43 - On a plateau

Off we go on a route perched … on the plateaux of the Loire gorges. But plateaux mean climbs to get up to them! That is the programme for the start of this rather tough ride. No burning out in the first kilometres: you warm up your legs gently before launching into the 13 kilometres of climbing that open up as soon as you leave Pont Salomon. One thing is for sure, you are going to have to put in some serious effort to reach Saint Victor Malescours and its altitude of 930 m. It twists, it's narrow, it climbs, it turns back on itself, it keeps on climbing… in a few kilometres, you discover the charm of the little country roads.

If you fancy combining cycling and heritage, treat yourself to a bit of exploring in the village of Saint Didier en Velay and its cobbled streets, get your breath back before pressing hard on the pedals one last time to reach Saint Victor Malescours.

The hardest part is behind you, you finally tip over onto the descent. You let your bike run and enjoy the wooded roads and the landscapes on the way to Saint Ferréol d'Auroure. You lift your head from the handlebars to take a (quick) look at the lovely panorama over the Ondaine valley and the famous Le Corbusier housing unit. Only a few kilometres are left to gobble up to finish this loop and enjoy, after the effort, a well-deserved bit of comfort.