Name: Allen Pearson, Green Point, NSW.
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Itinerary: four nights in Montpellier, 10 nights following the Tour de France, including farewell dinner in Paris. Four nights in Amiens, back to Paris then eight nights in Croatia split between Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik.
The trip was a 50th birthday present, which included a tour that followed the Tour de France.
Highlights of the cycling tour were completing Alpe d'Huez and Col du Joux Plane.
Montpellier is rich in Roman and medieval history, is surrounded by ancient vineyards that produce good wines (I did an olive farm and wineries tour) and there are some nice long beaches, including Grande Motte.
From there I joined a tour run by Topbike Tours based in Victoria, which runs cycling tours in France, Italy and Spain. We experienced some amazing chateau accommodation and quaint villages such as Vaujany and Samoens that gave me an insight into French life.
After the tour I travelled to Amiens, which is in the Somme and home to many World War I battles. The city is an excellent base for tours in the area. It is also home to the magnificent 13th-century Notre Dame d'Amiens Cathedral, which puts on a light show at night during summer. A day was also spent in Reims on the way back to Paris, famous for its champagnes.
Flew from Paris to Split with its harbour, old city and Diocletian's Palace. Very crowded being August! I then had three days on the island of Hvar, which was relaxing with amazing water for swimming, and scenery.
From Hvar to Dubrovnik with its famed walled city, harbour, Lokrum Island and fresh seafood.
Best bits: Amiens and the battlefields, the cycling, Hvar and Dubrovnik.
Worst bit: None, but if I must, the poor Wi-Fi in most places I stayed at and the crowds in Croatia, although I was also part of the problem.
Best tip: Don't miss Amiens and try to converse with locals everywhere; start conversations with strangers. And don't forget to enjoy the French food and wine.
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