Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: Avignon Lookbook 2022 Badged with the face of Marianne and featuring a reworked tricolour design, the special edition Floriane Bastille jersey takes its cues from summer in the south of France. Shot in and around the former papal home and world heritage site on the left bank of the river Rhône. Now available for men and women. 1. PLace de l'horloge 2. Place de l'horloge 3. Rue des Ciseaux d'Or 4. Place du crillon 5. Rue rouge 6. Place du palais 7. Rue molière 8. Joucas 9. Rue des teinturiers 11. Place de l'amirande 10. Jardin des domes 12. Lioux

Arrière-Pays SS22 Lookbook : The Sporting Life Forever outside is where you’ll find us. With a spirit inspired by going with the flow. Over roads and trails, mountains and oceans, or rambling through the local streets. Since the first humans walked upright, we’ve been looking for fun, playing the game. Enjoy it, wear it well, find your spot, take a break, take a walk, take a trip. See you out there. The SS22 Arrière-Pays collection is here. 1. Men's Magdalena Trousers, Beige; Women's Lena Trousers, Beige. 2. Unisex Prune Hoodie, Navy. 3. Men's Noemie Shorts, Agave Green. 4. Men's Amandine Swim Shorts, Tornado. 5. Unisex Prune Hoodie, Beige; Unisex Col T-Shirt, Stelvio 6. Womens Ariel Swimsuit, Navy & White. 7. Men's Noemie Shorts, Black; Men's Emma Shorts, Khaki; Women's Benedicte Trousers, Cappucino. 8. Men's Benedicte Trousers, Cappucino; Unisex Prune Hoodie, Navy. 10. Men's Magdalena Trousers, Cobalt Blue; 9. Womens Olivia Swimsuit, Tutti Frutti.

FINISH LINES: Atelier Collection SS22 This season’s Atelier collection is made up of team issue pieces as worn in competition by the CDC GT, Café du Cycliste’s first official racing team. Each piece is designed for performance on mixed terrain, using top-end fabrics, components and construction for lightweight and durable apparel. A chequered-flag repeat pattern and special edition flying-fish embroidered emblem adorns these key Gravel cuts, created for epic off-road escapades. Get lost and go further riding in the CDC GT team colours. Shop the Atelier Collection. 1. CHEQUERED MATES : The chequered-flag pattern honours the CDC GT 2. OFF PISTE PIECES : Built for routes less ridden and rarely raced-upon 3. FORMULA G : Riding Gravel is the answer to many of life’s problems 4. TOP END : Constructed to provide unwavering support on rough terrain 5. START YOUR ENGINES : Get stoked. Get lost. Ride further. 6. RACE FACE : Premium fabrics meet performance tailoring for faultless functionality 7. GRAVEL FURTHER : Gravel is about going the extra mile. And then going the extra miles. 8. DRESS TO THRILL : To look good is already to go fast. 10. EPIC APPAREL : Experience the epic in our Gravel-specific kit. 9. RIDE LIKE THE WIND : Lightweight performance for off-road escapades. 11. #WHATISGRAVEL : Gravel is everything and anything you can discover.

Scent from Provence: The Centifolia Collection Created with local inspiration from Grasse, Provence’s perfume capital, Café du Cycliste’s Centifolia collection is blooming with cultivated colour. A group consisting of jersey, jacket, gilet and bib shorts, each variant has a pattern evoking sweet scented flowers grown in the region. Anemone, Sakura, Begonia, Petunia and Muguet (Lily of the Valley), all feature in these limited edition pieces for Spring Summer 2022. Ride into summer smelling the flowers, and magically transport yourself to perfumed Provence. Shop the Men's and Women's collection. 1. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Muguet; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Muguet 2. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Anemone 3. Women's Petra Centifolia Jacket, Anemone 4. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Sakura; 5. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Muguet; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Muguet 6. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Sakura; 7. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Anemone/a>; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Anemone 8. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Muguet; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Muguet 10. Women's Capucine Centifolia Bib Shorts, Anemone 9. Men's Capucine Centifolia Bib Shorts, Anemone

