Chers Amis,
It’s that time of the year again and the world’s greatest
annual sporting event, the Tour de France, is drawing to a close. By their
bleary eyes and advanced state of fatigue you can easily recognise the local
Alliance Française members and other Tour enthusiasts as you walk around town.
For three weeks they have kept vigil over their televisions into the wee hours
of each morning as the epic battles of this great race are fought out against
the background of one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The Australian
contingent this year is so large that for the first time ever the Australian
riders actually outnumber the Italians. Perhaps the Italians stayed away
because they heard that debutant rider young Ben O’Connor from Western
Australia would lead one of France’s oldest teams, AG2R-Citroën, and would be blitzing
the bunch on the longest and highest climbs. We didn’t get to realise our own
14 July plans because of Covid but, on the day, we were able to watch the Tour
and raise a glass to France and to some of the world’s greatest athletes.
Speaking of tours, in this edition of La Mouette, you will
read further information about our inaugural Alliance Française Sapphire Coast
Adventure Tour which will take place on Sunday, 15 August. Mark the day in your
calendars and get some friends to come along and help you to work your way
through the clues which will get you to your destination. Sylvie and Wal have
been very tight lipped about the route so we are all looking forward to seeing
where they take us and enjoying an exciting day out.
Best wishes
Rob McCombie
