My Tour De France: Latresne to Marmande. Sunday 28th June 2015

It wasn't a particularly early start but it was already very warm by time I'd had my wonderful breakfast and began pedalling along an old railway line turned into a cycle track.

There were quite a few riders out on this glorious Sunday morning.

It was on this day that my mind was blown away by the sheer enormity of the Bordeaux Wine industry. Either side of the trail and as far as the eye can see there are vineyards.

I just couldn't take it all in!

I stopped to just look, several times,

Then a little surprise of a long tunnel to ride through.

It was quite a long tunel and I was tempted to scream in it just for the fun of it but thought better of it in case someone was just round the bend.

I came to the end of the track in a beautiful little town with a square in the middle made up of little shops and cafes.

I popped into the shop for bread and tinned fish for my lunch and sat under the arches to eat. The above photo is from the table I sat at.

I was out of track now so hit the road.

There was no shade and it was at least 30 Celcius. I just kept on pedalling through the heat. My attention was always drawn to the vineyards and then another stunning first, A Golden sea of Sunflowers .

To see these, I had diverted off the minor road onto little farm lanes around the huge fields. I rode about 10km on these taking in the beauty of the golden blooms.

I was making fairly good ground and needed food so headed back to the bigger road and passed a supermarket. Perfect stopping time I thought. But of course I'd forgotten it was Sunday and all shops were shut. I passed a few villages but again all shops were closed. As I came into Marmande I saw a cafe that was open. What a Godsend! It was roasting and I needed a break. It was about 5pm. I had a lovely cooling icecream and bought a baguette for later. I asked the man behind the counter if there were any local B&Bs around. He pointed to a lady and gent sitting in the corner and said, ask Lizzie.

Well... I did. Lizzie and David are a lovely couple of retired Australians. They doubted I'd find anywhere due to the music festival being held. They suggested I stayed with them as they have a spare room. They said they had to go out that evening but I could stay and they would be back soon. Then they decided that the French couple they were visiting would like to meet me.

They live 5km back in the direction I'd come from but that was no problem. I accepted their very kind offer. David explained where they lived and drive ahead, waiting for me at each junction.

He was quite concerned as he said he car dash gauge was showing an outside temperature of 34 Celcius. Didn't I know it!!.

We arrived at their gorgeous tardis of a house. I was simply pouring with sweat, David ran me a cool bath and Lizzie made a fuss of me making sure I had everything I needed.

After a quick bath and clean clothes on, we jumped into the car and drove into the country lanes. David and Lizzie were perfect guides about what was around. We were visiting some of their friends. A couple called Catherine and Serge from Paris who were in their summer residence. It's a home that had been in the family for a couple of generations and only the Borgoise could afford.

On our arrival we were greeted warmly as is the French way and shown round to a beautiful patio outside with huge double doors leading off the kitchen.

Both retired, Cathetine and Serge are a delightful couple. The table was laid with snacks and an assortment of drinks.

They mostly spoke French but I never felt left out. Lizzie speaks French very well and David can get by.

Lizzie, Serge, David and Catherine.