A Rose by Any Other Name Café du Cycliste and Grasse have history. Before the first stitch was sown on the first jersey ever made, the coffee shop that was the original Café du Cycliste was situated just outside the main town, in a suburb called Châteaunuef-de-Grasse. It was whilst turning pedals on the roads surrounding the famous perfume town that our co-founders bounced their ideas, and the good ones became the seeds of something bigger. Grasse is, of course, better known as the perfume capital of the world. An industry whose scents come from the flowers grown in the surrounding landscape. One of the most famous for its scent is the rose. And at the top of the rose tree is the centifolia variety. It’s also known as the Provence Rose, no prizes for guessing why. Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, all source their roses here. To this day in Grasse, the start of the process that ends in those bottles of concentrated fragrance is one of hand-picking in the fields at the end of April and beginning of May. It’s a métier, a tradition and a testament of what the terroir gives as gifts. The same terroir that we cycle across on a weekly basis. Grasse is situated away from the coast so the flowers are protected from the sea breeze. Like so many of its neighbours the town is perched on what we call a ‘colline’, a small hill. Behind are the higher mountains of the Park National Préalpes d’Azur. Around the town, riders will find many rollers, some longer hills but no hors category climbing. The famous Route Naploeon runs through here and heads north towards Castellane and the Gorges du Verdon. Going north is the best way to get into the more open spaces, after passing through the many elaborate villas that were built following the birth of the perfume industry. Celebrate the queen of flowers itself and acknowledge this gift from the terroir that is the base of French life and, more particularly for us, French cycling. The summer Capsule Collection of Floriane jerseys, Capucine bib shorts and Petra gilets does likewise. The Collection FLORIANE SAKURA VIEW MORE FLORIANE ANEMONE VIEW MORE FLORIANE MUGUET VIEW MORE PETRA GILET ANEMONE VIEW MORE CAPUCINE ANEMONE VIEW MORE PETRA JACKET ANEMONE VIEW MORE

Light And Long The devil is always in the detail, especially when the ride is long.There are no half measures on full days, no short cuts to big distances. More capacity, more comfort and more clarity when the the sun is yet to wake or dusk starts to slip away into dark. Everything has to justify its existence. View engineered Audax pieces for men and women. 1. Men's Zelie Jacket, Rouille; Women's Zelie Jacket, Rouille 2. Men's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Women's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Reflective Audax Cycling Gloves 3. Men's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Women's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Reflective Audax Cycling Gloves 4. Men's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Women's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Reflective Audax Cycling Gloves 5. Men's Ingrid Jersey, Alpine Green; Women's Ingrid Jersey, Alpine Green 6. Men's Ingrid Jersey, Navy; Women's Ingrid Jersey, Navy; 7. Men's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Women's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black 8. Men's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Women's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Reflective Audax Cycling Gloves; 9. Men's Zelie Jacket, Rouille; Women's Zelie Jacket, Rouille 9. Men's Zelie Jacket, Rouille; Women's Zelie Jacket, Rouille 10. Men's Irma Jersey, Alpine Green; Women's Irma Jersey, Alpine Green; Men's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Women's Marceline Bib Shorts, Black; Reflective Audax Cycling Gloves;

Norway on Film AW21 The northern lights are only found by heading north. On and on, up and up. The road may be long, the terrain may be tough but the results are spectacular. Shot the old fashioned way for a place where time stands still. Shop our new arrivals for men and women. 1. Unisex Alexia Insulated Gilet, Light Khaki; Men's Petra Superlight Jacket, Peacock Blue 3. Men's Cosette Merino Base Layer, Navy 5. Unisex Alexia Insulated Gilet, Light Khaki; 6.Women's Leonie Insulated Jacket, Pistache; Women's Marie Winter Tights, Black; 8. Unisex Penelope Gravel Jersey, Navy Safran; Unisex Penelope Gravel Jersey, Graphite Blue; Women's Marie Winter Tights, Rouille; 9. Men's Yolande Merino Jersey, Khaki; Women's Yolande Merino Jersey, Khaki; 11. Unisex Alexia Insulated Gilet, Light Khaki

