Two of the areas we’ve always wanted to tour but hadn’t yet were the Cevennes and Grand Causses Regions of Languedoc. Here was our chance. From Avignon, we headed north cycling through the Rhone Valley toward the remote Cevennes. The route is mostly flat going through pretty wine country and by picturesque towns where you can stop off and pick up the basics for a picnic lunch (Don’t forget a bottle of Rose, the region is famous for it). We called it a day when we reached the very charming town of St Martin D’Ardeche, right on the Ardeche River.
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The following day, we cycled the spectacular Gorge De L’Ardeche. The rode, with its many twists and turns, minor hills and sweet descents follows the meandering river through the gorge for about 40km. The views of the river below and the surrounding cliffs are spectacular. The kind of cycling we’ve come to expect when we come to France.
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Day three proved to be one of the tougher days on the tour so far with us having to tackle 3 mountain passes, 1700 m of climbing and some very cold temperatures as well. But, what goes up must also come down, and we got two outstanding descents, (one 10 km, the other 35 km) and some pretty stunning views as well. There aren’t many villages or towns on this stretch of road, which made for relatively traffic free cycling.
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While our intentions were to cycle straight to Florac, we found a campsite just short of it that was right on the Tarn River. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pitch up our tent by the Tarn so we stopped there. The photo shows the view from our site. Not a bad way to end a great cycling day. Tomorrow, the Gorge du Tarn.
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