The Tour de France

It is not often that the world's most famous cycle race passes your front door. In July 2002, I left my house to find out where the tour would be passing through Pau, to find the area outside my door a hive of activity. Less than half an hour later, the riders whizzed passed in a blur - or is that just my dodgy camera work?

French people take their food seriously

The market in Les Halles. How refreshing to be able to buy your leeks from the old man who grew them and probably pulled them out of the ground that morning. 6 days a week, all the produce is local - wonderful. Who needs supermarkets?

Considerate drivers (for cyclists)

Yet another busy French road full of traffic... French drivers are definitely more considerate to cyclists when out in the country compared to other nationalities.

French cheese

French cheese is famous around the world and rightfully so. How they can produce such an amazing variety of cheeses (at least 400) from milk is incredible. My favourite is the artisanal brebis cheese from the Pyrenees. For more about French food, click on French starters.

Great climate - snow and sunshine

This picture was taken on December the 22nd, 2002. I wore a T shirt as it was 21 degrees. The pension I stayed in cost 10 euros a night and the weather was even better in the morning! The climate of South West France is wetter than along the Med but that makes it a green and pleasant land. To see more, have a look at Lescun in Summer or Winter.

Some of my cycling in the area?

Col du Tourmalet

3 days in Western Pyrenees

South West France Coast cycle

Col du Portalet and Spain

Lourdes to Gavarnie

Or more things about France?

A 2 day hike in the Pyrenees