From the southern edge of France's Massif Central you'll really start to notice that you're in Southern Europe now. The route touches the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, so it might be a good chance to stop and recharge for a few days.

The weather through this section can be very changeable due to winds coming from the Atlantic coast and being funnelled across to the Mediterranean by the Pyrenees and the mountains to the north. Strong wind and rain is likely, but so are high temperatures in the summer months.

You'll get you first views of the high, snow covered peaks of the Pyrenees here. There's some great trails in the hills close to the coast: steep terrain, rough tracks and sometimes vague trails, lead to some more traffic-free riding before the city of Perpignan.