Geneva to Gap (200 miles)

As we begin our journey to the south of France you will get some terrific view of the Mt Blanc on and off from when we leave Lake Geneva all the way to our first stop at village of Flumet which lies to the west to Mt Blanc. Flumet is at the centre of the High Val d’Arly Mont Blanc ski area and a busy plae over the winter months. In summer it is a sleepy village but a lovely spot for our first stop of the day.

We continue our journey on alpire roads to the village of Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines which is at the entrance to the very attractive Vallée des Villards and the Glandon pass which you will find to the right of the railway station where we stop for our lunch break.

Our southerly route through the Hautes-Alps continues to the town Briançon which at 1326 meters above sea level is the highest town in Europe. The ancient town was heavily fortified and much of the wall and buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is an ideal stop for our afternoon refreshment break

The final section of this journey takes us over Lake Serre-Pancon and ends the journey in Gap which is the largest settlement of the Hautes-Alpes department. We are still in high ground (750M) making Gap the highest department capital in France. We stop overnight in Gap in a three star hotel a short distance from the town center.

This day will involve about 6 hours in the saddle riding generally twisty and at times technically challenging roads.

Gap to Aix en Provence (160 miles)

We depart Gap heading south to Curbans where the Durance river is very wide and almost lake like. Here we leave the Hautes-Alps to enter Haute-Provence. We follow the course of la Durance for a while to Sisteron a quite dramatic and picturesque town before altering course to the westpassing through Laragne-Monteglin where we join the twistier D942 and pass through many charming villages.before stopping for our first break of the day at Brantes.

Brantes is built on a steep hillside facing towards Mont-Ventoux. There is a medieval castle and some nice boutiques in the town but the steep cobbles streets can be challenging on a bike especially in wet conditions so take care. We shall park in a safe spot close to the cafe where we shall enjoy a light refreshment before getting back on the road.

We continue our route to the west passing through more villages of which Seguret is most notable because it is claimed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. Lying at the foot of a hill below a chateau. We shall therefore stop briefly for a stroll through the cobbled streets to admire the architecture, scenery and charm.

Our journey now travels south passing through the vineyards around Suzette and through the town of Carpentras before arriving at Venasque where we take our second break. Vanasque is perched on top of a rocky outcrop and commands the most fantastic views across the countryside. It is also among the prettiest villages in France. We park and climb some steps up to the ruined fortress and through to the resturant where we stop for lunch overlooking a small square with fountain.

The final leg of this route takes us down some terriffic windy roads to end the day at Aix en Provence which will be our base for the next few days whilst we tour the region. Aix is the capital of Provence, has many magnificent buildings and is sourended by lovley counntryside.

Aix, Arles, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Cavaillon (155 miles)

We beging this day trip heading west from Aix to Lake Berre then onwat=rds to our first stop of the day is in the city of Arles which in terms of surface area is the largest city in France. it is an ancient city with Gaul, Roman, and Christian influences in abundance.

After morning coffee we head north the the Pont du Gard Roman aquaduct before deviating to the east to Avingnon where we break for lunch.

As we leave Avingnon we pass through Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue river that gushes out of the ground, before reaching Cavaillon. The market is where we will head for our final break today because among other things is famed for its mellons.

The final leg of this route brings us back to Aix having spent about 5 hours in the saddle. However, those preferring a longer run can take an additional circuit from Aix to Marseille and follow the coast towards Toulon before heading back to Aix. The short section of costal road from Cassis to La Ciotat is particularly good. This circuit is about 75 miles and makes a great 3 hour evening run.

Aix en Provence, Barjols, St Tropez, Cannes, Monte Carlo (180 miles)

Today we leave Aix en Provence heading east to Monaco. Our first stop of the day is at the charming village of Barjols a village of about 3,000 population but with over 40 fountains.

Our next leg of the journey descends from the mountains down to the costs to take lunch at St Tropez. Despite having around 6000 population st Tropez is world renowned as a costal resorts in the French Rivera largely due to it being used as a film location in numerous movies.

After lunch we largely follow the coast to another world renowned french resort, Cannes, which is famed for its film festival. Here we take another break before completing our journey for today.

The final section of this route takes us along to coast through nice and Monte Carlo to arrive at our destination. Our hotel has ocean views and is on the outskirts of Monaco. A great day with lots of interesting stops and about 6 hours in the saddle.

Monaco, St Martin du Var, Gourdon, Mons (175 miles)

This day trip heads north from the Med high into the mountains before descending to Saint Martin du Var a peaceful village nestling on the banks of the Var river. The Vallon de St Blaise above the village is part of the European Natura 2000 network.

Following a short break we ride through Le Broc continuing on high mountain roads before reaching Gourdon where we break for lunch. Gourdon is a most dramatic village being situated on top of a rock, overlooking the Vallee du Loup. The views of the valley, all the way to the Mediterranean.

After lunch we continue our mountain trail to Mons, which is probably the highest village in the region, where we take our third break of the day.

