This campsite beside the lake has been one of the best. Watching the sun set last night was lovely. This valley has surpassed expectations. Since it contains a motorway and a railway, and these show large on small scale maps, I was surprised just how quiet and rural it is – with great mountain views, including of Mont Blanc.

Surprisingly, there was no formal cycle route down the valley, but I managed to string together a series of tiny lanes that worked very well.

It is seriously hot today – 37C. We sheltered in the shade several times to recover. The scenery is spectacular!

But if you were watching the TDF this afternoon you’ll already know that from the helicopter shots. We have been cycling along under those cliffs all day. We arrived in Grenoble about 2 hours ahead of the Tour. Shame about Richie Porte, but I told you it was hot!

Just been in town for dinner. The place is busy with TDF TV crews and we shared the restaurant with TV Hollandaise. Couldn’t find Gary Imlach though. We’ll have a day off tomorrow and watch the riders sign on and leave town. It’s either that or leave tomorrow and join the peleton – since we are planning to head the same way over the Col de Lautaret and the road is closed except to TDF!

Helen’s track of the day:
Free by Rudimental (Emeli Sande)
Great song, great sentiment, the song played round in my head all day.