Avignon to Dieppe ...

[Banjaxed]

Off next weekend for first serious trip on the GS. Travelling back from Avignon, through the Massif Central/Ardeche, via Loire to Normandy and home (staying in B&Bs).
Got the bike, got the gear, got the maps ... any suggestions/recommendations for the trip? Many thanks to those who have already posted on this and similar topics.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

In the Ardeche - do the road from Aubenas to Le Puy - it's one of my favourites.

 

[Banjaxed]

Hi John - thanks for the note. There seem to be two roads between Aubenas and Le Puy - which route did you take?
Did you ride through the Gorge du Tarn? Guide books rave, but always useful to hear directly from someone who's been there (as you seem to have been just about everywhere ...)

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The road is the N102 from Aubenas and turns into the N88 , up to Le Puy. Another favourite is the D290 Gorge de l'Ardeche - from Vallon Pont D'Arc to Pont D'Esprit.
This road is GREAT - spectacular bends on a good surface - but watch out for the double bends - they tighten quickly.
The D907 a and b - Gorges Du Tarn , is another similarly great road and with good scenary.
The whole area is littered with ex-volcanoes and hence has many twisties.
Good area is around Clermond Ferrand (Massif Central) or Rodez /Albi (Tarn area) or west to Dordogne area.
Best tip - buy only Michelin maps - the red for a large scale overview and the small scale Yellows to explore a specific area where you are staying. Don't use any other maps for Europe - Michelin are way in front for topography and detail.

 

[John Armstrong]

And if in doubt with the Michelin maps go for the ones with the green snake next to them, motorways included!

The Michelin maps for Spain seem to be as good as France as well which is a bit of a bonus.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Michelin maps are best for all of Europe incl England/Wales and Scotland and North Africa

 

[Banjaxed]

Ta very much to the Johns - I've ordered the Michelin maps and changed the itinerary a bit to come westwards to Rodez etc. Here's to decent weather ...