Gordes was picture perfect to wake up to. After we grabbed breakfast on the deck by the pool at La Ferme we took our car into town - which sat perched on top of a rock outcropping. The town of Gordes is a medieval city which winds around on narrow streets and today was the market day and they were selling everything from straw hats, which Nate bought, to fruits and veggies- bought a carton of fresh berries, and some table cloths. We found the ebike shop which had recently opened and the man hooked us up with 3 emountain bikes and a couple GPS with a 25km mountain bike route. I wasn't honestly expecting the full dirt road and single track that he sent us on, since I was literally wearing slacks, but it was a great adventure. It was believe it or not a workout too as we climbed mountain roads and rode narrow trails back through town and tall grasses. It was beautiful and overlooked what looked like park land with no homes and several camp sites. We also rode past vineyards and down narrow rocky trails too and narrow streets. It turned out to be a great adventure and included a stop by a beautiful old monastery with 11 monks and soon to bloom lavender fields.
Back in town we enjoyed lunch at a Italian outdoor cafe and the pizzas were delicious and well earned, believe it or not, after our nearly 30km exploration. It was a perfect morning. We then buckled up and made our way to Lyon. We made it there in the early evening and checked into a hotel recommended by the owner of La Ferme called the College Hotel. It was perfectly situated in the old town and we strolled through the old town down to where we could catch a ride up to the hill overlooking the city. We rode a Funicular to the top of the viewpoint and to a spectacular Basilica, honestly one of the most ornate churches with elaborate gilded mosaics and radiant stainless windows. It almost looked like it had been recently built. I am not sure of the history of the basilica, since everything is written in French and noting in English. But it was a highlight of the day for sure. We chose to walk down the mountain and back into town, passing several bistros, which the area is known for. They say some of the best chefs come from Lyon and it is the home of the bistro, and it lived up to it's reputation.
We found a spot which had old leather booths and cane chairs and made me think that Hamburger Hamlet must have originated in France. I had an incredible dish which had a mushroom sauce that was not too rick or spicy but just the right amount of creaminess and enough flavor that I didn't feel too full. Sam and Nate went searching for the perfect creepy and I went back to the hotel to begin searching for the next night's hotel. Our room at the College Hotel was Very sterile and all white. I honestly felt like we were checking into an insane asylum and although minimalist and clean and very white, which I am a fan of white, I was ready to leave. Tonight, May 27th's hotel in an old Chateau ad the Henry the VIII suite couldn't be more opposite with our old french antiques and colorful tapestries.
Back in town we enjoyed lunch at a Italian outdoor cafe and the pizzas were delicious and well earned, believe it or not, after our nearly 30km exploration. It was a perfect morning. We then buckled up and made our way to Lyon. We made it there in the early evening and checked into a hotel recommended by the owner of La Ferme called the College Hotel. It was perfectly situated in the old town and we strolled through the old town down to where we could catch a ride up to the hill overlooking the city. We rode a Funicular to the top of the viewpoint and to a spectacular Basilica, honestly one of the most ornate churches with elaborate gilded mosaics and radiant stainless windows. It almost looked like it had been recently built. I am not sure of the history of the basilica, since everything is written in French and noting in English. But it was a highlight of the day for sure. We chose to walk down the mountain and back into town, passing several bistros, which the area is known for. They say some of the best chefs come from Lyon and it is the home of the bistro, and it lived up to it's reputation.
We found a spot which had old leather booths and cane chairs and made me think that Hamburger Hamlet must have originated in France. I had an incredible dish which had a mushroom sauce that was not too rick or spicy but just the right amount of creaminess and enough flavor that I didn't feel too full. Sam and Nate went searching for the perfect creepy and I went back to the hotel to begin searching for the next night's hotel. Our room at the College Hotel was Very sterile and all white. I honestly felt like we were checking into an insane asylum and although minimalist and clean and very white, which I am a fan of white, I was ready to leave. Tonight, May 27th's hotel in an old Chateau ad the Henry the VIII suite couldn't be more opposite with our old french antiques and colorful tapestries.
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