GREAT DESTINATIONS ❘ ROUTE DES VACANCES
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG THE ROUTE DES VACANCES Our pick of the many delights and distractions you’ll encounter along the way
DETOURS Sancerre and the Canal latéral à la Loire Take an 80km detour from the N7 at Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire onto the D955 to Saint-Satur then D920 and D45 to Mornay-sur-Allier, returning to the N7 via the D2076 at Saint-Pierre- le-Moûtier. You’ll take in the wine village of Sancerre, the Cyclorail du Sancerrois, and the outstanding village of Apremont-sur-Allier (a Plus Beau Village) while following the pretty Canal latéral à la Loire.
Route des Belvédères Directly off the N7 at Gervans, north of Tain-l’Hermitage, is the access to the Route des Belvédères, a short detour into the vine-clad hills of the Côtes du Rhône, where you’ll be met with exceptional views of the River Rhône, the hills of the Ardèche and the fruit orchards of the Drôme, as well as a chance to spy on the area’s birdlife. Stop off at observation points Belvédère du Puy de Serves, Belvédère des Méjeans and the Belvédère de Pierre-Aiguille.
www.ardeche-hermitage.com/en
For more travel inspiration visit
www.francetoday .com/travel-in- france
Sancerre, renwoned for its wine, is well worth a detour – leave room in the boot for a few bottles direct from the vineyards!
Get up close with nature at its most majestic on the Route des Belvédères
EXPERIENCES Choose forest-bathing or dog- sledding in Fontainebleau Prepare for the long journey ahead with a soothing ‘forest bathing’ session in the Forêt Domaniale de Fontainebleau. If you’d prefer more exhilarating action, go dog-sledding through the forest with national champion Christian Perlwitz.
www.fontainebleau-tourisme.com/en/ the-forest
Fly high above the Loire Valley Take a 30-minute flight in a light aircraft and see the Loire Valley and the surrounding vineyards from above with the Aéroclub de Cosne-Cours- sur-Loire. Or book a one-hour flight for the chance to fly the aircraft.
www.aeroclubcosne.fr
42 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Aug/Sep 2022
Hike or cycle to Mont Vinaigre At 641m, Mont Vinaigre is the highest peak in the Massif de l’Estérel. It’s easily accessible on foot or by bike. Park at the viewpoint of Col du Testanier, 12km northeast of Fréjus, then set out on the 6.6km path via the Route du Malpey. You’ll have panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes, Fréjus and Saint- Tropez from the summit. An early start is recommended to watch the sunrise. Shorter walks are also possible from the Col du Testanier.
from five continents. Wander at leisure, take a guided visit (daily at 3pm) or take part in one of the many seasonal events held here.
www.arboretumdesbarres.fr
Take a stroll in the Arboretum National des Barres or join a guided tour
ATTRACTIONS L’Arboretum National des Barres One of the largest arboretums in Europe, and holding the national collection of France, this botanic garden at Nogent-sur-Vernisson holds three separate collections of trees
Magny-Cours International Circuit Motor-racing fans will be drawn to Magny-Cours, in the Nièvre department, the former home of the F1 French Grand Prix that still attracts world-class events such as the World Superbike Championships. If you’d rather be on the track than trackside (and you’re not fed up of driving yet!), book a Car or Bike Track Day, or an F1 Driving Experience.
www.circuitmagnycours.com
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Hike or cycle to Mont Vinaigre – it’s the perfect chance to stretch your legs
Watersports on the Riviera Look to your fun side and view the Promenade des Anglais in Nice while parasailing. Several companies operate along the beach, where you can also choose tubing, banana boating and jet skis. Elsewhere along the coast, you can learn to sail with the Club Nautique de Nice, hire a kayak or paddleboard in Èze and go scuba diving off Cap Ferrat.
www.explorenicecotedazur.com/en
Motor fans will love Magny-Cours International Circuit
IMAGES © AD2T, BENOIT VOISIN/ADRT 45,
M.ROUGY/ AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES TOURISME, CAROLINE MILLS, JOHAN
BOULET.WWW.NIEVRE-TOURISM.COM
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