France from Vosges to le mans heading to cherbourg

[moofster]

Hi

Just wondering if anyone knew of any good roads/routes to take from the Vosges to Le Mans and onto Cherbourg-en-Cotentin avoiding anywhere near Paris.

Cheers

 

[wessie]

how many days do you have for this trip?

asking google maps for the most direct route avoiding motorways shows a 400 mile trip taking 10 hours with a 20 minute fuel stop

if I was doing this trip I would break the journey in Troyes or Dijon. There is some nice undulating terrain from Colmar west through Burgundy. 5 hours riding then a bit of time in the afternoon to enjoy wandering around the cities and enjoying some of the Burgundian produce.

Next day, swing south of Orleans to Le Mans (not a great place unless you are there to watch racing). We are staying in the Loire at Saumur on the last night before our ferry home from Le Havre. Tours and Blois on the Loire are also nice places. Although we are on an overnight ferry so have all day to ride around Calvados and Normandy

 

[moofster]

I have 2 full days then get the ferry the next late morning.
I appreciate the recommendations Wessie, very kind.

Just really looking good roads/scenery on my way back to the boat as I am sick heading back my usual route via Ameins, Rouen etc.

Thanks

 

[Wapping]

This is closer to 700 miles, if you really want to go via Le Mans.

700 miles over two days is 350 miles a day, avoiding the motorways, sniffing the air, and taking in flower pressing en route.



No route, no matter which one you decide on, need take you anywhere near Paris.