Périple mont Gerbier - Nevers à vélo
by Domichti
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour
cet été, je voudrais suivre la loire de sa source à la mer ou l'inverse.Je ne sais pas encore car dans un sens vent et dans l'autre côtes.il faudrait descentes et vent dans le dos mais je ne crois pas que ce sera possible.Donc j'y réfléchis. Mon probléme est de trouver un itinéraire sympa du mont gerbier à nevers, un peu de cotes et de beaux paysages.Aprés nevers je vais suivre la loire.J'ai recherché sur forum mais pas beaucoup de renseignements.Pour départ ou arrivée au mont gerbier, quelle est la gare la plus proche.Merci de me renseigner.
Dominique
« L'avenir appartient aux audacieux, il appartient à ceux qui cherchent,
qui prennent des risques...
qui assument le risque de tomber et qui se relèvent toujours de leurs épreuves
Raymond Vincent
Bonjour
Je suis allé au Gerbier cet été. 🙂
Pour ma part, j'étais au Puy en Velay pour faire la dernière étape, c'est-à-dire Le Puy / Gerbier / Le Puy. Environ 110 km si je me souviens bien.
Il y a une gare au Puy. Avec en plus des cheminots très sympas qui se sont mis en 4 pour me trouver un itinéraire de retour.
Bonne route.
Hervé
Je suis allé au Gerbier cet été. 🙂
Pour ma part, j'étais au Puy en Velay pour faire la dernière étape, c'est-à-dire Le Puy / Gerbier / Le Puy. Environ 110 km si je me souviens bien.
Il y a une gare au Puy. Avec en plus des cheminots très sympas qui se sont mis en 4 pour me trouver un itinéraire de retour.
Bonne route.
Hervé
Tu peux visiter le blog d'un ami qui l'a fait l'été dernier et je peux t'assurer qu'il se fera un plaisir de te donner plein de tuyaux.
http://moniqualain.blog.sfr.fr/balades_a_tandem/2009/08/photos-du-long-de-la-loire.html
.
La gare la plus proche est la gare de Langogne sur la ligne Clermont-Ferrand - Ales - Nimes.
Ou si tu préfère les grandes lignes la Gare de Valence ou de Montélimard.
J'ai fais cette route des sources à la mer , il y a quelques années , mais je venais de Montpellier. Il y a de belles côtes pour arriver aux sources de la Loire, et aussi pour les quitter. Passé Le Puy en velay la route est plus facile.
Il n'y a rien d'insurmontable dans ce périple.
Bonne route.
J'ai fais cette route des sources à la mer , il y a quelques années , mais je venais de Montpellier. Il y a de belles côtes pour arriver aux sources de la Loire, et aussi pour les quitter. Passé Le Puy en velay la route est plus facile.
Il n'y a rien d'insurmontable dans ce périple.
Bonne route.
je fus navigateur navigaterre , je reste navigaterre.
Qu'importe d'où nous venons, car nous pouvons aller beaucoup plus loin que ce dont nous avions révé .
bonjour
cet été, je voudrais suivre la loire de sa source à la mer ou l'inverse.Je ne sais pas encore car dans un sens vent et dans l'autre côtes
Oui enfin les côtes (les vraies) c'est sur les derniers kilomètres quand tu remontes la Loire. La Loire fait un peu plus de 1000km et en 50 km elle perd plus de 450m: 1551m au Mont Gerbier de Jonc ==> 600m au Puy en Velay. Cette partie là fait une pente moyenne de 0, 9% soit 90cm tous les 100m. Sur les 100km suivants elle perd encore 200m soit une pente moyenne de 0, 2% (20cm tous les 100m). Sur les 850 derniers kilomètres il ne reste plus que 400m de dénivelé soit 0, 047% (4, 7 cm tous les 100m).
Je parle bien entendu de la pente générée par le fleuve lui-même le reste du dénivelé sera des routes vallonnées sommes toutes assez gentilles. C'est d'autant moins problématique que lorsque tu vas arriver dans le plus dur (les derniers kilomètres) tu auras plus de 1000 bornes dans les jambes tu vas donc les franchir sans même y prêter attention. Cet été lors de mon petit périple estival (en trike) j'ai fait Beauzac - Langogne sans souci particulier.
Je viens même de penser à un truc: si tu choisis de descendre la Loire (contre le vent qui amha est un adversaire beaucoup plus redoutable que les côtes en question) tu devras d'abord monter depuis Langogne ou Le Puy (gare SNCF) jusqu'au Mont Gerbier de Jonc soit un dénivelé minimum de 700m et ça le 1er jour ça va laisser des traces. Alors que dans l'autre sens le dernier jour de ton périple tu redescendras vers une de ces gares SNCF (de préférence Le Puy ça descend plus), elle est pas belle la vie?
