Cycling the River Loire

The 1370km route is divided into twenty-three comfortable stages, and includes a dramatic approach from Orange in Provence to the source of the River Loire at Le Gerbier de Jonc, then a route alongside the whole of the river with its vineyards and castles to the Atlantic at St Nazaire.

Cycling the River Loire

The Way of St. Martin

Author

John Higginson

Cover

Paperback - Laminated

Edition

First

ISBN_13

9781852843830

Availability

Published

Price

£10.00

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Front Cover (1)
Location Map (1)
Overview Maps (1)
Sample Routes (2)
Sample Photos (2)

Seasons

Best in the late spring and late summer.Severe weather conditions in winter, especially in the Massif Central. High summer can be very busy and hot, with flies and midgies.

Centres

Orange, Chateauneuf du Pape, Aubenas, Vals les Bains, Goudet, Le Puy en Velay, Roanne, Marcigny, Nevers, Sancerre, Briare, Orleans, Tours, Angers, Nantes, St Nazaire are all passed on the route.

Difficulty

A long but rewarding route. The first section of the route entails some serious hill climbing, the central section is mainly easy and flat, while the last section is surprisingly hilly.

Must See

Dramatic vistas from high above the Ardeche Gorge, lazy days of flat riding, the chance to explore vineyards producing some or the world’s finest vintages and the great collection of castles and palaces which line the river’s banks.

John Ardagh, The Book of France, Leicester: W. H. Smith. 1980
ISBN – 0 7112 0059 9
A large, comprehensive reference book looking at numerous aspects of French life region by region. The Loire Valley is dealt with specifically.

John Ardagh, Rural France, London: Century. 1983
Provides a real insight into French country life, which is now, sadly, disappearing. There is an excellent section on the Loire Valley and its source in the Auvergne.

Rebecca King, Illustrated Guide to France, Basingstoke: Automobile Association. 1992
Although this is principally intended for motorists, it provides a great deal of background information in preparation for this cycle tour. It is clearly set out and easy to digest.

Michael Busselle, Discovering the Villages of France, London: Pavilion Books. 1991
An interesting section on southern France includes locations along the Ardèche and Volane valleys.

Michelin, Provence, Harrow: Michelin. Regularly updated
ISBN – 2 06 013 642-3
The most detailed tourist guide to the start of this journey. Small enough to carry with you.

Kate Baillie, Provence & the Côte d’Azure – The Rough Guide, London: Rough Guides. 1996
ISBN – 1-85828-127-X
A simple if rather heavy guide to the first few stages of the journey, with the emphasis on cheap and cheerful. Straightforward, uncluttered writing.

Sara Midda, Sketchbook from Southern France, London: Sidgwick & Jackson. 1990
ISBN – 0-283-06050-6
The perfect bedtime book to give the ‘feel’ of southern France before you leave on this journey.

A.N. Brangham, History, People and Places in Auvergne, Bourne End: Spurbooks. 1977
ISBN – 0 904978 63 X
Still one of the most detailed books about the area through which the first part of this journey is made.

Michelin, Châteaux of the Loire, London: Michelin. Regularly updated
ISBN – 2 06 013 211-8
The definitive guide to the Loire Valley from Sancerre to Nantes. Its architectural notes are unsurpassed.

Paul Robert-Houdin, La Féerie Nocturne des Châteaux de la Loire, France: Libraire Hachette. 1958
It is worth struggling with the French to appreciate this handbook. Some remarkable black and white photographs.

André Bourin, The Châteaux of the Loire, Paris: Editions Sun Paris. 1977
A concise description of all the châteaux of the Loire worth noting in alphabetical order. Stunning photographs plus information on Son et Lumière displays.

A & S Mouraret, Gîtes d’étape Refuges, France et Frontières, Vélizy: Guides La Cadole. 1996 (regularly updated)
ISBN – 2-908567-06-7
One of the foremost independent guides of where to stay cheaply in France. Always worth carrying despite its weight.

Clotilde Mallard, Gîtes d’étape & de Séjour, Paris: Gîtes de France. Annually updated
ISBN – 2-907071-80-7
Extremely comprehensive guide to cheap accommodation in France. Always telephone ahead if using this guide.

Julian Worthington, The Vineyards of France, Dorking: Templar Books. 1994
ISBN – 1-85962-005-1
Too big to carry on a bike, but excellent for those dark winter evenings when planning the journey. Use this book and you won’t miss many of the great vineyards along the route.