Day 1: Arrival Day at Clermont Ferrand in Central France. Travel Clermont by train from Paris; we meet in mid afternoon and transfer to the hotel which is actually in Volvic. This town, famous for its natural springs and bottled water is where we start the trek south. Check in, set up bikes, go over the coming weeklong+ program. Rest, for tomorrow is a big start! Nice hotel with with swimming pool and after a dinner. (D)

Day 2: Big day, 113 km from Volvic to Le Godivelle: We pass between the Puy de Come and Puy de Dome, imposing and dormant volcanoes that are among the most famous of many dormant volcanoes in the region. Further on we pass old stone villages, and lakes where we take a picnic. Finish the day at a gite or rural residence that is rustic in facilities but comes with an excellent meal served family style in the tradition of local cuisine. (B,L,D)

Day 3: 109 km; La Godivelle – Paulhac en Margeride. Countryside ride through open fields, along pastures, and with far and wide views of the nearby villages and their historic churches. We pass some waterfalls, have a picnic and finish the ride at another gite style lodging; again a hardy regional meal is included. (B,L,D)

Day 4: 85 km; Paulhac en Margeride – Bagnols les Bains. Another day in the back country crossing the countryside dotted with charming and historic villages. In Bagnols, we have a nice hotel with pool followed by dinner included tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: 100km, Bagnols les Bains – Mas St Chely Here the countryside really starts to change. In the Lozere we find the forested routes again and the crossing of the bridge at Montvert is very authentique, and a long climb and even longer descent into Florac offers a challenge. Ride along the tarn, or lake of Florac. Night in a hotel at Mas St Chely. (B,L,D)

Day 6: 75 km; Mas St Chély – Dourbies Le Causse Mejean, a grand plateau with its rocky surface is to be crossed, and then a crossing of the forest of Aigoual takes us to the Mount Aigoual and the pass at Col de Prat Peyrot. Night in hotel at Dourbies. (B,L,D)

Day 7: 95 km; Dourbies – St Guilem le Desert The start of a long and gradual descent to the sea, the terrain changes again over this day before arriving at St Guilhem. It is very agricultural and we will notice the many flocks of sheep. In St Guilhem we enter an important historical town and its church we falls on the St James or St Jacques de Compostelle route. Charming hotel and time to explore this fascinating village. (B,L,D)

Day 8: 95 km; St Guilem le Desert – Pezenas An interesting ride through hilly country at first that becomes flatter with a wide panorama. Numerous villages make good stopping points for a picnic. The night in Pezenas offers central village location that is perfect to go out and explore this interesting village. (B,L,D)

Day 9: 75 km; Pezenas – Sete Drawn to the coast, we are almost there now and the surroundings start to feel the Mediterreanean ahead. The architecture is Southern France and we finally arrive at Sete, a very pretty village and harbor that is the perfect finish point to a long and rewarding voyage. Night and dinner in a charming central hotel where you have time to walk and visit the village. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Departure Depart on your own after breakfast. Trains from Sete to Montpellier and Paris possible. (B)