Scandiberique: EuroVelo 3 from Tours to the Pyrenees

The Scandibérique, the French section of EuroVelo 3, links Tours to the Pyrenees over about ten days of cycling. The route mostly follows greenways and quiet roads, from the gentle Touraine to Poitiers, then Périgueux and the Périgord, Agen and its prunes, Auch in Gascony, all the way to Lourdes at the foot of the mountains. It's a human-scale journey through villages, markets and valleys, away from traffic. Reckon on 50 to 80 km a day depending on your fitness, and adjust stages to the rising gradient as the Pyrenees approach. A sound bike, waterproof panniers and booking a room the night before are all you need. Rideable from April to October, ideally in spring or early autumn.