Treignac to the Pyrenees

Distance: 271 miles, 437 Kms

Towns: Treignac, Seilhac, Tulle, Altillac, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Saint Cere, Figac, Villeneuve, Villefranch de Rouergue, Caylus, Caussade, Montauban, Auch, Tarbes, Lourdes, Argeles-Gazost.

Regions: Limousin (Correze) Midi Pyrenees (Heutes Pyrenees, Tarn et Garonne, Aveyron)

Roads: D16, D940, N120 (D1120), D940, N140 (D1140), D922, D1, D926, N20 (D1020), D928, N124 (D1124), D924, N21 (D1021), D100.

Description: A Mixture of wide open fast roads and some amaizing twisties through rural areas which will send you dizzy with a sprinkling of N roads . The D940 does get narrow in places with some switchback bends.



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Lac Vassiviere

Lac Vassiviere is one of Frances largest lakes here are 2 routes to and around the lake.

Route 1 only 100 miles and is ideal if you do not want to go too far but still want to get out and have a ride and enjoy some of the cafe culture in the region.

Distance: 100 miles, 160Kms

Towns: Treignac, Lacelle, Eymoutiers, Payrat-Le-Chateau, Royare-De-Vassiviere, Pigerolls, Feniers, Millevaches, Bugeat, Viam.

Regions: Limousin (Correze, Haute Vienne)

Roads: D132, D940, D13, D222, D7, D3, D8, D36, D979, D940, D160, D132

Attractions: French Ressistance Museum, Lac Vassiviere, Lac des Bariousse,

Coffee Stops: Payrat-Le-Chateau (La Bellarive for a mug of English tea), Lac Vassiviere, Bugeat.

Description: The road out to Payrat Le Chateau is an exceptional road you would ride it back and forth and not get bord of its twists and turns which seem to go on for ever in their sweeping perfect tarmac. the road out to the Lac is also a delight but it does start to get narrow in places with some tight bends through the forrest. If you want to visit the Ressistance museum you have to ring the Marie at Payrat-Le-Chataeu.

Route 2 is longer at 140 miles just stretching the route out a little to enjoy a longer ride

Distance: 140miles

Towns: Treignac, Viam, Bugeat, Lacelle, Millevaches, Feniers, Felletin, Aubusson, Saint-Hilaire-Le-Chatau, Pontarion, Bourganeuf, Royare-De-Vassiviere, Payrat-Le-Chateau, Eymoutiers, Treignac.

Regions: Limousin (Correze, Haute Vienne)

Roads: D132, D940, D979, D36, D19, D982, N141 (D1141), D8, D35, D222, D13, D940, D16, D132

Attractions: Saint-Hilaire-Le-Chatau

Coffee Stops: Abusson, Bourgenof, Payrat-Le-Chateau (La Bellarive for a mug of English tea), Lac Vassiviere, Royare-De-Vassiviere.

Description: The road back from Payrat Le Chateau through Eymoutier is an exceptional road you would ride it back and forth and not get bord of its twists and turns which seem to go on for ever in their sweeping perfect tarmac. the road out to the Lac is also a delight but it does start to get narrow in places with some tight bends through the forrest.. Sadly the N141 is a major route so beware of speeding cameras on this road but Abusson is worth the trip down to Bourgenof. If you want to visit the Ressistance museum you have to ring the Marie at Payrat-Le-Chataeu.

Millau to Treignac (Ridersrest)

Options 1 & 3

Options 2 & 4

Description: All these routes from Millau take the same route to Aurillac but from Aurillac I have given 4 options... Option1 & 3 are more suitable for Cruisers and heavy bikes whilst Options 2 & 4 have some narrow and technical roads still doable with cruisers and heavy bikes but maybe not so desirable on them. All Timings are Max time it should take incl stops...

Millau to Aurillac - Take the D911 out of Millau towards Rodez. After Bois-Du-Four take the right fork onto the D29 again towards Rodez. On the outskirts of Rodez merge onto the N88 (D1088) bypass and follow it North to the D988 towards Sebazac-Concoures, continue on the D988 to Bozouls where you take the D920. Follow the D920 to Espalion, where it winds along the River Lot to Entraygues-Sur-Truyere stick with the D920 all the way into Aurillac.

Option 1
198 miles approx 6 hours with stops
The D922 from Aurillac to Bort-Les-Orgues is a good fast road wide tarmac with a good surface and rides into the Volcanic Region of the Cantal. At Bort-Les-Orgues (By the Dam) take the D979 to St Angel, Meymac (Take the D36 until you re join the D979 - do not go on the D979E3), Bugeat, after signs for Viam look for the D940 which takes a left fork down into Treignac and Riders Rest.