The Atelier Collection AW21 Atelier is a collection by Café du Cycliste comprising one-off pieces produced in small quantities. Uniquely styled, the collection mirrors the freedom of the road within the design and development process itself. Fewer rules, less restriction, more freedom. Shop the Atelier Collection here. Love came at dawn, when all the world was fair, When crimson glories’ bloom and sun were rife; Love came at dawn, when hope’s wings fanned the air, And murmured, “I am life.” Love came at eve, and when the day was done, When heart and brain were tired, and slumber pressed; Love came at eve, shut out the sinking sun, And whispered, “I am rest.” LOVE CAME AT DAWN - Mark Twain, 1896

AW21: Serre Chevalier Lookbook Outdoors is out there. Before and after the bike, between and among the hills. Each Arrière-Pays piece features signature modern French style and is inspired by the back country around Nice. A place of beauty, of solace and of adventure. Shop our AW21 Arrière-Pays collection here. 1.Unisex Lisette Outdoor Vest, Pink; Unisex Amelie Down Jacket, Smoke Blue; Men's Bérénice Sweatshirt, Poisson Volant 2. Men's Louane Jumper, Heather Blue 3. Unisex Clementine Sweatshirt, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage; Unisex Josiane Ribbed Beanie, Beige 4. Unisex Ondine Fleece Top, Grey 5. Men's Bérénice Sweatshirt, Poisson Volant; Men's Nicole Roll Neck Jumper, Red 6. Unisex Ondine Fleece Top, Red 7. Men's Maeva Bomber Jacket, Créme; Men's Nicole Roll Neck Jumper, Red 8.Men's Louane Jumper, Camel; Waterproof Rucksack, Bleu Clair 9.Men's Louane Jumper, Camel; Diane Merino Beanie, Red 10. Unisex Ondine Fleece Top, Grey; Men's Bomber Jacket, Créme 12. Men's Louane Jumper, Heather Blue 11. Unisex Josiane Ribbed Beanie, Beige 13. Unisex Lisette Outdoor Vest, Pink; Men's Louane Jumper, Heather Grey; Men's Juliette Active Trousers, Black

Café du Cycliste x 66°North Lookbook Designed for the worst weather on Earth and united by the belief that good design enables time outdoors, Café du Cycliste has joined forces with one of Iceland’s oldest manufacturing companies, 66°North to present a special collection of technical gear. Shop the exclusive collection here. 1. Men's Seigla Cycling Jacket, Dark Grey 2. Women's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain 3. Men's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain 4. Women's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain , Men's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain 5. Men's Skyli Cycling Jacket, Light Blue 6. Women's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain , Men's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain 7. Women's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain, Men's Seigla Cycling Jacket, Dark Grey 8. Men's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain 10. Men's Seigla Cycling Jacket, Dark Grey, Men's Skyli Cycling Jacket, Light Blue 9. Men's Landmannalaugar Fleece Jersey, Mountain, Unisex Hip Pack, Mountain

Café du Cycliste x 66°North "As cyclists, we have fallen in love with Iceland, where you can find a polar kind of beauty, totally different to the Côte d’Azur. The cycling scene there is as welcoming as it is well-established, they tackle the harsh weather conditions with smiling faces. These athletes test our products to their very limits and contribute to their development. It’s there that we met the team behind 66North, whose authenticity and expertise create an ideal platform to launch a new winter kit." This is how Rémi Clermont, founder of Café du Cycliste defines this new technical collaboration for the brand and the importance of maintaining the strong relationship we’ve had for years with the elite of Icelandic cycling. There are some places that make an impression on you, that cause a gut reaction which stays with you forever– Iceland is one of those places. The testing of the clothing that we developed was carried out in Landmannalaugar, on the slopes of volcanoes in the nature reserve of Fjallabak. Over two days of intensive riding, Ágústa Edda Björnsdóttir and Eyjólfur Guðgeirsson put the clothes we had co-developed through their paces. There, far from everything, with its natural hot springs and fields of lava as far as the eye can see, the expanse of land is spectacular, but harsh. The cold and damp can catch you out at any moment, as the Icelandic cyclists know well. 66North knows this too. For nearly 90 years, the Icelandic brand has developed a simple philosophy: the weather should not be an obstacle to getting out there in the open. 66North was founded in 1926 in the west of Iceland where the weather conditions are known for being very tough, and where the clothes worn are simply a question of survival for its fisherman. Café du Cycliste and 66North saw an opportunity to share their respective know-how and offer cyclists the best in terms of comfort and performance. Both brands share a common idea: design is the key to tackling any type of challenge. Neither brand, however, had risen to the challenge of getting men and women out on their bikes in the North Sea winter. This sparked off an idea : creating a kit designed for Iceland would allow cyclists to tackle the winter weather anywhere in the world. The collection Landmannalaugar Men's Fleece Jersey, Mountain Shop Now Seigla Men's Insulated Jacket, Dark Grey Shop Now Landmannalaugar Women's Fleece Jersey, Mountain Shop Now Hip Pack Unisex Bag, Mountain Shop Now Skyli Men's Anorak, Light Blue Shop Now

