What a Palava!

Thursday 21st September 2023. Palavas Les Flots.

We had a little cycle into Agde in the morning. Not too much to report.

The church is a little austere but certainly different from many churches in the area.

There was a little market taking place so we refreshed our lettuce and bread supplies. Back to the van and and I was off on the bike again. The last time we did this kind of routine of me cycling and Janice driving was in the Outer Hebrides last autumn.

My first target was the city of Sète on the Mediterranean coast.

Sete is about half way.
I got to see plenty of the real Mediterranean….with some sunshine too!
My lunch stop.

Sète is officially the end of the Canal du Midi and it’s officially the end of the cycle route of Le Deux Mers. I have often wondered what it is like. It has the sea on one side and an Etang (lake) behind it and it is joined by the Canal du Rhône a Sète, which travels further east to the Rhône river. There are waterways everywhere!

I suspect this is the very end of the Canal du Midi.

This was not the end of todays journey though. We were heading to Palavas Les Flots…..a touristy town further east.

Janice had already arrived at our selected site, to find it was already closed for the end of the season! She found another close by that was thankfully open. It is close to the beach and to the town.

She found a flamboyance of flamingos too.
The strip of water to the left of the road is the Canal du Rhône a Sète. In essence it’s part of the rest of the water. The road I cycled on was so narrow and only inches above the water level. I’m glad the Med doesn’t have a tide.

Janice had cycled south to meet me.

We came back through Palavas and had an important task….

I’m sure you understand…
Very different architecture! You don’t see such diverse buildings in the same photo. The one on the right was a water tower and now it’s a revolving restaurant.

We got back to the van for our evening meal and necessary shower (for me)! Then headed back to Palavas for an evening promenade.

I still can’t believe my hair is so short!
Of course the name of the town reminds Janice and I of our parents saying “What a Palava” when something was a bit complicated or long winded. I really don’t know where the phrase comes from or why? Anyone help!

We have France v Namibia tonight. I don’t think there is any doubt about who will win. England have announced their team against Chile and have rested Itoje and Lawes….both are in my fantasy rugby team! I am not happy!

I’ve had a good cycling day today and I think Janice has had a good driving and cycling day too. She likes to be beside the seaside….beside the sea! We are looking forward to another great day tomorrow too.

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