get rudely awakened by the dustmen – Parklife”
Yes, our pitch in Sisteron was very close to town’s glass recycling bins which get emptied at 5 am in the morning…. After getting over initial shock, we drifted off again but soon early morning rush hour traffic forced an early start. A quick visit to the boulangerie and we headed out of town to drive through the Verdon Gorge and then down to the coast and to our destination, Menton.
After an hour climbing into the hills we stopped for breakfast at another beautiful spot. Charlie went large cooking a huge fry up for himself…yoghurt and fruit for me. But what a view to have with breakfast.
The drive through the gorge was spectacular and hairy, not least because of the motorbikes taking full advantage of the sweeping corners and hairpins. I could have taken a 1,000 pictures but I wanted to appreciate the beauty whilst also keeping eyes open for oncoming vehicles, motorbikes and squeaky narrow bits..
Gradually as we left the harshness of the Gorge, the scenery softened and the road became less twisty, rocky landscapes gave way to lavender fields, not yet in bloom and then orchards of fruit trees as we neared the French Riviera.
We joined the motorway to head into Menton and had a run in with Customs. Just cruising along, suddenly blue light appeared behind us, we were overtaken by what we thought was a police motorbike but was in fact a Customs Officer. Indicating that we should follow him, we left the motorway, passed through the toll booth and were pulled over at a Customs/Gendarmarie post. We were told to wait in the motorhome, whilst 6/7 officers searched the car pulled up in front of us, 2 guys being questioned, bags opened and searched very thoroughly. Thinking what a pain in the arse it would be, if they turned over the motorhome like the car in front, the Customs Officer then asked us if we spoke French, a little we replied, ‘English?’ he asked and then “Where are you going and what for”. “Menton, for the Monaco Historique” was our response. ‘Ok, you can go..”. No, we have no idea why we were stopped and what they were looking for, but the 2 guys were still being questioned as we left, but we did receive a cheery goodbye from the Customs Officer.
With the motorhome safely parked for 4 days, after a long, hot shower (we’d run out of water this morning) at the hotel, we met up with Jim, Jane, Norman and Sue, for several drinks, dinner and stroll round the harbour and sea front.
For the next few days, there might not be scenic photos but no doubt spectacular cars and shots of Monaco, before we start our leisurely 7 day journey home.
RoundandAbout 