I have arrived, safe and sound after a very easy transition from Paris. It was so smooth I almost wondered what was going on. These things tend to be fraught with bad timing, crowds and stress. Not this time, and I certainly appreciated it.

I arrived to 35-degree heat and sun every day. First thing first, was a trip to the morning market to stock up (the peaches are heavenly, as is my favourite roast chicken). Then as quickly as possible, on to my bike for my first ride in a few weeks. One must get out early here if one doesn’t want to suffer heat stroke.