Eastern France / Verdon Early June
 

Hi, Our annual trip this year looks like heading from Calais down the Eastern side of France via Verdun toward the Verdon Gorge and toward the Millau bridge in early June.

Whilst we plan to stop at St Omer on the first night and subsequently Verdun for the batlefield interest, we are looking for suggestions for interesting places / towns to stay between Verdun and Millau.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Regards

Chris

About 2hrs north of the Verdon gorge, you might consider the Vercors area near Grenoble. The whole area comes highly recommended by the guys over on "www.AlpineRoads.com - The Best Biking Roads In The Alps" (and me!) and this hotel Hôtel le Marronnier : Welcome bikers and cylists, holidays in the Vercors French Alps gets good reviews from them as well

Not far from the Verdon Gorge a nice trip is across the Mont Ventoux, starting at 200m asl and climbing up to 1,900m. Further west is the Ardeche canyon and even further west the river Tarn. Actually near the bridge of Millau.

Directly south of the Tarn river canyon there is a steep climb to the Causse, an incredible beautiful plateau high above the river. Several winding roads lead up to the plateau, one of the specacular ones id through the Gorge du Jonte.

An incredible climb is the D907 from the Tarn valley upwards. Get hold of the Michelin map #240 and you've got that area covered :thumbup1:

along the eastern border of france, from calais > arras > cambrai > charleville > hirson, etc... down to metz (should be near Verdun), I have done the department road N43.
if you want to avoid motorways, this is a beautiful alternative road in the middle of the counriside, very pleasent and without traffic.
I have done it twice, it's a really nice ride. :)

Thanks for the info folks.

All taken on board and much appreciated.

Ferry booked and ready to go 6th June. Cant wait.:mchappy: