Atlantic to Med (La Rochelle to Perpignan)

Day 2

Leaving La Rochelle we head south, passing through the historic naval town of Rochefort with its old sailing ships and rope-making factory. This predominantly flat day then continues through the wonderful old citadel of Brouage, once on the waterfront but now inland due to the low-lying land being reclaimed from the sea. We end beside the seaside where there is a good beach for a swim. (50 miles / 80km).

Day 4

From Cognac to Claret today linking two famous towns. Our destination is wonderful St Emilion. This hilltop town of Roman origins never fails to impress our riders, with its cobbled streets, pavement cafes and wine bars all selling the wine for which the town is famous. (50 miles / 80 km).

Day 6

Riding due south we leave the Dordogne and enter the northern fringes of Gascony, land of Armagnac, D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers. This is a completely unspoilt area, very rural in nature, with lovely quiet roads where you will hardly see a car all day. We stay in a former coaching inn in a small town tonight. (49 miles / 78 km).

Day 8

You should be enjoying field upon field of sunflowers today; this region is famous for them and they can stretch as far as the eye can see, bestowing brilliant colour to contrast with the amazing blue skies. The fields aren’t growing these evocative plants are probably vineyards. The food is hearty and rich as the locals make best use of the plenteous gifts that nature has bestowed on them. We stay the night in the lovely town of Auch, where a statue of the famous musketeer sits beside the impressive cathedral. (43 miles / 70 km).

Day 10

Of all the villages in France, Cordes-sur-Ciel must be one of the most photographed and one of the prettiest, and it is to here that we ride today. If we are lucky we will be able to see the best view of the town perched above the early morning mist, giving the town its name as it seems to hang in the sky. (44 miles / 70 km).

Day 12

Most people have heard of Carcassonne, with its fortress perched above the town and the Canal du Midi. The turrets and towers are visible a long way off, and with a short day today you will have plenty of time to explore this simply amazing place. We stay in a hotel in the lower town with stunning views of the floodlit citadel. (38 miles / 60 km).

Day 14

One of the most famous Cathar strongholds awaits us first thing and you will have a chance to walk the couple of hundred yards up to the ruins and experience a fantastic view over the Languedoc landscape. After that it is a simple run to the sea, to meet the Mediterranean beaches where you can enjoy a swim and a relaxing afternoon. We will then ride the 7 miles back to Perpignan for the night and have a fun last evening before departure tomorrow. (40 miles / 64 km).