L'Ardéchoise : Le Doux

This is a great warm-up circuit, with its exceptional views over the sucs of the Massif Central and Alpine peaks. The gentle 85km cycle reflects the surrounding soft green landscape of northern Ardèche and the fresh, enchanting Doux valley. Two passes - stretching across typical Ardèche villages, including Pailharès, Nozières, and the feudal towns of Desaignes and Labatie d'Andaure – have some lovely surprises in store. The climb up to the second ridge, finishing in the village of Lalouvesc, is no mean feat: it reaches 1000m altitude after 5kms uphill, with a few kinder stretches at an 8% gradient.