Option 2
181 miles approx 6 hours with stops
from Aurillac take the N120 (Re signed as D1120 in places) to Argentat (duel carriageway and very streight to start) from Argentat take the D18 to Egleton where you will pick up the D16 to Treignac and Riders Rest.

Option 3
179 miles Approx 5.5 hours with stops from Aurillac take the N120 (Re signed as D1120 in places) through Argentat all the way into and through Tulle to Seilhac where you pick up the D940 all the way to Treignac and Riders Rest. - You can get congestion on the N120 and Tulle can be complicated uless you have satnav (which will try and push you down small D roads such as the D44 after Tulle).

Option 4
If you want to get really adventurious you could do option 1 with a detour up to the Volcano "Puy Mary" This is the one I would do ;) From Aurillac cut through the centre and take the D17 up to Puy Mary, at the top of puy Mary hang left down the D680 until you join the D922 to Mauriac where you take the D678 to the D105 Chalvignac cross over the river Dordogne onto the D16 to Egleton and then D16 to Treignac and Riders Rest- From Aurillac to Puy Mary and to the D922 the roads are quite narrow but twisty and the views are spectacular. From Mauriac the roads become narrow again and the surface is uneven but can be fun (and you can imagine the French Resistance scamoering through these hills) . This one is 201 Miles and is going to take you about 7 hours with stops though you may stop more often for photo's.

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Riders Rest B & B - Central Massif

Bikers Only Bed and Breakfast in the Central Massif, France...

Riders Rest is a unique motorcycle bed and breakfast which is ideally situated for onward travel to Spain, the South Coast of France, The Pyrenees, or the Rhone Alps. Or indeed as a base to tour the beautiful Central Massif Region of France, covering the Limousin, Auvergne and Dordogne.

Riders Rest is the midway point for any rider headed for Spain or Portugal which makes it the perfect stop over point to head for. It is without doubt a friendly place to over night with people who understand the needs of those on two wheels. Wendy & Tony will take care of you whether for a one night stop over, or for a longer stay in the beautiful CORRÈZE region of CENTRAL MASSIF...

Riders Rest cater for Groups, couples and solo riders, their aim is to make their home yours for the duration of your stay. That means secure parking, space to store your gear, drying facilities (God forbid it should rain) - Breakfast when you want it - Evening meal (additional) - Cold beer and good wine - Close to some of the best Twisties and views in the region.

Not only does Riders Rest have a unique group accommodation solution with their Clubroom for up to 9 solo riders along with 3 double rooms for couples, they have a fully equipped workshop, secure parking and a hardstanding dedicated for washing bikes, plus a recovery trailer that will carry practically any motorcycle safely .

Tony is also an accomplished tourer with many years experience of riding Europe and more recently the Central Massif area of France he has many proven routes to keep even the most demanding rider happy for a weeks stop over.

His rides are a Triumph Rocket 3, an FJR1300 and a Moto Guzzi Stelvio whilst Wendy rides a modified Honda CB500S.

Accommodation comprises:

• 1 double en-suite - 45€ per person per night
• 1 double room with shared bathroom and toilet - 45€ per person per night
• 1 twin room with shared bathroom and toilet - 45€ per person per night
• 1 Club Room with 2 showers, 1 bath and 3 toilets, en-suite - sleeps upto 9 solo riders - 25€ per person per night.
• Workshop facilities and motorcycle recovery trailer can also be made available

Facilities Include:
Secure garaged parking; Drying facilities, Bike wash; Storage space, Guided Tours, Bike trailer & Workshop, Linen & Towels provided English breakfast, Home Cooked Evening meals. Honesty Bar, route planning & Laundry...

Contact Details:
Le Theil, Treignac, 19260 Correze, France.
Tel: +33 (0) 555 731433 Txt: +44 7784413354 UK Direct 08442 323145
Website http://www.ridersrest.net/ email tony@ridersrest.net
GPS: N45 34.848 E1 46.369

Ferry Ports to The Massif Central

These are the most direct and quickest routes using as much A-Roads as Possible so will incure a Toll but make the trip down to the twisties and scenic area of the Central Massif possible in one easy trip down - the timings do not include breaks for fuel or coffee and food... There are more scenic routes which utilise more National Routes and D roads hoever these will incure the possibility of an overnight stay half way down. Pleasse email if you would like a route and reccommended accommodation.

