Discovering La Vagabonde: A Cycling Adventure in France

The idea had been simmering for months: a proper cycling adventure, just the two of us, exploring a piece of France we’d never seen. That’s how we found ourselves, bikes cleaned and serviced, and panniers packed, at the starting line in Montluçon. We were ready to tackle La Vagabonde, a 500km, 10-stage cycle route from Montluçon south towards Toulouse. We packed relatively light, booking accommodation in advance for each night. The first night's stop was an intriguing place I’d bookmarked weeks ago.

Étape 1: Montluçon - Évaux-les-Bains (44 km)

Carte routière de La Vagabonde

Setting off from Montluçon felt like a genuine departure into the heart of France. The route quickly shed the town's edges, guiding us onto a lovely greenway that eased us into the rhythm of the ride. The landscape of the Combraille region began to unfold around us—a gentle tapestry of rolling hills, hedgerow-lined fields, and sleepy hamlets that seemed untouched by time.

The pedalling was steady, with a few climbs that got the heart pumping but were always rewarded with sweeping views. We found our pace and settled into a rhythm largely dictated by the environment. The further we cycled away from the city, the quieter the roads became. We chatted, pointed out ridiculously charming stone houses, and mostly just soaked in the quiet joy of being on the open road.

As we neared Évaux-les-Bains, our legs began to feel the day’s effort. The promise of our pre-booked glampsite, Camping le Monteil, was a powerful motivator for that final push. Finding the campsite was easy. As we rolled down the quiet lane, a sense of calm immediately washed over us. This wasn’t a sprawling, anonymous campsite; it was an intimate, peaceful haven.

We were met by the owner, who instantly understood the needs of weary cyclists. He pointed us towards our bell tent and, crucially, the secure locker room where we could safely store our bikes and plug in the e-bike to charge.

La tente

I’ll be honest, the word "camping" had me picturing wrestling with tent poles and a long walk to a shared shower block. Camping le Monteil shattered that illusion. Our bell tent was enormous, and standing proudly in front of us was a king-size bed. A real bed. After a day in the saddle, it looked like the height of luxury. Even better, we had our own private bathroom and shower just steps away in the beautifully converted barn. No queues, no hassle—just a hot shower to wash away the road's dust.

Tente et barbecue la nuit

That evening, we sat outside our tent on our private deck, a glass of local wine in hand, grilling sausages on the barbecue provided. We felt utterly secluded, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the countryside as the sky exploded into a blanket of stars. It was the perfect paradox: the wild, back-to-nature feeling of sleeping under canvas, but with all the profound comfort you could ever need. It was, without a doubt, the perfect end to Stage 1.

Étape 2: Évaux-les-Bains - Aubusson (55 km)

Waking up after a deep, restorative sleep in that incredible bed was a game-changer. We felt refreshed, recharged, and genuinely excited for the day ahead. After a leisurely breakfast (the eggs provided by the owner’s hens were like none I had eaten before), we packed up, collected our bikes, and hit the road for Aubusson.

The second stage felt different—a deeper dive into La Creuse. The scenery became more dramatic, the hills a little more insistent, but our well-rested legs were more than up for the challenge. The route was just as beautiful, winding through forests and opening up to stunning vistas. Knowing we had started the day so comfortably made the ride feel less like a challenge and more like pure pleasure.

Aubusson

Rolling into Aubusson, the famous tapestry town, felt like a true accomplishment. But as we found a café to celebrate, our conversation kept drifting back to the night before. It wasn't just a place to sleep; Camping le Monteil had been an integral, unforgettable part of the experience. For any cyclist tackling La Vagabonde, I can't recommend it enough. It’s the perfect, peaceful, and wonderfully comfortable sanctuary that turns the end of your first day into a highlight of the entire trip.

Embracing the Journey

As we continued our adventure, we discovered that each stage of La Vagabonde offered new surprises. The beauty of the French countryside unfolded before us like a storybook. Each twist and turn in the road revealed hidden gems—charming villages, quaint cafés, and breathtaking landscapes.

Cycling through La Creuse felt like pedalling through a painting. The vibrant greens of the fields contrasted beautifully with the azure sky. I could almost taste the freshness of the air, filled with the scent of wildflowers.

The Joy of Glamping

Glamping added a unique twist to our cycling journey. It combined the thrill of camping with the comforts of home. After long days on the bike, returning to our luxurious tent was a delight. The experience was like a warm hug after a chilly day.

We enjoyed the simplicity of outdoor living while indulging in little luxuries. The private bathroom was a game-changer. It allowed us to refresh ourselves without the usual camping hassles.

Connecting with Nature

Cycling through the serene landscapes allowed us to connect with nature in a profound way. The gentle sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds accompanied our journey. We often stopped to appreciate the beauty around us.

Whether it was a picturesque sunset or a tranquil stream, each moment was a reminder of the magic of the outdoors. We felt a sense of freedom as we pedalled along, leaving our worries behind.

A Culinary Adventure

One of the highlights of our trip was the food. Each town we visited offered local delicacies that tantalised our taste buds. From fresh baguettes to artisanal cheeses, every meal was a celebration of French cuisine.

We made it a point to try something new at each stop. The flavours were rich and diverse, reflecting the region's culture. Dining al fresco, surrounded by nature, made every meal feel like a special occasion.

The Final Stages

As we progressed through the stages of La Vagabonde, we found ourselves growing stronger and more confident. Each day brought new challenges, but we embraced them with enthusiasm. The camaraderie between us deepened as we shared laughter and stories along the way.

