This is rural France at its full-blooded finest – a journey in time and glorious space, with mesmerizing smells, entrancing scenery, captivating history, unparalleled southern French hospitality, and Provensale tastes combining heaven with earth.
The cycling is fabulous, on quiet roads through lush countryside, with options for both relaxed hedonists and eager explorers. From St. Remy-de-Provence, you will ride to the hilltop fort of Les Baux, influenced by troubadours through the ages. From there, you will head towards the hills of the Luberon, declared a natural park because of its profound beauty. Medieval villages perched on hilltops look down on farms and vineyards interlaced with roads so well suited to quiet cycling that many of them have petite cyclists on the road signs! You will explore one quiet, stone village after another, stopping at sunny street side cafes, resting at little fountains, watching farmers tend their lines of vines, tasting wine and honey, and resting in tranquil and splendid hotels. you will cross the Luberon Plateau toward your splendid hotel near the foot of Mont Ventoux.
You may be inspired to climb, on a road painted with encouragement to the world’s greatest athletes. You may choose, instead, to hike up a footpath or take a lift to the top and be inspired by a 24 km descent! You will visit the best-preserved theatre of the Roman Empire in Orange. Nearby, the headiest of the Rhine wines can be tasted at Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This trip’s colors, scents, and tastes enhance the sunshine magnificently, filling each day with the sensual pleasure that makes French exploring so rewarding.
2009 Guided Dates: Apr 18-24; May 16-22; Jun 20-26; Sep 19-25. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
2010 Guided Dates: Apr 17-23; May 15-21; Jun 19-25; Sep 18-24. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
Highlights: Provence, lavender fields, vineyards & wine tasting, beautiful hilltop/cliff-side villages, quiet paved roads, Mt. Ventoux, luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, Provence.
Tour starts: Avignon, 9:00am; or St. Remy de Provence, 10:30am day one. Tour finish: Avignon, France, 10:30am day seven. Route Notes: a simply fantastic ride! 50-80km (30-50miles) daily, on quiet paved roads. There are a few hill climbs for advanced riders, many of which have easier alternatives for the more relaxed cyclist.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 25 km (15 miles). You'll meet your guides in Avignon at 09:00 or St. Remy at 10:30 for bike familiarization. After lunch in St. Remy, you will ride to the hilltop ruin of Les Baux, to explore this medieval courting ground before returning to St. Remy. Today is planned as an easy introduction to your bikes, to give you time to unwind after the rigors of traveling, and to give you time to explore St. Remy by foot later in the afternoon. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Domaine de Valmouriane, St. Remy de Provence.
Day 2: 65km (40 miles). Beginning at the hilltop of Les Baux, you will cycle through Les Alpilles on your way to Cavaillon. After crossing La Durance, you will make your way along the cycle route to Minerbes, on the North slopes of the Luberon, seeing your first "perched village" at Oppide le Vieux. You will finish at one of the most famous and photographed villages in Provence, where your swimming pool and exquisite dinner will complement a walk around this medieval enclave. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also on guided trips. Lodging: La Bastide de Gordes, Le Village de Gordes.
Day 3: 95km (55 miles) with shorter options. Today’s loop ride is a fabulous exploration of some of Provence’s extraordinary sights. First, you will stop in Roussillon, painted in the red, orange, and yellow hues of ochre, mined in the nearby hills. Optional hike through the forests to visit the monks in their secluded valley at Abbaie de Senanque. En route to Menerbes, you will pass through perched villages and gorgeous countryside. Menerbes was made famous in Peter Mayle’s books "Toujours Provence" and "A Year in Provence". You will also pass through Lacoste, with its castle ruins, and Bonnieux, where you can enjoy views from the church at the top of the village before returning to Gordes for dinner. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips. Lodging: La Bastide de Gordes, Le Village de Gordes.
Day 4: 70km (42 miles). A big day with several climbs and a spectacular ridge ride. Your first stop is the Abbaie de Sennanque, where the monks grow lavender and fill their peaceful valley with melodious chants between work. Mid-morning stop in Venasque to see the ruins there, then on to Gorges de la Nesque for an out of this world ride. Finish near Sault. Breakfast included. All meals on guided trips. Lodging: Hostellerie du Val de Sault, Sault.
Day 5: 68km (43 miles). Circumnavigate Mont Ventoux. Finish at the remarkable "hotel village" - Crillon le Brave. The exceptionally comfortable hotel includes all the houses at the top of the village, and offers more than one choice of restaurants. Breakfast included. All meals on guided trips. Lodging: Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, Crillon le Brave.
Day 6: Relaxed & Challenging options. Challenging option: 60.2km cycling (36.1miles). Loop ride including Mt. Ventoux. The first half of this ride is an uphill climb (understatement), one of the most famous in the Tour de France. The second is a rapturous descent, to be navigated with caution. The summit is 1909m - 6263ft, and it’s usually about 11 degrees Celsius – 20 degrees Fahrenheit - cooler at the top than at the bottom. The van will be close by throughout the ride and cyclists are asked to use caution and good judgment in their attempt to ride this loop.
Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips. Relaxed option: 50 km (30.0 miles) cycling and optional hike. Cycle through and visit the agricultural centre of Villes sur Auzon, and the historic village of Mazan, at the foothills of Mt. Ventoux. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, Crillon le Brave.
Day 7: 09:00 departure from inn. Transfer to Avignon train station, TGV station, or hotel. Breakfast included.
Note: July 11-17 with opera options. The last four days can be changed for custom groups to include:
Day 4: Return to Gordes from Venasques. ~80km loop.
Day 5: Lourmarin and South Luberon ~70km.
Day 6: Jouques to Beaurecueil - loop.
Day 7: Ste.Victoire hike, or Cours Mirabeau; goodbyes in Aix.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- Guided Cost: C$ 3995 (US$ 3595) pp. dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, light picnic lunches, 4 dinners, route notes/maps, luggage handling, van & guide support)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 3395 (US$ 3095) pp. dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, route notes/maps, luggage handling)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain - $ 195
- Super light road - $ 275.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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