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Cycling the River Loire

by John Higginson, published by Cicerone

The 1370km Way of St. Martin cycling route along the River Loire in France, is described in the Cycling the River Loire guidebook in twenty-three comfortable stages. It includes a dramatic approach from Orange in Provence to the source of the River Loire at Le Gerbier de Jonc, then a route alongside the whole of the river with its vineyards and castles to the Atlantic at St Nazaire.

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The River Loire invites cyclists to explore it. There is no stifling cycle way artificially created along the river's banks; the route is instead accompanied by an abundance of country lanes, tempting cyclists to find those hidden gems which make this journey an unending pleasure.

The route has something for everyone. It includes dramatic vistas from high above the Ardeche Gorge, lazy days of flat riding through fields of indolent cattle, the chance to explore vineyards producing some or the world's finest vintages and the great collection of castles and palaces which line the river's banks.

Accommodation is plentiful whether you prefer the cheapest gites d'étape, the friendly chambres d'hôtes, or the comfortable hotels. Wherever cyclists stay, they will be welcomed warmly one and their needs will be well catered for.

This book, divided into twenty-three comfortable stages, includes a dramatic approach to the source of the River Loire at Le Gerbier de Jonc, a route alongside the whole of the river and suggestions of how to return to the U.K. It also includes enough advice and information to make this journey a truly memorable one.