For those who need some respite from the continually twisting roads we pass through Grasse and then head down towards the coast and pick up the toll road albeit only for the last few miles of the journey.

Carcassonne, Castres, Montricoux, Figeac, Gramat, Rocamadour (circa 185 miles about 5 hours riding)

Heading north from Carcassonne we first reach Castres a town of 50k population within the Midi-Pyrénées region. One of the towns museums houses the largest collection of Spanish art in France. The building was designed by Mansart the architect responsible for Versailles. It makes an ideal place to stop and stretch our legs.

Continuing our journey at the Aveyron we reach Montricoux the town largely attributed with origins of the Knights Templar. In the 13c the Templars built a tower adjoining the monastery and later a castle. This survived until 1789 when it was destroyed during Revolution. The town today has many interesting half-timbered houses and a church that dates from the 5th century.

For our next leg of the journey we enter the southern end of the nature reserve Parc des Caussses du Quercy then we largely follow the Lot to Figeac where the first translator of Egyptian hieroglyphics was born, so perhaps it’s no surprise to find a giant copy of the Rosetta Stone in the town. It is a pretty medieval town but we do not stay long on this occasion because there are so many pretty villages in this area and we want to pack in more such as Gramat before bedding down for the night in Rocamadour. Our hotel is within the medieval town with parts dating back to the 1400's when it was the home of Commander of the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, this will be our base for the next few days.

Rocamadour, Villeneuve-Sur-Lot, Condom, Pau (circa 190 miles about 5 hours riding)

We depart Rocamadour in a south westerly direction making our first stop at Villeneuve-sur-Lot a town of about 23k population. It is another of interesting towns with medieval origins that are prominent in the region. It has many interesting bridges but the one with the greatest claim to fame is relatively modern built around the time of WW1 when it was the largest concrete arch in the world.

After our break we continue south to Condom or to be more precise Condom-en-Armagnac. The town has no connection with contraceptives although it once had a museum dedicated to the history of contraception. That name actually means market. The pilgrimage from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela passes through these parts and we shall cross the pilgrims trail often along our route.

The final stretch takes us to Pau a city is located in the heart of the former sovereign State of Bearn. Our hotel is a 4* spa resort located beside a golf course towards the outskirts of the city.

Vigiers, Ribérac, Angoulême, Poitiers, Chinon (196 miles)

We begin our trip north with a coffee break stop at Riberec a market town of about 4,000 inhabitants that dates back to the 9th century before continuing to our lunch break at another ancient town, Angouleme, which has a population circa 42k.

Chinon, Blois, Châteaudun, Chartres, Paris (192 miles)

Departing Chinon we head east along the Loire Valley to Blois the capital of Loir-et-Cher department. The Chateau de Blois which was a home of King Louis XII is located in the centre of the town. After a short break we shall proceed in a northerly direction to Chateaudun a charming town on the Loire river with a ruined chapel (Notre-Dame-du-Champdé) and timber clad buildings where we break for lunch

Paris Sightseeing

This is intended as a tourist day. Enjoy the sights of Paris which are easily accessible from the hotel. Indeed a very pleasant days walk begins by leaving the hotel and heading north passing the Hospital on your right to reach Bois de Vincennes, continue north through the park and you will reach Chateau de Vincennes, an ancient French Royal residence, (depending upon the route you took through the park this will be about 2 miles)

Exit the park at the north gate and turn left into Avenue de Paris. This is a typical wide Parisian avenue with shops and businesses on the lower floors and residences above. If walking keep in a straight line passing through roundabouts (note that the road changes name a few times) and you will come to Place de la Bastille. It will take about an hour to walk from the park to the Bastille, but you can hop on a bus down this road if you prefer.

Turn left (south west) to join Boulevard Henri IV and at the river you will discover Notre-Dame Cathedral. Consider buying a river bus ticket, this allows you to hop on and off the ferry. Alternatively continue walking to the Louvre through the Jardin des Tuileries containing the Musee de r'Orangerie and onwards round to the Eifel tower. Next cross the river Seine and either walk along the river side or cross through another park, Esplanade des Invalides, to reach the Parc du Champs de Mars where you will find the Eifel Tower. Cross the river again to the Palais de Chaillot and proceed north to the Arch de Triumph before making you way back along the Chams-Elysees to begin your return to the hotel. If you bought the ferry ticket hop on to Quai de Bercy and follow the course of the river back to reach the hotel. This walk is about 17 miles (~27km) and, excluding time to view the attractions, will take at about six hours but if you are flagging use the excellent public transport.

The above is just a small taste of what Paris has to offer, there is so much more to see and do in Paris that we would suggest you prepare a list of attractions you want to visit and we shall point you in the right direction. Don't forget that Paris also has a superb underground rail network "the metro" with some very striking Art Nouveau entrances. There are 15 individual lines and 368 stations ensuring that no matter where you are in Paris a metro is within 500 meters.

For those wishing to partake in Sunday Service Notre Dame Cathedral is along this route and St Maurice church is a little further along the Rue du Marechal Leclerc from the hotel.