PROVENCE, FRANCE / BICYCLE TOUR
Montpellier to Montpellier.

Provence is rated as the premier bicycling destination in France; with its perfect weather, small quaint villages rich in history, magnificent ancient Roman ruins, vibrant outdoor markets, delicious food, fantastic wines and of course beautiful quiet rural roads for us to cycle on.

Getting There & Back

Our trip starts and finishes in the city of Montpellier, France. Airlines like Air France, Easy Jet, Iberia, etc. include Montpellier (MPL) in their destinations list and you’ll find departures from several European cities including Paris (CDG) and especially Orly (ORY). Numerous trains arrive from Paris to Montpellier. The airport is 7 km away from Montpelier downtown and the train station is conveniently located right in downtown.
The tour finishes June 6th after breakfast. Good air, rail and bus services are available for your return. We are not intimate with any airlines or travel agencies, best to check the web or with a travel agent for your logistics. Info at TGV and here.

The Riding

We’ll start in Langedoc-Roussillon/Vaucluse area and then we’ll enter the heart of Provence.
The majority of the riding will be on beautiful quiet, paved, back roads. There will be several route options including climbing famous Mount Ventoux if you feel like it. On every day’s ride you’ll find plenty of “boulangeries” and outdoor cafes along the way. We provide you with detailed maps and a route log. A mountain bike or cross bike with slicks is a good choice, although a road bike is a much better option. Note: People are expected to bike the distances; our support vehicle carries luggage from hotel to hotel, but it is not a shuttle van unless riders are injured or sick.
Bike rentals are available through a store in the area; we’ll help you make the necessary arrangements in case you don’t want to bring your own bike. First day of riding is Sunday May 27th; we rendezvous at our hotel the day before (May 26th).



Accommodations

Hotel rooms are booked on a double occupancy basis; if traveling solo, we’ll try to find you a same sex roommate, if this is not possible; because hotel pricing we’ll collect 50% of the single supplement fee on the final payment; if a roommate is found, we’ll refund you the supplement fee. Persons wishing a room to themselves may do so at their own expense. We will stay in quaint two and three star hotels. Hotel nights from May 26th through June 05th (11 nights) are covered in the package.
Private bathrooms will be the norm. Some rooms, by North American standards, are small.

Meals

All breakfast’s (continental style) and 1 dinner are included in the package. Cyclists are on their own for other meals. France, of course is famous for its fine dining. Generally restaurants open late for dinner (typically after 8:00pm). When possible, we’ll have snacks and beverages available by late afternoon to tie us over until restaurants open in the evenings. For those of you, whom have traveled with us in Spain, expect prices to be a little higher. Tap water is safe to drink in every town. Your bike should have the capacity to carry a minimum of 2 water bottles.

Climate

Daytime highs could reach up to 32C. and evening temperatures may drop to 15C. The region typically receives about 35mm of rain in May, and 20mm in June, though normal weather patterns are no longer as predictable as they once were. The area is noted for its Mistral winds; although mostly in the winter months. Provence averages 300 days of sunshine annually; our chances for dry and warm weather are pretty good. It is spring time and flowers will be out in abundance.

Cost

$1995 can. Add $475 can if you prefer single occupancy. We are not required to collect tax on this trip (tour is outside Canada).

$100 non-refundable deposit reserves a spot. Full payment is due 90 days before the tour start. (Feb 26th, 2012). Please make cheques payable to GABRIOLA ISLAND CYCLE & KAYAK. We do not accept credit cards. Thank you.

Cancellation fee 31-90 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 20% final payment.
Cancellation fee 1-30 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 40% final payment.

We Provide

• 11 hotel nights

• 10 breakfasts + 1 dinner

• Support vehicle

• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel

• Snacks

• Bike route maps

Not Included

• Airfare

• Airport pick up or drop off

• Bicycle

• Alcoholic beverages

• Incidentals during the trip.

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