Cycling the River Loire: The Way of Saint Martin (Cicerone Cycling)

The 1370km Way of St Martin cycling route along the River Loire in France, is described in this guidebook in 23 comfortable stages. It 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 river with its vineyards and castles to the Atlantic at St Nazaire. "The River Loire invites cyclists to explore it. There is no stifling cycle way artificially created along the river's banks - the route is instead accompanied by an abundance of country lanes, tempting cyclists to find those hidden gems which make this journey an unending pleasure. The route has something for everyone. It includes dramatic vistas from high above the Ardeche Gorge, lazy days of flat riding through fields of indolent cattle, 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. Accommodation is plentiful whether you prefer the cheapest gites d'etape, the friendly chambres d'hotes, or the comfortable hotels. Wherever cyclists stay, they will be welcomed warmly one and their needs will be well catered for. This book, divided into twenty-three comfortable stages, includes a dramatic approach to the source of the River Loire at Le Gerbier de Jonc, a route alongside the whole of the river and suggestions of how to return to the U.K. It also includes enough advice and information to make this journey a truly memorable one."--Publisher's description
The River Loire invites cyclists to explore it. Without a stifling cycle way artificially created along the river's banks, the route is instead accompanied by an abundance of country lanes, tempting cyclists to find those hidden gems which make this journey an unending pleasure.The route has something for everyone. It includes dramatic vistas from high above the Ardeche Gorge, lazy days of flat riding through fields of indolent cattle, 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.Accommodation is plentiful, whether you prefer the cheapest gîtes d'étape, the friendly chambres d'hà ́tes, or the comfortable hotels. Wherever cyclists stay, they will be welcomed warmly and their needs will be well catered for.This book, divided into twenty-three comfortable stages, includes a dramatic approach to the source of the River Loire at Le Gerbier de Jonc, a route alongside the whole of the river and suggestions of how to return to the U.K. This guide describes a 1052km cycle route that starts at source of the Loire in the Massif Central mountains of central France and finishes at the Atlantic opposite St Nazaire. It descends past extinct volcanoes, crater lakes and deep gorges before joining EuroVlo route 6 and the fully waymarked Loire Vlo, France's most popular cycle trail. Following the river downstream in 26 stages, the route is generally downhill or level often on dedicated traffic-free cycle tracks. Packed with a wealth of useful information - from practical planning advice to fascinating insights about the river and its surroundings - the guidebook features detailed route descriptions and informative mapping. Details of facilities and places to stay, and a French glossary are included. The route goes through the heart of France as the Loire becomes the royal river, bounded by extravagant chteaux, fields of Charolais cattle and vineyards. It passes through historic cities like Orlans and Tours, continuing past Angers and France's fourth largest city Nantes.