We have done a lot of cycle tours in France but this route through the Alps-Maritimes via the Gorges du Verdon is one of our favourites.  We flew into Nice with Easy Jet and were cycling along the seafront of Nice within a couple of hours of leaving Bristol.

The May heat in Nice cooled as we climbed up to Grasse and the start of the Route de Napoleon.  But as I am a plant fanatic my mind was on the range of alpine flowers growing out of the craggy rock face rather than on my tired legs.

One of the skills we have acquired while cycling in France is the art of carrying delicate French patisserie in our panniers without damaging critical components such as the meringue on top or getting the glaze stuck on the lid of the cake box.