2008 Provence Escorted
Cycling Tour dates: Duration:
Seven nights.
June 14, June 28, July 19, Aug 9, Aug
23, Sept 6
Cost: Double
$1820 Cdn
Single Supplement
$ 315 Cdn
Transfers from / to Avignon included.
Tour profile: On paved back roads.
Some uphill stretches. Parts of this tour are hilly - through the Alpilles
and the Luberon. The route is demanding but not excessive. By following
river valleys and cycling alongside those ranges where possible we have
managed to strike the right balance between enjoyable cycling and
breathtaking scenery.Fitness level required: This is the most
difficult of our France tours so a reasonable level of fitness will make
the tour more enjoyable..
Bicycles:
Hybrid bikes - suitable for those who may want to go off-road (not part of
the tour) and for those who prefer to ride in a more upright position. For
those who prefer road bikes with drop handlebars we have them available
(you must choose when booking). Gel seats are available with prior notice.
Choice of frame sizes is also available.
Groups: We usually cycle together although
sometimes people choose to go ahead on their own. Everyone has a map and
instructions on the next meeting point. Maximum number in the group is 15.
Accommodation: Hotels used are good quality
2 star hotels with private bath.
Singles: If you will share a room the single room
supplement will not be added.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included. Dinners are taken
together either at the hotel or local restaurants. Vegetarian diets can be
accommodated if we have advance notice.
Included: 7 nights accommodation (based on
double), breakfast and dinner daily, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel,
six days of escorted cycling, bike rental including panniers, repair
equipment, locks, transfers from Avignon.
Not included: lunches, entrance fees, drinks. Van support is not
provided although taxis are usually available for anyone who wishes to
take day off.
Pick-up: Avignon TGV Rail Station.
Getting there: If you fly to Paris you can take
the TGV train to Avignon.
Itinerary: Saturday: Pick up at
Avignon TGV Rail Station. Transfer to the town of Chateaurenard
just a few kilometres south of Avignon.
Sunday:
This is a
tough cycling day that includes two climbs. We visit Fontaine de
Vaucluse, a resurgent spring that is the source of the Sorgue
River. This is where the poet Petrarch once penned love sonnets to
Laura while he was taking refuge from the plague which was
sweeping through the cities. We also visit the Village des Bories
featuring 20 stone huts dating back thousands of years. We finish
our ride at the hilltop village of Roussillon. It is not an easy
climb but the village is worth it with wonderful views of Mont
Ventoux. 29 miles.
Monday: Today's route is longer than yesterday, visiting small
villages often on cycle tracks. This is Peter Mayle country -
Menerbes and Bonnieux among the foothills of the Petit Luberon. We
end the day in St Remy de Provence in the shadow of the Alpilles.
St Remy was the birthplace of Nostradamus. It is close to the
Roman site of Glanum which was once a famous spa. A triumphal arch
still stands honouring Augustus Caesar and the Roman victory over
the Gaullic tribes.
Tuesday: Today we visit Les Baux de Provence. The old mines of Les
Baux gave their name to bauxite - aluminium ore. Les Baux is a
highlight. Built atop a 200 metre outcrop of rock, the village is
dominated by a ruined fortress. The medieval lords of Les Baux
claimed to have descended from Balthazar (one of three wise men).
Their feats of daring, of cruelty and of love were legendary and
became more and more outrageous until Cardinal Richelieu (the
scourge of the Three Muskateers) finally destroyed the castle. The
village is still in tact and the fortress has a museum of medieval
torture and war-fare.
Our ride continues on to the town of Beaucaire. 21 miles.
Wednesday: Having crossed the Rhone, today we visit the most
spectacular site of the week, the Pont du Gard, considered one of
the wonders of the ancient world. The Roman aqueduct was built to
carry water across the River Gardon to the City of Nimes. The
bridge is 275 metres long and 48 metres high and is made up of
three tiers. The bottom tier still carries road traffic and it is
possible to walk across the top level.
If time allows we can visit a vineyard at Domaine Malaric on our
way to Uzes, a charming medieval village overlooking the Alzon
valley. 28 miles.
Thursday: Today is Cotes du Rhone territory and we can visit a
vineyard in Laudan. The river here is huge. Our goal is the town
of Orange which was once the seat of William of Orange, (William
and Mary of England). The most interesting thing about Orange
today are the Roman monuments including a theatre which is
considered the best preserved of all Roman theatres. It still
hosts operas every summer and has seating for 8,000
people. 29 miles.
Friday: After a gentle morning cycle close to the Rhone we visit
Chateauneuf du Pape, one of the best known wine regions of France.
We visit the Domaine de Solitude for a tasting and to hear about
the strange rules that apply to winemaking in Chateauneuf. Later
we can visit Avignon with its great Palace of the Popes.
Saturday: Transfer to Avignon Rail Station.
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