West of Meyrargues without the Train
If you follow the official EV8 route west of Meyrargues, you are directed to Manosque in the north – using the train!. There is an alternative – Durance à Vélo.
Draguignan to Les Arcs
The 14 km long Vigne á Vélo is a great connecting cycleway running south of the EV8 at Draguignan. Until you reach Les Arcs, it is almost completely free of motor traffic. It is a signed route. However, we missed badly-placed signage a few times.
Flayosc to Draguignan
How can cyclists ride into and out of Draguignan safely (avoiding busy roads) and comfortably (avoiding steep hills)? It is a major challenge to find a relatively quiet cycle route. We’ve looked at the alternatives. Here is our preferred option.
Lorgues to Flayosc
If you are into railway architecture, this is a route for you. It includes some beautiful single-arch bridges over the cycleway, three recently-surfaced tunnels, and a curious train halt looking more like a bus stop at Sauveclare.
Salernes to Lorgues
This 14 kilometre stretch was officially opened in 2017. It follows the old railway line for the whole route. Consequently gradients are mostly gentle. There are few cars until Lorgues, where there is significant residential traffic.
Sillans to Salernes
Just shy of 9 kilometres, this stretch is nearing completion. Gentle gradients along much of the way. There is one missing bridge over the main road, but crossing is easy. Plus a surprise way of separating cyclists from the Salernes by-pass.