C’est magnifique avec Rob Bennett
This week, Rob Bennett introduces us to some truly spectacular locations in France. Some of these featured on the French Tour in 2022 but they are still no less beautiful.
Whether you’re in the mood for something short and easy, or a ride that will have your heart pumping and your legs burning, this collection has a ride for you.
You can find all of these under NEW in the FulGaz app.
Photo by Denis Smn
GORGES DE SAINT GEORGES
A short but spectacular ride in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Leaving the small town of Axat the ride soon reaches a narrow road between the Gorge with its vertical limestone cliffs. Thereafter the road climbs at a gentle gradient to the mountain village of Sainte-Colombe-sur-Guette.
More InfoHILLTOP VILLAGES OF THE LOT VALLEY
Starting with a climb up to view Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (voted France’s favourite village in 2012) the ride descends to follow a mainly flattish route along the valley. However there are a few short climbs to visit the hilltop villages that are characteristic of the area. Filmed in the evening time it finishes in dusk through the medieval lanes of Cajarc as the locals enjoy eating out at the town’s restaurants.
More InfoTHE TARN VALLEY
The pretty scenery of the Tarn Valley surrounded by the mountains of the Massif Central is at its best in early evening sunshine with the colours becoming warmer and more vibrant. Keep an eye out for the ancient ruins of Chateau de Peyrelade perched on top of a hill on the left. The ride ends with a short ascent up the Gorges de la Jonte before returning back down to Le Rozier.
More InfoTOUR DE TOURS
Filmed on a warm sunny spring afternoon, the ride starts at the Medieval town of Amboise, initially passing through tree lined roads and villages. We then take the cycle path along the banks of the Loire leading to the wonderful city of Tours for a quick tour ending in the ancient quarters for a coffee.
More InfoDORDOGNE DASH
A short, fast early evening ride between the implausibly beautiful villages of Carennac and Bretenoux on the banks of the River Dordogne.
More InfoROCHEFORT-SUR-MER
This flat ride departs from the French National Marine Museum in the centre of Rochefort-sur-Mer and heads over the River Charente towards the marshlands. It takes in the cobbled streets of the picturesque walled village of Heirs-Brouage and ends in the medieval town of Marennes famed for its oyster restaurants.
More InfoAN AFTERNOON IN THE MASSIF CENTRAL FOOTHILLS
An enjoyable out-and-back ride from the official start of the 2022 TdF TT stage at the castle of Lacapelle-Marival, riding in the foothills of the Massif Central.
More InfoLES PLUS BEAUX VILLAGES OF THE UPPER DORDOGNE
There are less than 170 official Plus Beaux Villages in France, and this ride starts at Beaulieu sur Dordogne which was added to the list in 2022. It’s more or less flat riding all the way to Carennac (another Plus Beaux village) passing through many attractive villages along the way. If you’re in the market for a château, look out for the one for sale a few minutes into the ride on the left hand side!
More Info