Caen to Riders Rest: 324 miles 6hr 30 min

Calais to Ridersrest: 487 miles 7hr 30 min

Le Havre to Riders Rest: 378 miles 6hr

Roscoff to Riders Rest: 408 miles 7hr 30 min

Saint Malo to Riders Rest: 342 miles 6hr 50 min

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Millau to Toulouse

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...

Treignac to Perpignan

Distance: 293 miles; 472 Kms

Millau Viaduct to Andorra

Distance: 217 miles; 350Kms

Towns: Millau, Saint-Rome-De-Tarn, Saint-Affrique, Moulin-Neuf, Belmont-Sur-Rance, Lacaune, La Slavetat-Sur-Agout, Saint-Ponse-De-Thomieres, Corniou, Lespinasiere, Caunes-Minervois, Carcassonne, Limoux, Quilan, Coudons, Roquefeuil, Ax-Les-Thermes, Merens-Les-Vals, Pas-de-la-Case

Regions: Aude, (Languedoc-Roussillon); Aveyron, Tarn, Arierge, (Midi Pyrenees); Andorra

Roads: D41, D993, D999, D32, D607, D602, D907, N112, D920, D620, D118, D117, D59, D613, N20, N320, N22, CG2,

Attractions: Millau Viaduct, West Tarn Gorges,

Coffee Stops: There are many small villages which you can enter and have coffee - head for Centre.

Description: This route is a feast of turns and twists. It starts off by following the river Tarn west out of Millau before joining the wider roads which wind their way south and west through some fantastic roads and scenery of the Midi Pyrenees. Whilst this is only a couple of hundred miles it is a long ride expect to take 5 to 7 hours dependant on stops. Make sure your battery is charged up on your camera.

Neuf Chateaux in one day

Distance: 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,

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

Arnac PompadourMasseret Tower

Château de Jumilhac

Château de Coussac-Bonneval

Château de Jumilhac

Saint Flour through the Twisties

Millau Viaduct

Distance: 371 miles; 607Kms

Towns: Treignac, Tulle, , Mont Verde, Pont-D'Orgon, St-Paul-Des-Lades,Espinat, Aurillac, Montsalvy, Espalion, Palmas, Laissec, Severac-Le-Chateau, Millau, Chirac, Marvejols, Nasbinals, Chaudes-Aigues, St Flour, Moissac, Condat, Bort-Les-Orgues, St Angel, Maymac, Bugeat, Viam.

Regions: Corezze, Cantal, Puy-Dome, Aveyron, Lozere, Midi Pyreneese, Auvergne, Limousin

Roads: D940, N120 (D1120), D920, D28, N88 (D1088), D809,A75, D911, N9 (D1009 or D1109), D267, D900, D12, D13, D989, D921, D679, D979, D940, D160, D132e3

Attractions: Millau Viaduct

Coffee Stops: Tulle, Aurillac, Espallion Lunch in Millau, Marvijols, St Flour, La Belvedere overlooking the Barrage at Bort-Les-Orgues, Bugeat

Description: This is a long days riding however if you are heading on rather than back to http://www.ridersrest.net/ then you can take either route down and either over night in Millau or continue to the Rhone Alps via the Tarn Goges or down to Toulouse angain via the Tarn River roads. I would reccomend the route through Aurillac as being the fastest route but still with some excellent tarmac and fast swooping bends. But if you are coming back up to http://www.ridersrest.net/ then after a good lunch in the cnetre of Millau it is a good 200 mile run back through some beautiful mountinious views over St Flour, and down through Bort-Les-Orgues. So if you have the stammina and the desire to visit the Millau these are good routes there and back.

The bridge is somewhere almost every biker who ventures into the region heads for so is kind of a biker mecca the roads to get there are superb even the A75 motorway is a biking motorway. Plus you are in some of the spectacular views France can offer...If you head North and West you head into the Volccano's Puy Mary and Puy Dome, Mount Dore, Super Besse. The Dordogne Valley running from Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne to Argentat and Bort-le-orgues with its Castle-De-Val or further West to Aurillac and Rocamadour on some good tarmac with relatively uncongested roads... If you head North and East you enter the many many gorges and passes into the Rhine Alps or South on to the Med... But I digress...

The Millau BridgeA view of the Millau Viaduct from the town of Millau

Crossing the Millau Voaduct

Along the Romantic Dordogne

Distance: 160 Miles; 255 Kms

Towns: Treignac, Egletons, Gimmel-les-Cascades, Tulle, St Chamant, Argentat, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Collonges-la-Rouge, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Donzenac, Uzerche, Masseret, Chamberet.

