PROVENCE, FRANCE / BICYCLE TOUR
Montpellier to Montpellier.

ITINERARY


DAY 0

Arrival Day. Saturday May 26th. Today we’ll meet at our hotel; we’ll help assemble bikes, answer any questions you might have, etc. Montpellier (pop. 533,000) “where the sun never sets”, is the 8th largest city of France, one of the most interesting cities to explore if you arrive early or want to stay longer at the end of our tour.

DAY 1

Vezenobres. pop. 1,663 / 76 km or more if you are into it. We’ll go through beautiful towns, mostly on small roads. After close to 870 m of climbing, we could have a refreshing swim in the pool and get ready for a delicious dinner at our hotel. Vezenobres stands on a steep hillside, its thousand years of architecture makes it worth while to take a stroll up to this Medeival City, which it is beautifully lit up at night time, it will take you magically back trough time.

DAY 2

Orange. pop. 30,025 / 86 km. / 993 m of climbing. Our ride will take us through vineyards, wheat fields, olive groves, almond and cherry trees etc. We’ll ride by St. Quentin-la-Poterie, known for its pottery works since the 14th century. Orange is a high density, historical town. World heritage attractions here are: the great Roman Amphitheatre and the Triumphal Arch etc. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner.

DAY 3

Orange. Exploratory day. We’ll ride through the heart of one of the most famous wine areas in France: Cote du Rhone with its 13 authorized appellations. Villages like Chateauneuf du Pape, Vaison la Romaine, Seguret etc. have lots to offer including great tasting cellars, Roman castles ruins from the 12 and 15 centuries and pedestrian-only streets with several cafes and restaurants. Our day trip is a 60 km loop.

DAY 4

Sault. pop. 1,301 / Altitude 706 m, shortest route option (70 km). Even though there are two options to get to Sault either way there will be some climbing involved, conquering legendary Mount Ventoux is one of them which could be the highlight of your trip if you like climbing. Sault is an old fortified village, situated along the top of a high ridge overlooking a wide valley with large lavender fields, spectacular views today.

DAY 5:

L’Isle-Sur-la-Sourge. pop. 18,799 / 60 km Today we’ll ride on one of the most amazing routes of the area, Gorges de la Nesque a famous classic cyclist’s favourite, views beyond spectacular. We’ll spend the night at L’Isle-Sur-la-Sourge, beautiful medieval town, built on the islands of five branches of the Sorgue River, which runs through, past, in and around the town; water adds a special beauty and character to it. Plenty of dinner options by the river.

DAY 6

L’Isle-Sur-la-Sourge. (70 km). Exploratory day. We are in a perfect location to visit many “must see” villages, Gordes, Roussillon, Menerbes, Bonnieux, etc. we’ll take you there.

DAY 7

St. Remy de Provence. pop. 10,251 / (60 km) On route we’ll visit charming Le Baux village, a stone and cobblestone medieval village, worth the climb to it. Saint Remy is a busy, active village, with a good selection of restaurants, museums, galleries, shops etc. Vincent Van Gogh lived a period of his life in Saint Remy, here he painted two of his most notable works: "Starry Night" and "Self-Portrait".

DAY 8

Uzes. pop. 8 500 / (65 km). Today’s ride crosses the magnificent Rhone River just after visiting the beautiful St. Michel de-Frigolet Abby, we’ll also cross by the famous Pont Du Gard, world heritage site, highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges, very impressive. We’ll stay in the town of Uzes which is full of history and abundant architectural heritage, lots to see and plenty of options for dinner.

DAY 9

Uzes. Exploratory day. (60 km) We’ll go through vineyards, farmlands, small villages and olive groves which have been present in the sunny slopes of the Uzes area for over 2000 years. You will also have the option to visit the city of Nimes (pop. 143,400) famous for its many important remains of the Roman Empire and renowned textile industry, located at a short distance from Uzes.

DAY 10

Cycle back to Montpellier. (75km). Last day of riding, very scenic with plenty of villages to stop for snacks etc. After our ride, we’ll pack up, try out some of the exceptional restaurants in town for dinner and relax.

DAY 11

Travel Day. Wednesday June 6th. You are on your own. We'll help you board a train, bus or point you in the right direction. You are responsible for your return transportation. We’ll be happy to help you out arranging an extended stay if you wish.

Note: Minimum 10 to run the trip. Please check for availability.

Tour Dates

May 26th-June 6th, 2012

10 riding days / 11 nights

COST: $ 1995 CAD (based on double occupancy)

Add $ 475 CAD ( single occupancy)

There is no tax charged on trips outside Canada.

Please check for availability and make sure to send in your deposit to secure your reservation.

Photo Gallery
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France 2009, Courtesy D. Hinchcliffe



Pont du Gard 2009, Courtesy D. Hinchcliffe



France 2008, Courtesy LH Wilson