Leaving Montargis, you change canal, the Scandibérique leading you on via the towpath beside the Canal de Briare. The Loing River meanders on by next to the canal, providing a green setting along this most peaceful of stages. Greet the lock-keepers and those on boats on the canal as you head down this friendly waterway, the route dotted with charming Gâtinais villages. You reach the highlight of this stage of the Scandibérique adventure at Rogny les 7 Écluses, the name giving away the reason for this village’s fame – its flight of seven locks! Do pause here for a picnic, taking in the grand view.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
The route
On a greenway along the Briare Canal and on minor roads. No particular difficulties along this stage. Signposted EV3.
Surfacing in parts smooth, in parts rough: asphalt in more or less good condition along the towpath, with some stretches of compacted tracks.
Link
Towards Montargis train station
Trains
- Montargis train station
Don’t miss
- Montargis: a town nicknamed the Venice of the Gâtinais area and a member of the Les Plus Beaux Détours de France, for its historic riches. Also discover the surprising link with former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and how Montargis played a startling role in forging Franco-Chinese relations.
- Amilly: the Tanneries, a contemporary art centre; Moulin Bardin, a restored 19th-century mill
- Montbouy: vestiges of a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre
- Châtillon-Coligny: Musée Historique de l’Ancien Hôtel-Dieu
- Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses: the historic flight of seven locks