Lyon Lookbook 2021 Badged with the face of Marianne and featuring a signature tricolour design, the special edition Francine Bastille jersey is fully French in form. Shot against the backdrops of the former capital of Gaul and shaped to ride and ride. Available now for men and women 1. Rue Merciere 2. Vieux Lyon 3. Place Bellecour 4. Cour des Voraces 5. Hotel Dieu 6 & 7. Vieux Lyon & Croix Rousse 8 & 9. Pentes de la Croix Rousse & Vieux Lyon 10. Quais du Rhône 12. Vieux Lyon 11. Cours des Voraces 13. Passerelle Saint Georges

Lookbook Centifolia SS21 Bloom town. Grasse and the surrounding area are places of petals and perfume. At the right time of year a riot for the senses, a burst of colour and a symphony of light and shades. Thank you to the Musée international de la Parfumerie. 1. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Freesia 2. 3. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Petunia 4. Men's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia  ; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia  ; Men's Capucine Pattern Bib Shorts, Begonia  5 & 6. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Freesia 7. 8 & 9.   Women's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia ; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia ;  Men's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia ; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia 10. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Petunia ; Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Petunia 12. 11. Men's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Groseille 13. Women's Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia  ; Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey,  Begonia

Lookbook Namibia South and south again. On rough roads and under blue skies, a collection shot against backdrops which inspire and astound in equal measure. The sheer majesty, the natural wonder, the true beauty. This is Namibia. The bikes featured are supplied by J.Laverack. 1. Christelle Ultralight Jersey,  Black ; Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard  2. 3. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard  4. Women's Christelle Ultralight Jersey, Black  ; Women's Alice All Seasons Bib Shorts, Black Twill  5. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Orangeade ; Cycling Socks Skate Stripes, White & White 6. Women's Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Orangeade  ;  Women's Celine Cycling Shorts, Navy 7.Women's Beatrice Gravel Jersey, Navy & White ; Classic Casquette, Orange 8. Women's Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia ;  Women's Capucine Pattern Bib Shorts, Begonia 9. Petra Superlight Gilet, Begonia ; Capucine Pattern Bib Shorts, Begonia 10. Women's Magalie Gravel Jersey, White  ; Women's Marinette Colour Bib Shorts, Anthracite 12. Mickaela Gravel Shorts, Navy & White 11. Betty Gravel Jersey, Navy & White ; Agathe Gravel Bib Shorts, Navy

Lookbook SS21 Atelier Cycling clothing like no other. The atelier collection is designed with more freedom and produced without constraints. Fabrics, textures, details and more elevate the limited edition pieces beyond the normal. Available now for men and women. 1. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Women's Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard 2. Women's Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Romane Seersucker Shirt, Khaki 3. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim ; Velvet Cycling Cap, Blue 4. Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy 5. Women's Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy ; Women's Celine Cycling Shorts, Navy 6. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim 7. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Christelle Ultralight Jersey, Black 8. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim  9. Charline Atelier Bib Shorts, Leopard ; Christelle Ultralight Jersey, Black 9. Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy  ; Mathilde Audax Bib Shorts, Navy 11. Melina Atelier Jersey, Navy  10. Laurie Atelier Jersey, Yellow-Denim ; Velvet Cycling Cap, Blue 12. Men's Atelier Collection ;  Women's Atelier Collection

