Alés to Le Puy-en- Velay

I really enjoyed last year’s velo tour and because of time constraint, I missed getting to know places like Angers, Tours, Orleans, Nevers, and many others. When I do it again, I will be taking it from the other side next time starting from Monte Gerbier de Jonc to Saint-Nazaire in Bordeaux. I may need more time to complete next time, for I’ll be spending a day or two in one place such the cities I had just mentioned.

As of this year 2024, I’m choosing 7: Alés to Le Puy-en-Velay. Although short, it’s going to be challenging because o the terrain. I may have to go all the way to Chagny taking Palay le Molinial. And from Chagny, we bike all the way to Dijon and also, take side trips.

Stage 1: Alès to Florac

Distance

• 55 km (34 miles)

Route

1. Depart from Alès:

   • Head west on D50 towards Saint-Jean-du-Gard.

2. Saint-Jean-du-Gard:

   • Follow D50 to reach this charming town.

   • Attractions: Steam train of the Cevennes, local markets, and historic sites.

3. D907 to Saint-André-de-Valborgne:

   • Take D907 through scenic valleys and forests.

4. Continue on D984 to Florac:

   • Follow the winding roads of D984 to Florac.

Points of Interest

• Cevennes National Park: Known for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

• Pont de Montvert: Historic village along the Tarn River with quaint streets and beautiful bridges.

• Scenic views of the Tarn River: Breathtaking vistas and opportunities for photography.

Campgrounds in Florac

1. Camping Le Pont du Tarn:

   • Location: By the river, close to Florac.

   • Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and children's playground.

   • Activities: Canoeing, fishing, hiking, and cycling.

2. Camping des Gorges du Tarn:

   • Location: Near the Gorges du Tarn.

   • Facilities: Pool, bar, snack bar, and organized activities.

   • Activities: River swimming, hiking, and exploring local caves.

Stage 2: Florac to Langogne

Distance

• 50 km (31 miles)

Route

1. Depart from Florac:

   • Head north on D998.

2. Sainte-Croix-Vallée-Française:

   • Continue on D998 to this picturesque village.

3. D6 to Châteauneuf-de-Randon:

   • Transition onto D6 and then D906 towards Langogne.

Points of Interest

• Gorges du Tarn: Deep gorges offering dramatic landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities.

• Châteauneuf-de-Randon: Medieval town with historic significance and scenic beauty.

• Scenic landscapes: Rolling hills, forests, and picturesque countryside.

Campgrounds in Langogne

1. Camping du Lac:

   • Location: Near Lac de Naussac.

   • Facilities: Water sports facilities, beach area, and modern amenities.

   • Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

2. Camping Les Terrasses du Lac:

   • Location: Overlooking Lac de Naussac.

   • Facilities: Heated pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and children's playground.

   • Activities: Kayaking, windsurfing, and cycling.

Stage 3: Langogne to Pradelles

Distance

• 40 km (25 miles)

Route

1. Depart from Langogne:

   • Head east on D988.

2. Lac de Naussac:

   • Continue along D988 past this beautiful lake.

3. D39 to Pradelles:

   • Follow the serene country roads to Pradelles.

Points of Interest

• Lac de Naussac: Popular for water sports and picnics, offering beautiful views.

• Historical sites in Pradelles: Visit the medieval town center with its well-preserved architecture.

Campgrounds in Pradelles

1. Camping Les Sédariès:

   • Location: Close to Pradelles.

   • Facilities: Pool, bar, restaurant, and rental accommodations.

   • Activities: Hiking, cycling, and exploring local history.

2. Camping Municipal de Pradelles:

   • Location: Conveniently located in Pradelles.

   • Facilities: Basic amenities, ideal for cyclists.

   • Activities: Local sightseeing and exploring Pradelles.

Stage 4: Pradelles to Le Puy-en-Velay

Distance

• 55 km (34 miles)

Route

1. Depart from Pradelles:

   • Head north on D33.

2. Le Puy-en-Velay:

   • Continue on D906 and then D535 to Le Puy-en-Velay.

Points of Interest

• Le Puy-en-Velay: A historical town with numerous attractions.

  • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation: A UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe Chapel: A chapel perched on a volcanic plug.

  • Historic old town: Explore the charming streets, shops, and restaurants.

Campgrounds in Le Puy-en-Velay

1. Camping de Bouthezard:

   • Location: Near the city center.

   • Facilities: Modern amenities, Wi-Fi, and proximity to major attractions.

   • Activities: Exploring Le Puy-en-Velay, hiking, and cycling.

2. Camping d'Audinet:

   • Location: A bit outside Le Puy-en-Velay.

   • Facilities: Pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, and spacious pitches.

   • Activities: Relaxing in a peaceful environment, exploring nearby natural sites.

Summary of Campgrounds

1. Stage 1: Alès to Florac - 55 km

   • Camping Le Pont du Tarn: Swimming pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, playground, canoeing, fishing, hiking, cycling.

   • Camping des Gorges du Tarn: Pool, bar, snack bar, organized activities, river swimming, hiking, caving.

2. Stage 2: Florac to Langogne - 50 km

   • Camping du Lac: Water sports facilities, beach area, modern amenities, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking.

   • Camping Les Terrasses du Lac: Heated pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, playground, kayaking, windsurfing, cycling.

3. Stage 3: Langogne to Pradelles - 40 km

   • Camping Les Sédariès: Pool, bar, restaurant, rental accommodations, hiking, cycling, local history.

   • Camping Municipal de Pradelles: Basic amenities, ideal for cyclists, local sightseeing.

4. Stage 4: Pradelles to Le Puy-en-Velay - 55 km

   • Camping de Bouthezard: Modern amenities, Wi-Fi, proximity to attractions, exploring Le Puy-en-Velay, hiking, cycling.

   • Camping d'Audinet: Pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, spacious pitches, relaxing environment, exploring nearby natural sites.