Atlantic to Med (La Rochelle to Perpignan)

Day 1

Arrive La Rochelle.

Day 3

Today we ride east of the Garonne estuary and into the southern part of the famous Cognac region. This evening you will be able to see some of the famous Cognac houses and perhaps enjoy a glass after your dinner! (45 miles / 72 km).

Day 5

From St Emilion we ride into the Dordogne region, following the river of the same name as we finish in another historic town, Eymet. Originally built as a bastide town, there remain half-timbered houses with covered arches, the castle and a fine bridge across the river. (40 miles / 64 km).

Day 7

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 9

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 11

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 13

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).

Travel Information

Start: La Rochelle
Finish: Perpignan

Click here for our Travel Information page.