Thanks - I adopted a similar approach in Normandy last year and never failed to find accommodation when I wanted it.MrsHJ wrote: ↑22 Apr 2023, 10:18am I have a sneaking suspicion I said this in January now I see this thread has popped up again but anyway I think you’ll be fine without a tent or sleeping bag. I don’t take them these days unless I plan to camp. I do plan my route though and I often book my accommodation ahead- not necessarily all of it but the places where the choices are limited. That’s partly because I know what distance I’ll do each day and there are some places I know I’ll want to stop and visit and partly so I can relax en route knowing it’s all sorted and there’ll be no chasing down hotels late in the afternoon.
Others would find my approach too constraining and prefer a bit of serendipity- whatever works for you is fine - I often just book the first 3/4 days and any pinch points and then aim to make sure I’m booking the next couple of days and keeping 48 hours ahead of my cycling. I generally use booking.com so I’ve got a clear schedule of all my stays but I’m sure that means I miss out on other fun options. I’ve attached a truncated version of my route planning spreadsheet for my next trip- which as you can see is incredibly flat and gentle. The availability of accommodation and where nice towns are generally dictates my length of day.
I just take a couple of front panniers in the back of my bike to make sure I don’t take too much stuff- see photo. St Malo Nice is a fabulous route and although I didn’t follow the book I have done largely that route in both directions. The Massif Central is great, quiet and beautiful with lots of wildlife so I’d take that route if possible
However, if you want to not overdo the climbing you can continue to follow the Loire until you hit the Saone and then head to Lyon and the Rhône south. You’ll still have a bit of climbing on the marseille (or wherever you turn east) to Nice segment but you’ll have your legs in by then.
I'm an accountant, so love a spreadie Like you, I use them for itineraries and packing checklists. The planning is half the fun.