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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From Dormans head north across more undulating farmland to visit the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, the second largest World War I American military cemetery in Europe. The route soon turns west towards the beautiful Retz Forest, home to a wonderful variety of fauna including deer, rabbits, hares, foxes, pheasants and even wild boar. Some historic buildings follow: the house in Villers-Cotterêts where Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers, was born; the Donjon de Vez and the Abbaye de Lieu-Restauré in the Automne Valley; the Notre Dame church of Morienval, one of the earliest and finest Gothic churches in France; and finally the immense château of Pierrefonds.

The route then follows a splendid cycle path through the Forest of Compiègne to Compiègne itself, then runs on to the Clairière de l'Armistice site where the World War I Armistice was signed, before returning through the forest to Pierrefonds.

Best time to visit

Late spring, summer, and harvest time in autumn.

Driest months are normally April and August. Winters are cold, and night temperatures stay low until late April. If you plan on camping it might be better to visit in spring or late summer/early autumn as there are few campsites in this part of France – otherwise book in advance for summer.