Provence Bike

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Provence – the word itself evokes much that is desirable in life:  beauty, art, fine food and wine, and an irresistible joie de vivre. If your travel rêveries are fueled by medieval hilltop towns and castles, vast fields awash with lavender and vineyards, and classic French cuisine accompanied by a rich Côte du Rhône, then our trip offers you the best of the region.  We begin in Orange, which boasts some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in France.  We then cycle the back roads of the Vaucluse and Drôme regions, down quiet roads to historical villages under the north face of Mont Ventoux.  Some riders may want to tackle the 6,232-foot summit to get a taste of what it’s like for the riders in the Tour de France.  On our last day we have a guided visit of the spectacular Grignan castle, or if you prefer, another lovely ride through the 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!

Trip Design: We have designed this trip to enable both novice and expert bikers to discover the wonder of 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 grueling 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. 
(Luggage is transferred by van. 1 night Orange, 2 nights Bédoin, 2 nights Vaison la Romaine, 2 nights Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. Trip ends in Montélimar.)


Day 1 - Saturday: Independent arrival in Orange.  There are regular rail connections from Paris to Orange (3-4 hours).  Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore this attractive Provençal market town or just relax at the Hôtel de Provence, located opposite the train station.  Sightseeing options include 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. Overnight in Orange. Hotel included.


Day 2 - Sunday: Meet your guides after breakfast at 9:00 for a brief orientation and bike fitting, then head out on your first ride. We cycle through 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 lavender is a vibrant violet, in early fall the vines hang heavy with fruit, and in October the vineyards are awash with a golden light.  We stay at a charming little hotel this evening, "L’Escapade," whose owner, Didier, welcomes each of his guests like old friends. Its location in the centre of Bédoin makes the Hotel L’Escapade a perfect base for exploring the colorful village after your ride. Dinner at the hotel where the young chef creates recipes based on the local products, seasonal fruits and vegetables with an exotic touch! Dinner and overnight inBédoin. 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 22 km (14 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 will be part of the Tour de France in 2009, 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 22 km (14 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 on 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 this lively town before heading to our hotel for a wine tasting on the terrace overlooking the main square. The Hotel Le Burrhus is located within walking distance from the town's shops, medieval quarter, and Roman ruins. Our dinner tonight is at a local bistro.  Overnight in Vaison la Romaine. Mileage: 50 km (30 mi) with optional ride up to 70 km (44 mi). 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. 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-colored waters of the Gorges du Toulourenc to return to our hotel in Vaison la Romaine. 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" 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. 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 stayed in when in Provence. Dinner tonight is in a rustic auberge nearby the hotel. Overnight in Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. 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 gourmet restaurant. Overnight Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. 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 offer one van transfer to Montélimar for S.N.C.F. rail connections back to Paris (there is a direct departure at 8:36) or other destinations (early departure possible). Breakfast included.


See all of our tours by DESTINATION & ACTIVITY
See all of our tours by date: TOUR CALENDAR 2010

The biking in Provence is rolling and sometimes hilly.  We normally ride between 40 - 65 km a day, with optional extensions as well as van support, which allows you to relax off the bike for a while. We have designed the trip so that there is always some free time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, or explore the towns we stay in. Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent traditional food of the region.


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

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, or about four hours of riding more or less equally divided between morning and afternoon.  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). Getting there (this will redirect you to our "Getting to the Trip" page) Booking: e-mail us to receive a booking contract (or use the "Reservation" page).  Insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance. We recommend "Travel Guard" to our American clients, just click on the logo below, while Canadian residents can click here.  Australian, New Zealander, and British travelers, please consult your insurance brokers. We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!