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The holiday begins along the bed of the former railway track which linked Lamastre to Le Cheylard through the mountains of the Ardèche. Then after changing valleys, the ride continues along the Eyrieux river, wild and picturesque.
The former railways, mostly disused since 1968, have become simple paths. However many remarkable civil engineering works of the railway era remain, and the scenery is spectacular. Along this superb built heritage now left abandoned, you'll discover the mountains of the Ardèche, the Boutières, and its distinctive valleys.
The way is relatively level and suitable for cyclotourists, but as some of the paths are not tarmacked we recommend the use of "country bikes".
Holidays from April to October.
You can begin your stay any day April - June and September - October.
In the high season, holidays start on odd dates (1st, 3rd, 5th...) in July, and even dates (2nd, 4th, 6th...) in August.
Itineraries (please click for details)
8 days / 7 nights 
5 days / 4 nights
Characteristics of circuits
Cycle holiday without guide.
Level 2/5
Daily stages between 17 and 60 kms
Daily uphill between zero and 750 metres
Holiday altitudes: between 100 and 1100 metres
Little tarred and earth roads
Suitable for country bikes
What's included?
Half board accommodation
2 and 3 star hotels, 3 "épis" guest rooms
Baggage transfer
Detailed roadbook and routemarked maps provided
Logistical and technical assistance
Transfer from Tournon to Lamastre
Reservation request
Booking form
Once you've filled in the form, Safran will suggest a made-to-measure holiday adapted to your personally chosen dates during the week or at the weekend.
Tariffs 2012
| Price per person, on the basis of two people sharing same room | Additional services | ||||
| Duration | July - August | Low Season | Baggage for a Single | Single Room | Bike rental Adult |
| 8d/7n | € 675 | € 635 | € 100 | € 140 | € 100 |
| 5d/4n | - | € 390 | € 100 | € 80 | € 70 |
| Picnic: €10 per person | |||||
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A railway story
 The idea of creating this railway line goes back to the middle of the XIX century. The project aimed to support the economic development of the Vivarais (historic region which roughly corresponds to modern-day Ardèche) with its silk farms, vineyards and arboriculture...but high costs stopped part of the works and it was only fifteen years later that they were finally begun. The first network came into service on 10th September 1891.A veritable prowess! The inhabitants of Boutières could now reach Valence in less than 3 hours against 8 previously! The steam train ran at an average speed which rarely exceeded 20 kph (12.5mph), without mentioning numerous incidents such as derailments and breakdowns... Due to lack of operating profit, the "Compagnie de Chemin de Fer Départementale" ceased all activity on 1st November 1968. Only the line from Tournon to Lamastre was maintained. It is due to be reopened in 2010 or 2011 after lengthy safety improvements. |
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Agence Safran - Les Cascades - F. 26400 Mirabel et Blacons
Tel. +33 (0)4 75 25 78 78 - Fax +33 (0)4 75 25 78 79
info@safrantours.com - Agence de voyages LI.026.99.0001