Castles between La Meuse and Le Mouzon

The ride

Roll out of Neufchâteau and let the ride unfold along the water: first the Mouzon, then the Meuse, then the Vair, each river ticking off another stretch of the route. Castles follow in turn — the Châtelet, Couvonges and Sandaucourt — so the middle of the ride keeps handing you something to look at. With 481 m of climbing spread across the day, the hills come in gentle doses rather than one big wall. Then it's back to where you started, with the rivers and towers behind you.