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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2012
May 25-Jun 1

Sep 23-30*

*special departure- Robbin McKinney guiding

2013
May 24-31

Sep 22-29

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

8 days/ 7 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Vaison/Bedoin

Accommodations:

 

Le Beffroi, Vaison-la-Romaine

Hôtel Les Hospitaliers, Le Vieux Poët-Laval

Le Lion d'Or Les Arcades, Buis-les-Baronies

Hostellerie Val de Sault, Sault

Crillon le Brave, Bedoin

Activity Level:

This trip is not suitable for novice cyclists. We list the distances for each day- there is always the opportunity to ride additional mileage!
van supported

Terrain:

Hills every day of moderate or

greater difficulty, including

some low passes.

Some passes are as high as

735 m.

Mont Ventoux (an optional ride) is 1909 m.

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $3250
Includes 7B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $600

Bike Rental:
US $180

Haute Provence, Biking

Vaison-La- Romaine, Poet Laval, Buis-les-Baronnies, Sault and Bedoin

This is a special tour in an unusual region, and together they constitute a unique opportunity. Voyage to Haute Provence, a region of the pre-Alps, where the ambiance is definitely Provençal. Climb over low passes, descend with wild mountain streams and pedal through lost villages. But this is France, and the inns are cosy and the food and wine fantastic, even in this back country. Have fun riding bike where it is best.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• A ride you will never forget: cycling the wine route through Seguret, Gigondas and Vacqueras
• Order off the menu at restaurants you won't find in guidebooks.
• Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
• We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

* Robbin McKinney, founder and owner of Great Explorations, is scheduled to guide this departure.

Itinerary

Getting there :
Our trip starts in Vaison which can be reached through Avignon, by coach from the TGV station or by taxi. Trains from Paris to Avignon take 2h10.

Day 1
Arrival in Vaison-la-Romaine. We will meet at 4:00 pm to fit bikesand go for a short warm-up ride. Dinner will be at a favourite local restaurant.

Day 2
Cycle to Poët-Laval in the heart of the Baronnies mountains, which are part of the pre-Alps. Rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Poët-Laval also features an interesting museum of Protestant history in France. Your hotel has a long history entwined with the Knights Templar. (60 km- 400 m of gain)

Day 3
Enjoy a second day in Poët-Laval. A delightful day ride takes you to the pottery centre of Dieulefit, then on to Bourdeaux and the ruined castle of Soyans. This route is often on the Dauphin race route (55 km - 600 m of elevation change).

Day 4
Buis-les-Baronnies beckons. This spectacular ride crosses through the valleys of six different rivers, with high hills and two passes in between. Gorges and isolated chapels, plus vineyards, orchards and lavender fields characterize the scenery (57 km - 895 m).

Day 5

Spend a second night in Buis-les-Baronnies. In this sun bowl hollowed out of the mountains grow the best Nyons olives. A grand day ride takes you past Brante in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, then on to the spa town of Montbrun-les-Bains. The gorges in the Toulourenc valley are as stunning as the castle (60 km - 750 m)

Day 6

On your way to Sault, there are several routes to choose from. Head east to Mollans-sur-Ouvèze with its lovely high-arched bridge, marked on each side by a tower and a tiny chapel. Sault is the lavender capital of the region, and also home to Provence’s Most famous maker of nougat - a tasty confection of honey and almonds. Just right after a long bike ride! (54 km - 895 m)

 

Day 7

Delight in the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, with its wildly eroded cliffs and curves, as you ride to Bédoin, a relaxing town among vineyards and cherry orchards. Or pedal to Bédoin over Mont Ventoux, 1909 m at its summit where a cold wind always blows and there are breathtaking views as far as the Alps. (45-60 km - 555 m or 1909 m)

Day 8

Depart from Crillon/Bedoin for your next adventure.