Le Massif central 2011 /// Day trips

Hi, Here are a couple pics from my annual stay in a little town
called Ste Sigolene, which is located in the departement of the Haute-Loire (France),
it is within the Massif Central.

I used to go there every year when I was a kid as this is where my family is from
on the French side. As a teenager, it became my top most boring place in the world. But since
putting behind these years, and especially since picking up the bike,  I am rediscovering the area and
all it's beauty. One is never short of fantastic scenery, challenging weather, and most
of all: hills. Not hard ones as they are soft and exactly how I like them. But after 60 miles
in your legs, they start to hurt.. There is no flat to be seen, it's up down up down and a great
place to train before you attempt Alpine routes. A couple of pics below, and routes to follow.

Route Day 01: Ste Sigolene - Yssingeux - Tiranges: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5091782
Route Day 02 : Ste Sigolene - St Agreve - Faye: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5091788


Also one of the best feature of this adventure is the Aperitif with the locals. It's simply, fantastique.

    Leaving a town called Tiranges, at 850m and heading down into the valley onto Monistrol

    Lac de Devesset with the Mt Mezenc. The Mt Mezenc is the gateway to the south of France.

    St Pal de Mont, at the Golden hour