| Provence Bike details |
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Departures 2008 :
May 10 & 31
June 21
September 6 & 27 | Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Departing from: Orange at 9:00 on Sunday, Day 2
Tour finishes: In Montélimar train station on Day 8
Price: $3,299 USD per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement $350 USD.
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You're never far from a cool cafe
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Lavender and Mont Ventoux in June
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Don't forget the wine!
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Van support
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Sunflowers in bloom all summer
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Culinary delights every night
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A serious game of boules!
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Carbo-loading at the local market
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Blend in with the locals
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Provence Bike |
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Provence Bike Itinerary
Preview - We have designed this trip to enable both novice and expert bikers to discover beautiful Provence. The week-long trip takes us around the Mont Ventoux, famous both as a magnificent feature of the Provençal landscape as well as a gruelling stage of the Tour de France. Each day riders have a beautiful and relatively easy ride along quiet roads that link the charming villages and hamlets of the area. We also give strong riders the option each day of adding some scenic and challenging rides into the surrounding hills. We have found that this is often an excellent formula for couples and friends who have disparate riding skills.
Our 8-day Provence Bike trip starts in Orange, a 2,000-year-old town boasting some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in France. As we cycle the backroads of the Vaucluse and Drôme regions, your senses will be aroused by the colours and scents of Provence: faded blue shutters, golden stone houses, and fields of mauve lavender. Pedal down quiet roads to tiny villages under the north face of Mont Ventoux, or be like Lance and push onto the 6,232 foot summit to get a taste of what it's like for the riders in the Tour de France. Our last day we have a guided visit of the spectacular château at Grignan, or if you prefer, another lovely ride through the bucolic Provençal countryside. Full vehicle support and small, charming hotels each night provide additional elements of comfort and appeal. We know you also come to France for its world-famous gastronomie, so we will sample the best and freshest local produce, a variety of succulent cheeses, flaky croissants, crisp baguettes, and enjoy the rich red wines of Châteauneuf du Pape and the Rhône valley. This combination of exercise and indulgence creates the perfect cycling vacation!
Day 1 - Saturday: Independent arrival in Orange (there are regular rail connections from Paris taking 3-4 hours). Depending on when you get in, you may have time to explore this attractive Provençal market town and its amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites: the magnificent 10,000-seat Roman theater, the only such structure in the world still standing in its entirety, and the 2,000-year old Arc de Triomphe commemorating Julius Caesar's victories over the Gauls. Tonight we stay at the Hotel de Provence, in a quiet pedestrian area in the heart of the old town. Hotel included.
Day 2 - Sunday: Meet your guides after breakfast for a brief orientation and bike fitting, then head out on your first ride. We cycle across the flat vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône towards the hills, through orchards and villages like Aubignan and Mazan. In early spring the orchards are in full bloom, in June the lavander is a vibrant violet, in early fall the vines hang heavy with fruit, and in October the vineyards are awash with a golden light. Our hotel this evening, La Garance, is a converted country house that offers splendid views of Mont Ventoux and the tiny villages that dot the landscape below. Dinner and overnight near the village of Bédoin. Mileage: 50 km (30 mi) with longer option available. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3 - Monday: Bédoin is buzzing with life this morning since it's market day! Check out the sights and sounds around you and then set off for the morning ride. We thread our way from village to village, including Mormoiron and Venasque, all linked by the beauty of the Provençal countryside. Behind it all, Mont Ventoux -- nicknamed "The Giant of Provence" -- towers over the surrounding countryside at 6,263 feet. Serious cyclists can opt to pedal their way to the summit where, on a clear day, you may see both the Alps and the Pyrénées. This option is for extremely fit riders -- it is 16 km (10 miles) of steep uphill and then the same on a fast, cold descent! You can even rent a road bike for the day should you wish. The climb is often part of the Tour de France, and anyone who goes for the summit will gain a newfound respect for cyclists who compete in this amazing race! Overnight and dinner in Bédoin. Mileage: 50 km (30 mi) with Mont Ventoux option adding 16 km (10 mi) of uphill. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4 - Tuesday: From Bédoin ride around the Dentelles de Montmirail on our way to Vaison la Romaine. The Dentelles are short, steep mountains with a distinctive rocky ridge named after the lace (dentelle) they are thought to resemble. The morning ride passes by some of the most beautiful villages in France: Crillon le Brave, perched high on a hill with awesome views over Mont Ventoux; and Beaumes de Venise, famous for its sweet Muscat wine. We continue towards the Côtes du Rhône villages of Gigondas and Séguret, then reach Vaison la Romaine by early afternoon. You then have some free time to explore the shops and impressive Roman ruins. Extra loop to Malaucène: once a walled medieval town, it is now ringed by immense plane trees instead of battlements. Dinner tonight is at a local bistrot. Mileage: 50 km (31 mi) with optional ride up to 70 km (44 mi). Overnight in Vaison la Romaine at Le Burrhus. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5 - Wednesday: Today's ride takes us to the most remote part of the region. We'll still keep an eye on Mont Ventoux, but from its northern slope. We follow narrow valleys lined with lime trees up to the Col de Fontaube. Energetic riders can go for a challenging but rewarding ride up to the Plateau d'Albion, via Montbrun. This area is sparsely populated, but still dotted with picturesque hilltop villages like Brantes. We follow the emerald-coloured waters of the Gorges du Toulourenc to return to our hotel in Vaison. As this is one of the most challenging days of the trip, our support vehicle can offer riders a lift to the top of the plateau for an easier ride back to our hotel. Tonight is a "free night dinner" which allows you to have a romantic dinner with your partner or a pizza and a beer with some of your new friends in the group. Mileage: 55 km (35 mi), or up to 70 km (45 mi). Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.