Mais bon tu fais ce que tu veux 😛
Oui enfin les côtes (les vraies) c'est sur les derniers kilomètres quand tu remontes la Loire. La Loire fait un peu plus de 1000km et en 50 km elle perd plus de 450m: 1551m au Mont Gerbier de Jonc ==> 600m au Puy en Velay. Cette partie là fait une pente moyenne de 0, 9% soit 90cm tous les 100m. Sur les 100km suivants elle perd encore 200m soit une pente moyenne de 0, 2% (20cm tous les 100m). Sur les 850 derniers kilomètres il ne reste plus que 400m de dénivelé soit 0, 047% (4, 7 cm tous les 100m).
Je parle bien entendu de la pente générée par le fleuve lui-même le reste du dénivelé sera des routes vallonnées sommes toutes assez gentilles. C'est d'autant moins problématique que lorsque tu vas arriver dans le plus dur (les derniers kilomètres) tu auras plus de 1000 bornes dans les jambes tu vas donc les franchir sans même y prêter attention. Cet été lors de mon petit périple estival (en trike) j'ai fait Beauzac - Langogne sans souci particulier.
Je viens même de penser à un truc: si tu choisis de descendre la Loire (contre le vent qui amha est un adversaire beaucoup plus redoutable que les côtes en question) tu devras d'abord monter depuis Langogne ou Le Puy (gare SNCF) jusqu'au Mont Gerbier de Jonc soit un dénivelé minimum de 700m et ça le 1er jour ça va laisser des traces. Alors que dans l'autre sens le dernier jour de ton périple tu redescendras vers une de ces gares SNCF (de préférence Le Puy ça descend plus), elle est pas belle la vie?
Mais bon tu fais ce que tu veux 😛
"Ils ne savaient pas que c'était impossible alors ils l'ont fait" - Mark Twain
bonsoir
je te remercie pour tes renseignements.Pour avoir une petite idée, tu as mis combien de temps pour faire tes 100kms chargé?
« L'avenir appartient aux audacieux, il appartient à ceux qui cherchent,
qui prennent des risques...
qui assument le risque de tomber et qui se relèvent toujours de leurs épreuves
Raymond Vincent
merci je vais regarder le site
« L'avenir appartient aux audacieux, il appartient à ceux qui cherchent,
qui prennent des risques...
qui assument le risque de tomber et qui se relèvent toujours de leurs épreuves
Raymond Vincent
sympa pour les gares
bon des côtes mais c'est vrai qu'il n'y a rien d'insurmontable c'est comme dans la vie un coup de pédale à la fois et on y est le tout c'est d'y croire et de s'accrocher 😉
merci
« L'avenir appartient aux audacieux, il appartient à ceux qui cherchent,
qui prennent des risques...
qui assument le risque de tomber et qui se relèvent toujours de leurs épreuves
Raymond Vincent
je crois que je vais suivre ton conseil.Le vent dans le dos et aprés quelques jours de pédalage çà ira tout seul pour monter!!!
merci du conseil.
« L'avenir appartient aux audacieux, il appartient à ceux qui cherchent,
qui prennent des risques...
qui assument le risque de tomber et qui se relèvent toujours de leurs épreuves
Raymond Vincent
bonsoir
je te remercie pour tes renseignements.Pour avoir une petite idée, tu as mis combien de temps pour faire tes 100kms chargé?
Pour les 110km en question je suis parti en fin de matinée de chez ma soeur après 48h de repos et suis arrivé le lendemain soir à Langogne après une nuit au camping de Brives Charensac.
Pour les 110km en question je suis parti en fin de matinée de chez ma soeur après 48h de repos et suis arrivé le lendemain soir à Langogne après une nuit au camping de Brives Charensac.
"Ils ne savaient pas que c'était impossible alors ils l'ont fait" - Mark Twain
Bonsoir
Pour l'étape à partir du Puy, je suis parti vers 8 h 00 le matin et je suis arrivé vers 12 h 00 au Gerbier en étant passé par le Monastier sur Gazeille. Le retour a été plus facile puisque ça descendait. 😉
Comme c'était une rando en boucle, je n'étais presque pas chargé puisque j'avais laissé mes bagages au Puy. Super gîte d'étape "les capucins" (15 euros la nuit en 2009)
Je confirme ce que disent les collègues; cette étape se fait sans difficultés après 10 jours "d'échauffement" le long de la Loire.
