Many other similar routes are scattered around France. There are also plenty of little cafes and bistros where you can fuel up for the journey. Much of the route runs along the banks of the Loire, offering wonderful views over the river, and it’s easy to find accommodation in the many small towns and villages along the route. A dedicated network of cycle paths (collectively known as La Loire à Vélo) has been developed, carving up the glorious Loire countryside into short, manageable sections that are achievable even for novice cyclists (the Loire valley is mercifully flat). It’s most famous for the many lavish châteaux that line its banks, constructed by French kings, queens and aristocrats, but it’s also a brilliant place to explore by bike. Cycle along the banks of the Loire, France’s longest riverįlowing across France for 1020km (634 miles), the Loire is the country’s most majestic waterway. It’s not a hike for the unfit or the faint of heart, but for sheer cachet, nothing else compares. The mountains of Corsica are also fantastic for escaping the crowds – the ultimate challenge here is the GR20, the 180km (112-mile) route that runs right down the island’s rocky spine. If you prefer your trails to be crowd-free, consider walking in the Cévennes, the range of forested hills and plateaux to the north of Montpellier, in Languedoc-Roussillon. For shorter routes, try the hikes to the Cirque de Gavarnie, Lac de Gaube, Mont Né or Pic du Canigou. Many of these trails have been followed by Pyrenean shepherds for centuries, and you might well spot some of them herding flocks of sheep and goats, especially during the twice-yearly transhumance (when livestock is moved to and from the summer pastures).įor serious hikers, the long-distance GR10 and GR11 offer formidable challenges, as does the Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne, an epic long-haul trail that traverses almost the entire length of the Pyrenees from Spain to France. Less crowded than France’s other great mountain range – the mighty Alps – the Pyrenees region offers a wealth of incredible hikes, traversing pretty valleys, mountain meadows and lofty peaks. There’s no end to the places where you can enjoy a hike in France, but few spots can offer the big vistas (and views) of the French Pyrenees. Hike shepherds’ paths in the French Pyrenees – like the Alps, minus the crowds
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |