Nothing much happens in this sleepy French village of ours. The most exciting so far has been when they block off our ruelle because there is a funeral about to happen and they don't want people to park chez nous or chez eux. But today was big time. We sloped off to a neighbouring village because the Tour de France was coming through.
What a treat! We got the timing wrong but it did not matter. Two hours before they were going to shoot past at 50 kph, families were gathering, complete with folding chairs and baguettes wrapped in foil. All local. People carrying on conversations across the road, the gendarmes nonchalantly letting people wander around. And then with more than an hour to go, the fun started.
Motorcycle outriders, complete with helmets and goggles, looking very Big Brotherish, lights flashing and then dozens and dozens of publicity cars with Things on the roof - Mickey Mouse, horses with riders, giant bottles, dolly birds sitting in armchairs......and all the time, armfuls of stickers, fridge magnets, peaked caps, packets of crisps are being flung out in our direction and all the kids are going mad with excitement and amassing little piles of goodies.
Eventually, a few helicopters fly over head, more serious outriders and then the great moment arrives. They are coming. Just two initially who, amazingly are ahead by a clear two minutes. Then the rest shoot past in a great flash of yellow, red and green tops, the flics remove the yellow cones and it's all back to sleepy sleepy land.
Phew, what excitement! And to think that we were there!
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