Book Review | A Tour of the Heart: A Seductive Cycling Trip Through France

A Tour of the Heart

There are some stories that simply must be told. In A Tour of the Heart: A Seductive Cycling Trip Through France, Maribeth Clemente weaves together a passion for France, traveling and discovering new landscapes, cycling and, of course, love. Back in America after eleven years in Paris, Clemente discovers her “sporty” side and a new passion for the freedom of the open road and challenges of pushing herself while cylcing. This brings Peter, a handsome cyclist from the local bike shop, into her life as well.

Together they set off across the French countryside traveling and biking through Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon and the southwest in search of cycling adventures along some of the most iconic routes of the Tour de France. The travels bring a few challenges to their new relationship, but the shared experiences and magic of France bring Peter and Maribeth closer in the way only travel can.

More passionate about the Tour de France than ever before, Clemente returns to experience the mythic race up close the following year with the thrill of seeing the grand finale of the Tour de France in Paris with Peter. A Tour of the Heart follows Maribeth and Peter as their passion for cycling leads them out west in America, eventually settling in her current home of Telluride, Colorado.

A Tour of the Heart is full of just that … heart … and it’s a story that Maribeth Clemente tells lovingly. It’s easy to fall in love with her portrayal of France, its romantic heart, unforgettable and ever changing landscape and cuisine. Clemente is still an avid cycling enthusiast, which is evident if you join her A Tour of the Heart Facebook page.

As a cycling novice, I particularly enjoyed learning more about the sport while reading A Tour of the Heart. Now when I catch the latest news on the Tour de France I am more engaged in following the race, the teams and the landscape the race covers across France. It was a most pleasurable and fun entry into the world of cycling and the Tour de France! Even if you’re not a cycling fan, Clemente’s story will satisfy you with tales of France, cultural tidbits and tempting travel experiences that will make you want to just on the next flight to France.

A Tour of the Heart: A Seductive Cycling Trip Through France by Maribeth Clemente