day 8 - albi to carcassonne
route
DAY 8
The first 35 miles are relatively flat, in open countryside with a noticably hotter, drier feel than further north.The route picks up the “Chemin des Droits de l’Homme”, a cycle path on a converted railway line, for a few miles. It is a wide, resonably smooth gravel surface and runs parallel to the D41 (which is an alternative if you prefer to stick to paved surfaces).
Where to? Does it matter; it’s all beautiful…
There are a handful of villages on the way for those looking for a coffee stop. The route includes some classic french, tree lined roads:
From Dourgne, we start the biggest climb of the trip to date. It takes us up for just over 5 miles at approaching 6%.
The lay-by at the top is not the most attractive spot, but it will do if you need a rest and some refreshment after your efforts:
Once over the day’s main climb views towards Carcassonne open up:
After desecending a fair way, we take a left in Moussoulens onto the D38. This allows us to sneek up on Carcassonne from the north avoiding the busy main roads that lead more directly into the town.
