Читать книгу Cycle Touring in France. Eight tours in Brittany, Picardy, Alsace, Auvergne/Languedoc, Provence, Dordogne/Lot, the Alps and the Pyrenees онлайн

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Best time to visit

Late spring to early July, then September to mid-October.

Arles (Route 5)

The south of France, protected by the Pyrénées, is hot in summer and mild in winter. Inland temperatures often reach the mid-30s in summer, so most tourists head for the cooling waters of the Mediterranean. June and July are normally the driest months. Provence often experiences a strong wind, the Mistral, which blows from north to south along the Rhône Valley and is responsible for the ‘lunar’ landscape of the summit slopes of Mont Ventoux, the Windy Mountain.

Route 6 Meadows and Mountains: Pyrénées

Character and terrain

Crossing the heart of the French Pyrénées from east to west, this route starts in Foix, dominated by its imposing château ruins. From here cycle across lush, quiet countryside and through the giant cave known as Grotte du Mas d'Azil to St Girons. High, rolling hills follow as you continue west to St Bertrand-de-Comminges with its landmark cathedral dominating the valley down which the River Garonne flows north from the high Pyrénées. A gradual ascent to Arreau up the Vallée d'Aure is followed by a climb to the Col d'Aspin (1489m) before a long descent to Bagnères-de-Bigorre and on to Lourdes. Follow the long cyclepath that runs from Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas, ‘La Voie Verte des Gaves’. If you want to try one of the big Tour de France climbs the optional Stage 6 up the scenic Val d'Azun to the Col d'Aubisque provides a spectacular finale.