Reaching the final stages of our journey filled us with a bittersweet feeling. We were excited to complete the route but sad to see our adventure come to an end.

Reflecting on the Experience

Looking back, this cycling adventure was more than just a physical journey. It was a chance to reconnect with each other and with nature. The memories we created will last a lifetime.

Camping le Monteil was not just a place to rest; it became a cherished part of our story. The warmth of the owner and the comfort of our glamping experience made it truly special.

As we pedalled towards our final destination, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the journey. The beauty of La Creuse, the joy of cycling, and the luxury of glamping combined to create an unforgettable experience.

If you’re considering a cycling adventure, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore La Vagabonde. It’s a journey that promises to refresh your spirit and awaken your love for the great outdoors.

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Pedal Through Paradise: Cycling is a dream from Camping le Monteil

Bonjour mes amis!

Welcome back to the blog from your favourite little slice of French countryside, Camping le Monteil. This month, we’re swapping our usual tales of tranquil tent life and the joys of a good night’s sleep in a king-size bed for something a little more… energetic. But fear not, we’re not suggesting you start doing press-ups before your morning coffee (though feel free, there’s more than enough room for a workout). No, this month we're talking about the sheer, unadulterated joy of cycling in our glorious corner of La Creuse.

Picture this: You step out of your luxurious bell tent, breathe in the crisp morning air, grab a coffee and some breakfast, then hop onto your bicycle, feeling the promise of a day teeming with discovery. Beyond our glampsite, the tranquil countryside unfurls, a living tapestry of rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and storybook villages waiting to be explored.

Here’s the magic of cycling in La Creuse: It’s freedom in its purest form. Glide along whisper-quiet roads, unmarked by traffic, stress or potholes, where your only company might be a curious cow or the glimpse of a buzzard or red kite overhead. Whether you’re testing yourself against the elites on a Strava segment, chasing an adrenaline-pumping climb or prefer to amble along winding lanes, you’ll find beauty in every turn.

Stop when inspiration strikes—a picnic by a sunlit lake, rest by a river, an espresso at a country café or a well-earned treat from a rustic boulangerie. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to the essence of rural France, where time slows down, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

And the best part? After a day spent soaking in the scenery, the comfort of Camping le Monteil awaits you like a warm embrace. No fumbling with tent pegs or communal showers here. Your plush bed and private bathroom promise a blissful end to your adventure-filled day.  Then relax with a barbecue and a well-earned drink as the sky reveals more stars than you thought possible in a crystal-clear sky.  Remember, this is camping with a hint of luxury.

At Camping le Monteil, we believe in celebrating both the thrill of exploration and the joy of indulgence. This isn’t just camping—it’s a symphony of relaxation, connection, and unforgettable experiences.  If you need inspiration for your ride, details of the biggest climbs in the area (or how to to avoid them) or a recommendation of the best coffee stops, we can give you all the information you need, along with a .gpx file for your bike computer.  So, strap on your helmet (safety first!), and let us take you on a journey where every moment feels like a story worth telling. 

Your next great cycling adventure begins here. Will you answer the call of the open road?

À bientôt,

Tony & Kirstie

Horizon Gazing: Embracing the Infinite

Horizon Gazing: Embracing the Infinite at Camping le Monteil - Our Glampsite in Central France

In the hustle and bustle of city life, stress can become an unwelcome companion. The constant noise, poor air quality, and relentless pace leave little room for relaxation. One aspect of tranquillity that many city dwellers might not even realize they're missing is the simple act of gazing at the horizon. Unless you work on the top floor of a skyscraper or have a penthouse apartment, opportunities to pause and take in the vastness of the horizon are rare.

The Allure of Horizon Gazing

There's something undeniably magical about watching the horizon. It's a reminder of the infinite possibilities that lie ahead, a moment to reflect on life's journey, and a chance to connect with nature in its most expansive form. The horizon, with its ever-changing colours and moods, offers a unique sense of calm and wonder that few other experiences can match.

Reconnecting with Nature at Our Glampsite

Our glampsite provides the perfect setting for this meditative practice. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the French countryside, guests can relax in our bell tents that blend comfort with nature. Whether you're lounging on your private deck, enjoying a leisurely walk in the surrounding countryside, or simply watching the sunset over the hills, the horizon is always in view, inviting you to pause and reflect.

The Science Behind Horizon Gazing

According to an article by Claire Francis from the Sensory Trust, horizon gazing can produce a calming effect by widening our peripheral vision. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, has studied the impact of vision and breathing on stress, highlighting how horizon gazing can help maximize our time in nature.

Additionally, the article "Horizon Gazing: Using Our Panoramic Vision to Decrease Stress" on the Working on Calm website explains that using our panoramic or peripheral vision can decrease activity in the brain associated with stress. From an evolutionary perspective, a wide-open gaze is associated with calmness and openness, making horizon gazing an effective way to reduce stress.

Why Horizon Gazing Matters

In today's fast-paced world, taking time to gaze at the horizon can have profound benefits for your mental and emotional well-being. It encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. By allowing your mind to wander and your thoughts to flow freely, horizon gazing can spark creativity, inspire new ideas, and provide a fresh perspective on life's challenges.

Join Us and Discover the Beauty Beyond the Horizon

We invite you to visit our glampsite, Camping le Monteil in central France and discover the transformative power of horizon gazing. Come and unwind in nature's embrace, where the horizon stretches endlessly before you, and the possibilities are as limitless as the sky.