The Swimwear Collection RIDING AND THE RIVIERA The Côte d'Azur stretches from the celebrated Saint Tropez in the west to the pretty town of Menton on the Italian border, a slice of the coast as well known for its lifestyle as its real life. Our home town of Nice is at its heart. First-time visitors may land on the beaches that front the city but for locals and those who return regularly, the way to the water has many different paths. From hidden coves to rocky outcrops, quiet cliffs to mountain streams and buzzing beaches to ice-cold pools. If anything comes close to the riding on the riviera, it is the blue skies and azur waters that gave it its name. Amandine VIEW MORE Olivia VIEW MORE Amandine VIEW MORE Clara VIEW MORE Amandine VIEW MORE Ariel VIEW MORE Towel VIEW MORE COOL POOLS ON HOT RIDES TAKE ME TO THE RIVER Our local Col de Braus can be climbed by road or by gravel and, if you know what you're looking for, there's a reward once the hard work is done. On the west side of the mountain the Ruisseau de Redebraus cascades its way down the gorge towards L'Escarène. READ MORE FIND YOUR WAY Riding in the Fournaise, the furnace of French Riviera summers can be hard work. Our Nice riding guide not only shows the best routes but also more places to cool off when the heat gets too much. ARRIERE PAYS MEN Encompassing a collection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, shirts and swimming trunks, all of our arrière pays summer pieces blend a love of out there, somewhere with a touch of French Riviera style. ARRIERE PAYS WOMEN From classic t-shirts to those celebrating the cols we ride, our Women's Arrière Pays pieces also include two swimsuits and accessories. It's French summer style for warm days and balmy nights.

R. x Centifolia 2021 PETAL TO THE METAL Inspired by the scents of summer in the south, a new collection of jerseys, bib shorts and gilets for men and women that found their form nestled in the hills away from the sea. In the sun and the soil that nurtures the flowers and makes the town of Grasse the perfume capital of the world. There is a familiarity about the confluence of natural conditions and the combination of elements to make a whole. Each piece we make combines the performance needed to handle the roads we ride with signature design fed by the enduring beauty of the Alpes-Maritimes. Floriane, Capucine and Petra are no exception. R X Centifolia for Summer 2021. Women's Floriane Groseille VIEW MORE Floriane Freesia VIEW MORE Women's Floriane Begonia VIEW MORE Floriane Petunia VIEW MORE Floriane Groseille VIEW MORE Women's Floriane Freesia VIEW MORE Floriane Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Floriane Petunia VIEW MORE Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Petra Begonia VIEW MORE Capucine Begonia VIEW MORE Women's Capucine Begonia VIEW MORE A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME A TOWN & A FLOWER Grasse is perched on what we call a ‘colline’, a small hill. Behind are the higher mountains of the Park National Préalpes d’Azur. Around the town, riders will find many rollers, some longer hills but no hors category climbing. One of the most famous flowers for its scent is the rose. And at the top of the rose tree is the centifolia variety. It’s also known as the Provence Rose, no prizes for guessing why. Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, all source their roses here. READ MORE CAPUCINE Featuring a premium chamois and grippers integrated into the main fabric, the bib shorts feature a deep print begonia pattern leg section, a technique only compatible with premium textile fibres. VIEW MORE Petra Jacket A super lightweight race cut jacket, featuring a fully windproof and water repellent core section which covers the front and shoulder areas. Available in begonia for men and women. VIEW MORE

