Day 46, Wednesday, July 11 – Toulon to Cavalaire Sur Mer, France
Wednesday 11 July 2012
We had discussed taking today off and enjoying doing nothing as our legs rested. But with not the best hotel room to do nothing in, we packed up and paddled out of town.
In our research for this stretch, we learned there was a bike path created along the old railway, all we had to do is find it; something none of the web sites were very specific about. Amazingly, we did find it.
Not hard to imagine a train track on our course 
as we wound through small towns, the backyard of homes and vineyards.
Occasionally our course rode beside the road,
with vistas of the mountains
we hoped to avoid today. That idea lasted until about 11:00, when our climbing began. The shoreline of Cote d’Azur was obscured most of the day by large homes
high fences or trees
making the occassionl glimpse of the sea,
that much sweeter.
Every cove showed hillsides filled with homes
also looking for that glimpse of the Sea. Just before noon, feeling pretty confident with less than ten miles to go, we decided to slow down, take a break and enjoy lunch. Little did we know (though history would prove otherwise) that we would have a good climb on a dirt and rock path; 
it slowed our last stretch down tremendously. 
Luckily, the last couple miles were paved, 
so we were able to enjoy our last downhill at more than 6 mph. Checked into our hotel on the outskirts of this small beach village. Strolled the white sand beach, 
but didn’t last long in the heat of the late afternoon. Rested for the rest of the afternoon; we have some tough mountains to climb tomorrow.
travis Says:
Bon jour. It’s hard keeping up with you guys-you cover so much ground. Sounded like a good stretch of biking from Marseilles to C.sur Mer. You are getting a lot of variety on this tour – I’m certainly enjoying your efforts – and escaping the sweat and fatigue – a great way to travel – vicariously. Looking forward to more entertainment. Au revoir for now.
Robyn Says:
I’m back and ready for more riding! The carbonara looked absolutely yummy….I have to say the seafood NOT for me but I’m sure you have been thoroughly enjoying. I can’t get over how all the bodies of water are aqua blue and so many beaches. This has been such an interesting trip..seems that all the towns are quaint in their own way. Did I tell you I’m sheltered??? I really need to get out and see the world… thanks again for allowing us to ride along on your journey.
Hey Travis where have you been?
Jim & Dencye Corzatt Says:
J & L
Really enjoyed the variety today, especially the route through the old train tunnel. Cool! Hill climbing? Hang in there. The beaches of Saint-Tropez and Cannes are coming up real soon.
Jerry and Lori Says:
it was, though i was only allowed one taste. ride along with us anytime. you’ve got to put this next day (thursday) on your bucket list, and then you need to start empting your bucket!!
WSN Says:
Somebody must have built a fire under you based on the rate at which you’re moving along! Better start practicing up really fast on Acqua, Birra, Fegatini di pollo, and stuff like that.
Ken and Don Says:
Say hi to Prince Albert when you go by Monaco tomorrow!
Jerry and Lori Says:
Hey…..we took a much needed day off…..the tourdefrance is kicking our butts….plus we wanted to see more of Nice AND tomorrow we start the hilly coast of Italy…..