Regions: Limosin (Correze)

Roads: D16, D1089 (N89), D1120 (N120), D12, D940, D38, D158, D920, D20, D3, D132,

Attractions: Gimmel-les-Cascades, Argentat, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Collonges-la-Rouge

Coffee Stops: There are plenty of places to stop for coffee along this route. Tulle, Egletons, Argentat, Masseret, Gimmel-les-Cascades, Argentat, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Collonges-la-Rouge

Description: This route is so adaptable with excellent roads criss-crossing it to allow you to shorten or lengthen the enjoyment. Starts off reasonable technical but then opens up from Egletons for some good sticky open fast roads through the romantic Dordogne. Stopping at Argentat for Lunch then on through some winding roads and picturesque villages - along the Dordogne. before once again picking up some open country and fast twisties. You do have to cut through Brive however it is worth the effort to get to the D920 however if you want to byepass Brive drop onto the A20 (Non Toll) for a couple of junctions and get off at Donzenac to continue the route.

Argentat

Argentat for LunchTulle Coffee by the Cathederal
Collonges-la-Rouge

Oradour-Sur-Glane

Disatnce: 156 Miles. 251 Kms

Towns: Treignac, Lacelle, Eymoutires, Peyrat-Le-Chateaux, St-Leonard-de-Noblat, Ambazac, Oredour-sur-Glane, Limoges, Le Chatenet, Chateauneuf-la-Foret

Regions: Limousin (Haute Vienne, Correze)

Roads: D132E3, D940, D5, D13, D19, D711, D9, D1141 (N141), D2000, A20 (not Toll) , D979, D160,

Attractions: Resistance Museum, Oredour-sur-Glane (Martyred Village WWII)

Coffee Stops: Peyrat-Le-Chateaux "The Bellerive" friendly English owned where you can get a real cuppa tea. Oradour-sur-Glane town centre a good place for a lunch stop, Eymoutiers on the way back.

Description: The D940 to Peyrat-le-Chateaux is absolutely awesome by the time you get to Eymoutiers you will be in rythm with the bends but once you start to climb out of Eymoutiers you will be grining from ear to ear and wanting to go back again once you have had a cup of rosey lea in Peyrat-le-Chateaux. If you were not sure of left or right hand bends you can be asured that they will be coming together after the ride thus far. The road narrows slightly from here to the A20 but still interesting as far as twistie goes, though some might be out of sync. The road once crossing the A20 to Oradour is through a plethra of small typically French towns, but once you get to Oradour you realise the horrors which had befallen the area during June 1945. The route back is down a duel carriageway to the A20 for a couple of junctions before heading once more down a cracking fast bike road to Eymoutiers before once again picking up the D940's smooth bends back to Treignac.

Peyrat-le-Chateaux Tea stop at the Bellerive

Oradour-Sur-Glane

Lunch stop in Oradour-Sur-Glane

St Leonard de Noblat Viaduct

Rocamadour

Distance: 181 Miles 291 Kms

Towns: Treignac, Tulle, Altilac, St Jene Lagineste, St Cere, Padirac, Rocamadour, Payrac, Souillac, Noailles, Brive-La-Gaillarde, Donzenac, Uzerche, Chamberet.

Regions: Correze, Midi Pyrenees.

Roads: D16, D940, D1120 (N120), D1, D125, D807, D673, D90, D1020 (N20), D19, D154, D158, D920, D3.

Attractions: Beaulieu-Sur-Dordogne, Gouffre de Padirac, Rocamadour, Grotte des Merveilles,

Coffee Stops: Tulle Centre (Park inside the Cathederal boundry), Beaulieu-Sur-Dordogne is a spectacular place park in the square and wonder around the town. Lunch at either Padirac or above Rocamadour. There are fewer cafes on the route from Rocamadour to Brive so if you see one open stop. Ussel is nice, as you enter the Town turn left up into the Chateaux and park in the square (Cobbled road).

Description: This route gets technical in the middle where the D940 becomes a twisting snake like narrow road for about 15 miles, not for heavy longwheeled bikes unless you are used to riding narrow twistie country lanes. The route out of Rocamadour is superb but hard work on something like the Triumph Rocket 3. Going through Brive City can be a pain but worth the effort as the road down off the N20 into the centre is nice, however if you want to avoid it drop onto the A20 (not a toll) for a couple of junctions and get off on the D920 to Donzenac to rejoin the route. Be careful when going down the hill and through the tunnel to Rocamadour as there is often oncoming traffic in the middle of the road...

Rocamadour Rocamadour

Rocamadour from above

The Twisties into Brive