Bonne route
Hervé
Pour l'étape à partir du Puy, je suis parti vers 8 h 00 le matin et je suis arrivé vers 12 h 00 au Gerbier en étant passé par le Monastier sur Gazeille. Le retour a été plus facile puisque ça descendait. 😉
Comme c'était une rando en boucle, je n'étais presque pas chargé puisque j'avais laissé mes bagages au Puy. Super gîte d'étape "les capucins" (15 euros la nuit en 2009)
Je confirme ce que disent les collègues; cette étape se fait sans difficultés après 10 jours "d'échauffement" le long de la Loire.
Bonne route
Hervé
Bonjour l'ami, Je t'interpelle pour te demander conseil...
Je souhaite à partir du 31 juillet (dimanche prochain), de faire Toulon Valence en train sncf, et ensuite partir à vélo (vtc bien chargé avec 4 sacoches) de Valence jusqu'à Mt Gerbier des joncs, ensuite longer autant que possible la loire jusqu'à Nantes 1150 km, dans la mesure du possible camping sauvage.
Je ne connais pas du tout cette région et celles où traverse la loire.
je m'interroge sur la qualité du parcours, et je me demande si c'est bien adapté au vélo, est ce sauvage les paysages traversés ? camping sauvage jouable ? J'ai crû comprendre que jusqu'à Roanne c'était escarpé ! ? la portion St Gerbier-Roanne vaut elle le cout d'ètre faite ? Merci de me donner des conseils...
Cordialement Olivier artexas@free.fr
ne laisse pas ton mail sur le net , tu vas être spammé
du gerbier des joncs > Nevers çà descend en moyenne
de belles petites routes
le plus difficile sera de valence >> gerbier de joncs surtout s'il fait chaud
je crois qu'il est possible de rouler dans al vallée de l'eyrieu sur une jolie voie verte
http://www.velopepere.fr/article-la-vallee-de-l-eyrieux-a-velo-par-l-ancienne-voie-ferree-cfd-55450260.html
claude
http://www.velopepere.fr/article-la-vallee-de-l-eyrieux-a-velo-par-l-ancienne-voie-ferree-cfd-55450260.html
claude
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
bonjour
cet été, je voudrais suivre la loire de sa source à la mer ou l'inverse.Je ne sais pas encore car dans un sens vent et dans l'autre côtes.il faudrait descentes et vent dans le dos mais je ne crois pas que ce sera possible.Donc j'y réfléchis. Mon probléme est de trouver un itinéraire sympa du mont gerbier à nevers, un peu de cotes et de beaux paysages.Aprés nevers je vais suivre la loire.J'ai recherché sur forum mais pas beaucoup de renseignements.Pour départ ou arrivée au mont gerbier, quelle est la gare la plus proche.Merci de me renseigner.
Dominique
Bonjour,
Je viens de descendre la Loire du Mont-Gerbier, jusqu'à Saint-Brévin le Pins. Départ à vélo de la gare de Langogne jusqu'au Mont-Gerbier et ensuite j'ai pris l'itinéraire de la Loire Sauvage pour descendre la Loire. Plusieurs montée à 7,5 - 8% de 7 à 8 kilomètres dont le Col du Gage sur le chemin de "descente de la Loire Sauvage". Mais un parcours magnifique l'Ardéchoise. Se renseigner au bureau de Tourisme de Sainte-Eulalie pour le meilleur parcours de redescente, ils sont super sympas.
Sorti, du Puy-en-Velay, la route des Gorges de la Loire et la routes des Balcons, présentent encore quelques côtes pour un vélo avec les sacoches chargées, mais la découverte de la Loire en vaut vraiment la peine.
J'ai roulé sur des Schwalbe Dureme sans aucune crevaison sur l'intégralité du parcours.
Bon descente à tous,
Gilbert
Bonjour,
Je viens de descendre la Loire du Mont-Gerbier, jusqu'à Saint-Brévin le Pins. Départ à vélo de la gare de Langogne jusqu'au Mont-Gerbier et ensuite j'ai pris l'itinéraire de la Loire Sauvage pour descendre la Loire. Plusieurs montée à 7,5 - 8% de 7 à 8 kilomètres dont le Col du Gage sur le chemin de "descente de la Loire Sauvage". Mais un parcours magnifique l'Ardéchoise. Se renseigner au bureau de Tourisme de Sainte-Eulalie pour le meilleur parcours de redescente, ils sont super sympas.
Sorti, du Puy-en-Velay, la route des Gorges de la Loire et la routes des Balcons, présentent encore quelques côtes pour un vélo avec les sacoches chargées, mais la découverte de la Loire en vaut vraiment la peine.
J'ai roulé sur des Schwalbe Dureme sans aucune crevaison sur l'intégralité du parcours.
Bon descente à tous,
Gilbert
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Hi there,
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Heinz Stucke has passed away.
He never stopped traveling the world since 1962.
So sad.
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.