jl said:
Bridget, I am checking out Chaource, but don't forget that "only 20kms" on a bike takes considerably less time than when one walks!
I was thinking you don't have to follow every step of the GR654. It does have a habit of going all round the houses - I've heard people say that the GR routes are ramblers'/hikers' routes - where going round three sides of a square is good because you are walking for the love of walking. Whereas pilgrims are aiming to get somewhere, so shouldn't be so indulgent, or wasteful of their energy, because they have a goal to reach.
Looking at the IGN 1:100,000 maps (22 and 28), there is a red dotted line going through Chaource labelled GRP. It seems to have two southwards going routes (perhaps its circular). One leaves Chaource in a just east of south direction and goes through a village called Lagesse, from where you could take a footpath to join the other bit , then through Chesley and on to connect with the 654 near Etourvy , from where it makes its way to Tonnerre via Melisey and Epineuil. (Page 171 of the topoguide). ( Ah !- in the topoguide the GRP is named - GRP des Vins et Fromages.)
Etourvy seems to have a foyer rural to stay in, and I guess it's about 12 - 15 km from Chaource- sometimes the footpath goes on a wander when the minor road ( and these were very minor and quiet when we were cycling on them) takes a straighter line. From Etourvy to Tonnerre is about 22 km according to the topoguide.
We didn't follow the 654 to Auxerre. or even Chablis, but took a more direct line to Vezelay as we wanted to be there for Sunday to worship in the basilica.
Forgive me for being so detailed - it's my love of maps coming out - any excuse to get them out and pour over them and I turn into a boring 'anorak'! You can, of course, do exactly what you like!!!