Origin: Lacanau-Ocean, Chez Augustin 14 Rue De L'Atlantique
Destination: Arcachon, 1 Rue Sebasterpol, Jean Francois et Maggy
Thursday:
9:45 departure on bike path heading south; beautiful pine-shaded paved path behind the large dunes along the long Atlantic beach down the peninsula to Cap Ferret. And such fun: lots of curves, many easy up-and-over hills, heavily used by all ages of cyclists headed to one of the many beach access points along the dunes We noticed a sign announcing the international surfing competition to be held in this area in August, passed a couple surfing schools and equipment outfitters , and saw lots of folks with surfboards strapped to backs or bikes.
Destination: Arcachon, 1 Rue Sebasterpol, Jean Francois et Maggy
Thursday:
9:45 departure on bike path heading south; beautiful pine-shaded paved path behind the large dunes along the long Atlantic beach down the peninsula to Cap Ferret. And such fun: lots of curves, many easy up-and-over hills, heavily used by all ages of cyclists headed to one of the many beach access points along the dunes We noticed a sign announcing the international surfing competition to be held in this area in August, passed a couple surfing schools and equipment outfitters , and saw lots of folks with surfboards strapped to backs or bikes.
The waves are impressive! Stopped for coffee and a crepe at Gressier Beach (small cluster of restaurants and shops) and walked up to the top of the dune on the boardwalk to view the ocean. Happy to be part of all these vacationers in this beautiful spot. The afternoon was less enjoyable after wrong turn led us to the Arcachon Bassin side of the peninsula. Here the bike path was close to traffic.
At the jetee du Canon we secured a 5 pm boat reservation. Bob waited with the gear while Marney walked down a small path between the small houses of the oysterers lining the Bassin. Tightly shuttered in the late afternoon, these oyster villages will have crowds in the evening to eat fresh oysters on the porches of the houses or in a couple of small restaurants.
Our bikes were hoisted atop the boat for the 30 min shuttle across the large Arcachon Bassin. Miles of oyster beds are visible. South of Arcachon the huge dune of Pilat rises up. Walking our bikes up the jettee brought back Martha' s Vineyard summer memories from years ago. We are comfortably Air B and B lodged with Maggie and Jean Franco, and look forward to a day off bikes to relax. A Bordeaux bottle of Chateau Boiress wine topped off the day.
Friday:
A relaxed day off bikes to catch up on Italy blog postings and take some walks around this beach town which was established in 1857. We explored the area around Mauresque park up steep stairs above the town where elaborate mansions in different architectural styles were built for the middle class in the late 1800s. The original small fishing village began to grow after Napolean III visited in 1863. Many came here in the past for good air cure for tuberculosis or for the seaside bathing.
We visited the Basilica of Notre Dame and the Mariners Chapel, site of past and present pilgrimages to see the Virgin and child statue that washed up on the beach at the feet of a Franciscan monk in the early 16th century.
A lovely shaded promenade along the waterfront is a delight for walkers and we picnicked on one of the hundreds of the town's red benches. Bicycles are everywhere and bike routes well designated.
It has been a nice day in a beautiful beach town.
Friday:
A relaxed day off bikes to catch up on Italy blog postings and take some walks around this beach town which was established in 1857. We explored the area around Mauresque park up steep stairs above the town where elaborate mansions in different architectural styles were built for the middle class in the late 1800s. The original small fishing village began to grow after Napolean III visited in 1863. Many came here in the past for good air cure for tuberculosis or for the seaside bathing.
We visited the Basilica of Notre Dame and the Mariners Chapel, site of past and present pilgrimages to see the Virgin and child statue that washed up on the beach at the feet of a Franciscan monk in the early 16th century.
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