First things first: almost all 3700 kilometres of this Trans-Europe route run on cycle paths that are sometimes more, sometimes less well signposted. No wonder, as the first third of the journey takes us through East Frisia, the Netherlands and Belgium, where the cycle path network is one of the densest and best developed.
The North Coast Cycle Route (EV12) points the way to Belgium.
The cycle path changes its name from time to time, but what remains is the direct route along the coast. Only in Dieppe does the route turn inland. We follow the Avenue Verte as far as Paris.
The Loire cycle path near Orléans via small side roads; there is no official cycle path here. After just a few kilometres, it becomes clear that this less pleasant transfer stage is worth it. Impressive castles and palaces, medieval towns and wild river meadows along the Loire are pure cycling pleasure. A tour of the castles and a glass of crémant are a must.
A cycle path takes us to the Atlantic coast, which merges into Eurovelo 1 at the mouth of the Gironde. We enjoy the wild coastal landscape of Aquitaine as far as the Spanish border. The route through the Pyrenees is difficult. There is no cycle path. The route takes us along small side roads and we have to climb almost 1000 metres over a mountain pass on the way to Pamplona.
The Way of St James is something extraordinary. Not just because of the landscape, but above all because of the people on and along the way. An experience that every cyclist should have had!
Character
The route from Hamburg to Santiago de Compostela is mainly on well-maintained and signposted cycle paths. Only the sections between Paris and Orléans and between the Spanish border and Pamplona have to be travelled on secondary roads. Car traffic is to be expected here. A strenuous stage awaits in the Pyrenees with up to 1000 metres of ascent. The Way of St James also runs partly on gravel tracks.
Helmets are compulsory in Spain!
Highlights
Amsterdam: Royal Palace, canal cruise, Van Gogh Museum. www.amsterdam.info
Paris: Louvre, Notre-Dame, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe. http://de.parisinfo.com
Loire: castles, wine region, http://schloesser-der-loire.com, http://www.loirevalleywine.com
Pamplona: Cathedral, Plaza de Toros, Citadel. http://www.spain.info
The article was in the Europe special in Trekkingbike issue 4/2016. You can download the issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play) or order it in the DK shop.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
