France - Mediterranean Diagonal

Right from the outset, the route takes us deep into the Norman region, chancing delightfully upon places famous for their cheeses; Camembert, Livarot, Pont L’Évêque... Charming half-timbered houses stand on green pastures dotted with cattle. For the first part of the trip we have chosen small roads which wind through glorious terrain with often uneven tracks criss-crossing the region. This allows everyone to slowly get used to the method of navigation.

On paper it looks like a marathon stage. In reality, the miles pass by much quicker than expected on tracks which lead straight to the horizon. While planning this trip and during previous trips, we have made friends with many people who live along the route; Gaston, Jean-Louis, Mireille and Francis to name but a few. Even if the terrain is uncertain, you won't tire of this stage because our little discoveries in this region, such as the old manor in Perche or the abandoned mill in the depths of mysterious Indre-et-Loire, make this a really exciting route.

Forest makes up more of the route. Streaking across a forgotten region, fast-flowing rivers and crystal-clear streams hurtle down every hillside in unison. The route climbs gradually. Emerging from the distant mist, the first foothills of the Massif Central are a sign of the promise of tomorrow...

Against a backdrop of farms built from volcanic rock, the terrain becomes rugged and more magical. Weaving its way between Puy de Sancy (1579 m) and Le Plomb du Cantal (1855 m), the route climbs to the Plateau du Cézallier. Perched on top of a cliff spiked with basalt columns, Charmansac overlooks the nearby Haute-Loire. A thirst-quenching stop at Yvette’s is essential.

Our breath-taking journey passes along heather-covered ridges and through deep valleys. In the crisp air of the Haute-Ardèche, the route slaloms along the ridge line between Mont Gerbier de Jonc (where the Loire river begins) and Mont Mézenc. With bend after bend, this is the longest stage in terms of time spent riding. After the route takes a final dip along the banks of lake Saint-Front, an ancient crater fed by underground springs, the path climbs towards the Plateau du Coiron.

A narrow pathway squeezes between the rocks before descending above the wine-growing area. From there, the view of the Dentelles de Montmirail is simply stunning. Just around the corner, the riders can enjoy a handful of juicy sun-ripened cherries from a small local producer. The route continues under the fragrant pine trees before arriving at the Plateau de Valensole with its intoxicating aroma of lavender. Then our rugged adventure moves on to the slopes of Mont Ventoux.

The song of cicadas accompanies travellers along the final part of the journey. The finish is approaching. Everyone can enjoy the quintessential scene perfumed with the aromas of Provence. And no-one can resist a bite to eat under the olive tree in the square in Tourtour, the village in the sky. Then, a fabulous expanse of blue sea appears between the umbrella pines... The bay of La Ciotat in all its glory...