Travels with a Brompton in the Cevennes and other regions

Travels with a Brompton is a narrative about an English couple and their folding bicycles over 30 years of exploring France, featuring wine-fuelled adventures and a travel guide for two-wheeled trips. The author's Brompton, Modestine, is a descendant of the donkey Robert Louis Stevenson took on his travels in the Cévennes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 365 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2022
Publisher: Cranthorpe Millner Publishers

Travels with a Brompton is a captivating narrative that delves into the adventures of an English couple and their folding bicycles over nearly 30 years of exploring France. This is a wine-fueled account of exhilarating pedaling and the joy of freewheeling through stunning cols, war memorials, lavender fields, and vineyards. It serves as a valuable travel guide for those who yearn for two-wheeled journeys in France, as well as a lively and entertaining read for armchair travelers who prefer the comfort of a sofa over the saddle. The author's Brompton, Modestine, carries a lineage that traces back to the donkey Robert Louis Stevenson embarked upon during his travels in the Cévennes.

The couple's journey begins in the early 1980s, when they purchase their first Brompton bicycles and set off on a series of unforgettable adventures. They explore the picturesque landscapes of France, from the rolling hills of the Loire Valley to the rugged cliffs of the Provence. Along the way, they encounter a diverse range of characters, from friendly locals to eccentric winemakers, and their experiences are filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected surprises.

One of the highlights of their travels is a trip to the Cévennes, where Stevenson himself journeyed in the 1870s. The couple retrace his steps, visiting the same villages, monuments, and landscapes that inspired his writing. They even encounter a donkey named Modestine, which bears a striking resemblance to the one that accompanied Stevenson on his adventure.

Through their travels, the couple learns valuable lessons about the importance of slowing down, appreciating the beauty of nature, and connecting with the people and culture of the places they visit. They also discover the joy of cycling, not just as a means of transportation but as a way of life that allows them to explore and experience the world in a unique and intimate way.

Travels with a Brompton is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the power of two wheels to transport us to new places and experiences. It is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, cycling, or simply enjoys a good story about the joys of exploration.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 131 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803780276