Gravel Collection SS21 ROADS LESS RIDDEN Wider, deeper, further, for longer. A collection of pieces not so much about what is beneath the tyres but more about what is up ahead. Encompassing a selection of jerseys, shorts, bib shorts and accessories, gravel for Spring Summer 21 is inspired by a spirit, constructed to perform and features our Flying Fish motif. Laureline Red Panther VIEW MORE Laureline Leopard VIEW MORE Laureline Tiger VIEW MORE Magalie Khaki VIEW MORE Magalie Bordeaux VIEW MORE Magalie Sage Green VIEW MORE Magalie White VIEW MORE Barbara White & Black VIEW MORE Beatrice Navy & White VIEW MORE Angèle Grey Black VIEW MORE Solenne Acajou VIEW MORE Solenne Black VIEW MORE Pauline Marinière VIEW MORE Pauline Marinière VIEW MORE Agathe Navy VIEW MORE Chloé Navy VIEW MORE Chloé Black VIEW MORE Mickaela Navy White VIEW MORE Mickaela Khaki Olive VIEW MORE Mickaela Cocoa Sand VIEW MORE Mickaela Strom Blue VIEW MORE Mickaela Sage Green VIEW MORE Renée Anthracite VIEW MORE Virginie Black VIEW MORE BOOM TIME WHAT IS GRAVEL ? A simple question to ask but a more complicated one to answer. Most would agree the definition of gravel cycling is wide. As wide as an individual wants to make it because ultimately, like so much in life, it can be what you want it to be. READ MORE NOT JUST GRAVEL Part of a whole if you like, where the whole is a world of infinite possibilities. Be it bikepacking, adventure cycling, Audax, Brevet or Randonnée. If there is no umbrella term that covers every variation of exploring by bicycle, there is a consistency of spirit. A sense of being a pionnier. Barbara Gravel jersey styled for roads less ridden. With a lightweight and fully breathable construction, Barbara is built for adventure in warmer weather. VIEW MORE Margaux For true grit and hard grind, our women's Margaux is built to survive long days on lesser roads. Full of pionnier sprit in vanilla shake colours. VIEW MORE

Spring Classics The world is different but the seasons remain the same. Signature styles shot in the south, including new designs, new colours and new hopes for the year ahead. In times of trouble, the group will out. In times of tension, the spirit stays strong. 1. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Lemonade 2. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Guimauve Pink 3. Fleurette Superlight Jersey, Infinite Green 4. Janis Superlight Jersey, Red Panther 5 & 6. Mona Superlight Audax Jersey, Parasol Bleu Rouge ; Mona Superlight Audax Jersey, Parasol Bleu Jaune Vert 7. Janis Superlight Jersey, Red Panther 8 & 9. Micheline Ultralight Jersey, Blue 10. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Petunia 12. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Begonia 11. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Freesia 13. Floriane Centifolia Jersey, Groseille

Shorts Stories: Renée The Pyrénées is a fascinating mountain range. A thin line of jagged peaks stretching 500 kilometres between two immense seas; they form a natural border between France and Spain. Dotted along the ridge are a number of mountain passes. Natural gateways or doors (Port) between the two countries, they are remote, at high altitude and in the past have been used by many as a path to freedom and a better life. Tales of escape over such forgotten and remote passes as people fled from Spain during the Spanish Civil War and later France in the Second World War remind us of a darker side to the mountains. Nestled near the mighty Mont Valier, the region's third highest mountain, Port d’Aula stands at a touch over 2,200 metres and is accessed by an 18km long gravel track from the small town of Couflens, via the Col de Pause. The climb to the Col de Pause is split in two. The first half has smooth tarmac and it takes you out of the valley floor up into high pasture. The second half is double track gravel and it snakes around a natural amphitheatre before pushing on to the top. No wind, no noise, the world was ours and it felt fantastic. With the sky an inky black we decided to turn in for the night. The next morning we slowly rose to the sound of silence and the view of a pink mountain resting gracefully across the valley. No time for breakfast, we had a ride to start. A section of eight or nine hairpin bends propped up like a ladder against the eastern valley wall. It was spectacular and we finally caught sight of Port d’Aula. We couldn’t help but imagine the emotions of those who used it as a route to freedom: the immense risk taken to get there and the significance of crossing over to the other side. We opened the gate and walked into Spain. Made for adventure, Renée gravel shorts use cutting edge fabric technology and are perfect for roads less travelled. SHORTS OR LONG What is Gravel? It’s off-road and on-road. It’s riding and not riding. It’s racing and not racing. It’s everywhere and nowhere. VIEW MORE Shorts Stories Josephine Le Mille du Sud winds its way for a 1000 km through Provence and the Southern Alps, taking a different route each year. VIEW MORE TRUE GRIT #2 I escape with just the basics: a bottle, a survival kit, something to snack on, and then we’re off on the wild roads. VIEW MORE ON THE INCA TRAIL In the shadows of the Tramnuntana, Inca is Mallorca’s third-largest town and is situated nearly in the middle of the Island. VIEW MORE