Day 6 - Thursday: A gorgeous ride awaits us as we head north into the Drôme region, passing by the olive groves of the Baronnies hills. On our way we stop in Villedieu, one of our favorite villages, with a genuine town square and a beautiful fountain to slake our thirst. We then ride through Suze la Rousse, whose medieval castle is now a University of Wine! We continue from there to the Hotel l'Esplan in Saint Paul Trois Châteaux - which happens to be the hotel that the Discovery Team and Lance Armstrong always stay in when they go to Provence! Maybe you can request "Lance's Room"? Mileage: 50 km (31 mi) with 60 km (38 mi) option. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7 - Friday: This morning's destination is the village of Grignan, surmounted by its imposing 16th-century château. We visit the castle in the morning, high up on a rocky spur overlooking the tiled roofs and sunlit streets of the village below. Built in 1548 by the Governor of Provence, the château is also famous as the home of Madame de Sévigné, one of France's first female literary talents. You will see fine examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, while the interior furnishings (including priceless Aubusson 17th-century tapestries) evoke images from an era long past. Our afternoon ride takes us through the peaceful beauty of the Provençal countryside. This evening we have a wine tasting with a real sommelier, followed by another fabulous dinner at a rustic Auberge. Overnight Saint Paul Trois Château. Mileage: 50 km (31 mi) with 60 km (38 mi) option. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8 - Saturday: After breakfast and a final farewell to new friends, we transfer to Montélimar for rail connections back to Paris or other destinations. Please do not schedule a departure from Montélimar prior to 8:00 a.m. today. Breakfast included.
Useful Links -
Provence tourism: general site on the region and its food, arts, & activities
Orange Roman Theater: official site of this amazing monument, lots of good info
Côtes du Rhône: very informative site on one of France's best wine families
Mont Ventoux: interesting Wikipedia entry, including lots of Tour de France stats
"The Giant of Provence": fun article from Velonews about climbing the Mont Ventoux
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: look at all the fabulous things to see in France!
General Information
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Qualifications: This trip is rated easy to moderate with challenging optional rides. It is perfect for anyone who is physically fit and likes to cycle; the presence of a support van and relatively flat terrain means that cyclists of all abilities may join. The daily distances are around 50 kms (30 miles) a day, which translates into about four hours of riding more or less equally divided between morning and afternoon. This may sound like a lot, but we take frequent breaks to take pictures, enjoy a café au lait, or simply stop and admire the view. You are provided with written route directions, which allow you to be independent and ride at your own pace. However, a regular conditioning program consisting of cycling, walking/running and a daily stretching regimen is recommended, beginning at least 3 months prior to departure. This will get you in shape and ensure that you are comfortable in the saddle, allowing you to enjoy all that this wonderful trip has to offer. In other words, get your bum used to a bike seat before you arrive to avoid suffering during the trip! There is a support van to move the luggage and also to help tired bikers in case of need. Most importantly, the rides are absolutely beautiful!
The Bikes: Our hybrid bikes are lightweight Cannondale aluminum frames with front suspension and a shock-absorbing seat-post for extra comfort. They have all Shimano componentry. They are very comfortable, with a relatively upright riding position as well as climbing bars which enable you to change your hand position. They have 27 speeds with index shifters on the handlebars. They have a low gearing ratio to make hill climbing especially easy, and the upright sitting position reduces shoulder and neck fatigue. A more upright position also means that you get to look at the beautiful countryside instead of just the asphalt in front of your wheel!
The bikes come with a small front handlebar bag suitable only for light things, a separate map case, water bottle, pump, spare tube, and a rear carrier rack. We HIGHLY recommend that you bring a strap-on rear carrier bag that sits on top of the rear rack (not a side pannier). You can bring your own pedals and seat, which we can mount for you. The bikes are sized based on the information that you send to us, so be as accurate as you can! You must bring your own helmet.
Trip Cost Includes: All accommodations (1 night Orange, 2 nights Bédoin, 2 nights Vaison la Romaine, 2 nights Saint Paul Trois Châteaux); 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners; bilingual guide or guides; support vehicle; guided tours as noted in the itinerary; all luggage transfers; final transfer to Montélimar train station; bikes (quality 27-speed hybrid-style touring bikes with front handlebar bags and rear racks).
Not Included: Round-trip airfare; airport/hotel transfers; lunches; travel insurance; gratuities; alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature. Please bring your own bike helmet, as you will be required to wear one.
Weather: We have scheduled our departures to avoid mid-summer heat and crowds while still enjoying ample sunshine. Temperatures generally range from 70-80° F during the day, dropping approx. 10 degrees at night. Some rainfall is possible on any of the departures requiring participants to arrive equipped with appropriate raingear.
Getting there (this will redirect you to our "Getting to the Trip" page)
General Information: This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the CustomWalks Ltd. reservation information and trip agreement. Please read this information carefully and e-mail us (or use the "Contact Us" page) if you have any questions. We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance which you can do through CustomWalks Ltd or by clicking on the logo below (another window will open up on your screen).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited. Send us an email or fax to reserve your trip. Full trip details including detailed pre-departure information, train timetables, and a gear list are sent upon receipt of deposit.
Come join us!
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