Pedal Through Paradise: Cycling is a dream from Camping le Monteil

Bonjour mes amis!

Welcome back to the blog from your favourite little slice of French countryside, Camping le Monteil. This month, we’re swapping our usual tales of tranquil tent life and the joys of a good night’s sleep in a king-size bed for something a little more… energetic. But fear not, we’re not suggesting you start doing press-ups before your morning coffee (though feel free, there’s more than enough room for a workout). No, this month we're talking about the sheer, unadulterated joy of cycling in our glorious corner of La Creuse.

Picture this: You step out of your luxurious bell tent, breathe in the crisp morning air, grab a coffee and some breakfast, then hop onto your bicycle, feeling the promise of a day teeming with discovery. Beyond our glampsite, the tranquil countryside unfurls, a living tapestry of rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and storybook villages waiting to be explored.

Here’s the magic of cycling in La Creuse: It’s freedom in its purest form. Glide along whisper-quiet roads, unmarked by traffic, stress or potholes, where your only company might be a curious cow or the glimpse of a buzzard or red kite overhead. Whether you’re testing yourself against the elites on a Strava segment, chasing an adrenaline-pumping climb or prefer to amble along winding lanes, you’ll find beauty in every turn.

Stop when inspiration strikes—a picnic by a sunlit lake, rest by a river, an espresso at a country café or a well-earned treat from a rustic boulangerie. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to the essence of rural France, where time slows down, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

And the best part? After a day spent soaking in the scenery, the comfort of Camping le Monteil awaits you like a warm embrace. No fumbling with tent pegs or communal showers here. Your plush bed and private bathroom promise a blissful end to your adventure-filled day.  Then relax with a barbecue and a well-earned drink as the sky reveals more stars than you thought possible in a crystal-clear sky.  Remember, this is camping with a hint of luxury.

At Camping le Monteil, we believe in celebrating both the thrill of exploration and the joy of indulgence. This isn’t just camping—it’s a symphony of relaxation, connection, and unforgettable experiences.  If you need inspiration for your ride, details of the biggest climbs in the area (or how to to avoid them) or a recommendation of the best coffee stops, we can give you all the information you need, along with a .gpx file for your bike computer.  So, strap on your helmet (safety first!), and let us take you on a journey where every moment feels like a story worth telling. 

Your next great cycling adventure begins here. Will you answer the call of the open road?

À bientôt,

Tony & Kirstie

Horizon Gazing: Embracing the Infinite

Horizon Gazing: Embracing the Infinite at Camping le Monteil - Our Glampsite in Central France

In the hustle and bustle of city life, stress can become an unwelcome companion. The constant noise, poor air quality, and relentless pace leave little room for relaxation. One aspect of tranquillity that many city dwellers might not even realize they're missing is the simple act of gazing at the horizon. Unless you work on the top floor of a skyscraper or have a penthouse apartment, opportunities to pause and take in the vastness of the horizon are rare.

The Allure of Horizon Gazing

There's something undeniably magical about watching the horizon. It's a reminder of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead, a moment to reflect on life's journey, and a chance to connect with nature in its most expansive form. The horizon, with its ever-changing colours and moods, offers a unique sense of calm and wonder that few other experiences can match.

Reconnecting with Nature at Our Glampsite

Our glampsite provides the perfect setting for this meditative practice. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the French countryside, guests can relax in our bell tents that blend comfort with nature. Whether you're lounging on your private deck, enjoying a leisurely walk in the surrounding countryside, or simply watching the sunset over the hills, the horizon is always in view, inviting you to pause and reflect.

The Science Behind Horizon Gazing

According to an article by Claire Francis from the Sensory Trust, horizon gazing can produce a calming effect by widening our peripheral vision. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, has studied the impact of vision and breathing on stress, highlighting how horizon gazing can help maximize our time in nature.

Additionally, the article "Horizon Gazing: Using Our Panoramic Vision to Decrease Stress" on the Working on Calm website explains that using our panoramic or peripheral vision can decrease activity in the brain associated with stress. From an evolutionary perspective, a wide-open gaze is associated with calmness and openness, making horizon gazing an effective way to reduce stress.

Why Horizon Gazing Matters

In today's fast-paced world, taking time to gaze at the horizon can have profound benefits for your mental and emotional well-being. It encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. By allowing your mind to wander and your thoughts to flow freely, horizon gazing can spark creativity, inspire new ideas, and provide a fresh perspective on life's challenges.

Join Us and Discover the Beauty Beyond the Horizon

We invite you to visit our glampsite, Camping le Monteil in central France and discover the transformative power of horizon gazing. Come and unwind in nature's embrace, where the horizon stretches endlessly before you, and the possibilities are as limitless as the sky.