Saturday, 14 February 2009

9 Chateaux - Northern Dordogne

route map 9 chateaux in one day by Nomad www.ridersrest.netDistance: 230 miles 366 Kms

Regions: North Dordogne, Haute Vienne, Correze.

Attractions: Chateau de Puymartin, Château de Puyguilhem, Château de Jumilhac, Château de Hautefort, Château de Bourdeilles, Château Châlus Maulmont , Arnac Pompadour National Stud and Chateau, Segur le Chateau, Le Tour Masseret, Château de Coussac-Bonneval.

Coffee Stops: Ussel, Vigeois, Arnac Pompadour, Peirqueux, Chalus, Masseret,
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Description: There are some narrow roads with dodgy road surfaces on this route so beware... The Dordogne region has many of the finest castles in France, often in spectacular locations, and frequently surrounded by carefully manicured gardens with far-reaching views over the surroundingcountryside. Many of the castles date from the turbulent times in the 12th-14th centuries and the wars between England and France (see Hundred Years War). Also where Richard the LionHeart spent most of his days.

Segur le Chateau

Segur le Chateau photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.net Arnac PompadourArnac Pompadour photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.netMasseret TowerLe Tour Masseret photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.net
Château de Jumilhac
Château de Jumilhac photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.netChâteau de Coussac-Bonneval
Château de Coussac-Bonneval photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.netChâteau de JumilhacChâteau de Jumilhac photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.net

Millau to Toulouse

Motorcycle touring map Millau to Toulouse by Nomad www.motomassif.info
Distance: 121 Miles; 194 Kms

Towns: Millau Saint-Rome,-de-Tarn, Saint-Affrique Albi, Marssac-de-Tarn, Gaillac, Montastruc-La-Conseillere, Toulouse.

Regions: Midi Pyrenees

Roads: D41, D96, D993, D999, N88, D988

Attractions: Millau Viaduct, West Tarn Gorges

Coffee Stops: Saint-Rome-de-Tarn, Marssac-the-Tarn

Description: Take the D41 west out of Millau following the river Tarn to the D96 which continues to follow the river untill crossing it on the D993 at Saint-Rome-de-Tarn (Coffe stop), carry on on the D993 to the D999 at Saint-Affrique. Follow the winding D999 to Albi either cut throught the centre or take the N88 byepass to Marssac-de-Tarn where you pick up the D988 through Gaillac all the way until picking up the N88 again in Montastruc-La-Conseillere should pretty much get you there It is 121 miles some 3 - 4 hours dependant on speed and stops. The route starts with a technical twisty bit but twards the end it becomes a fast strech of road into Toulouse from Albi though you will start to pick up traffic...
Millau town centre photo by Nomad www.ridersrest.net