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Introduction.. This holiday is
ideal for those who would like to explore the rural region
of the Drome provencal by bike
but without the thought of having to cover any great
distance or move each day. From
our very comfortable guesthouse in Valreas we set out each
day to explore the region.The rides are usually about 20 to
30kms long in the form of a loop usually, taking between 3 to 4 hours depending on the
gradients and the weather.They are in ascending order of
difficulty as the week progresses A minibus and trailer is used to
allow for a greater variety of rides.Lunches
are picnics taken either during the ride or back at the
Guesthouse by the pool.. We arrange visits
to olive mills , wine caves ,provencal markets , hill villages
and , as bad weather extras, visits to Orange and Avignon
.We also make sure that there is always
time to relax by the pool with a book and a cool drink ..or
even a siesta!!.
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Itinerary ( Saturday to Saturday).Please note that we
can help with accommodation if you wish to travel back later.
Day 1 Saturday. Please meet at our
guesthouse or gite in time for tea at 5pm. We do include transfers from
Marseille Airport or Avignon TGV Station in the cost .After
a welcoming drink there is plenty of time to settle in before
we sit down to a typical provencal evening meal with Mike
and Chantel your hosts.Wine is included with the evening
meals.Clients staying in our gite will
eat evening meals in local restaurants .
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2 Sunday.A delightful flat ride
from Vinsobres through vineyards on minor roads
and tracks and then via minor roads with some
ascents to the villages of Buisson and then Villedieu.There
we will stop for a break and a chance to explore the
village.We then stop for a picnic in the shade before
a lovely descent to the river valley . Minor roads
lead back to our start point. Time now for a relaxing
swim and cool drink before supper. Distance 20kms/ 4
hrs with stops. All the villages are very attractive
and with interesting histories to them.This is an ideal
starter day |
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 Vinsobres
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 Buisson |
| Day 3. Monday...Circuit
of the famous wine villages of Rasteau,Cairanne,Gigondas
and Seguret..Distance 30kms..4hrs.30 with stops. |
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| This is
a lovely ride passing through some of the famous vineyards
of the Cotes du Rhone region. From Vaison la Romaine
we circle through the gently undulating valley of the
River Ouveze before climbing to the base of the Dentelles
. There we spend some time in Gigondas, famous for its
wines, before taking a minor road to Seguret. Seguret
was originally a Roman site but is now a delightful
little provencal village A stroll up the cobbled street
and through the atmospheric lanes is a real treat
.Our picnic site will depend on how much time clients
would like to spend in the villages. However , after
Seguret, a fairly steep initial ascent on the road back
to Vaison helps with the digestion |
| Day 4
Tuesday. The circuit of the Papal
Enclave from Valreas via Richerenches of Knight templars
fame and passing through Visan with its medieval heart
and superb chapel. 33kms/
3 to 4 hrs with stops. . |
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View of the rolling
countryside near Visan
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Street scene in
Richerenches
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This circuit passes through splendid
rolling countryside of vineyards, lavender fields and
evergreen oak forests. There are few ascents, apart from the
ride out of Valreas, so it is a really pleasant leisuredly
ride to be fully enjoyed slowly. The first part of the ride
leads up onto the famous Vinsobres plateau with glorious
views towards Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles.A long sweeping
descent then leads down into wooded valleys before arriving
at Visan. Here we stop for a drink and a chance to explore
the village and its beautiful chapel.The ride then continues
through pleasant countryside with contrasting fields of
lavender, wheat, vineyards and truffle oak forest..
Richerenches is our next stop. The village is famous for its
winter truffle market but also because it was a major centre
for the Knights Templar. The old walled centre is well worth
a visit as is the information centre.We then carry on to
Grillon and finally back to Valreas. Later on we will
arrange a visit to a truffle farmer where he will explain
the secrets of this 'black diamond'.
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Mont Ventoux in
spring |
Day 5. Wednesday.The
Valley of Toulourenc and the hills of provence.33kms/4
hrs with stops. This is a
really spectacular ride leading us into the heart of the
hill country of Pagnol .The day starts with a
fairly steep climb up to the Pas du Ventoux on minor
roads from Mollans. Here we have great views up towards Mont Ventoux
and its summit at 1900m. Fortunately we do not plan an
ascent but instead take the dramatic sweeping descent
into the Toulourenc Valley. The river itself is hidden
initially in a series of gorges but , the green meadows
and woodland soon herald its appearance . A little
detour leads to an old Roman bridge and a great spot for
a dip in the river. After this break the ride returns to
the road and on down the valley to the climb up to
Brantes. .The village is perched on the side of the steep
valley with oustanding views across to Ventoux. In the
village there is a great cafe/tea shop which is too good
to miss out for lunch. The ride then lops back down through very
rough countryside but on good roads to eventually lead
back down to Mollans sur Oveze. This is such a spectacular trip that
we often spend the whole day admiring the scenery. |
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Brantes |
Day 6. Thursday..A much more leisuredly start
with a visit to the Provencal market in Nyons, a wander
around the old town and visits to the lavender distillery
and olive mill. Today is a day off
so no ride is planned, the afternoon being spent relaxing,
swimming or even taking a siesta. In the early evening
during the lavender season we will drive up onto the
Vinsobres plateau to admire the masses of lavender growing
there. best time to see this is in June and July by
the way. |
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Day 7. Friday..The
Dentelles circuit from Malaucene via the hamlets of
Suzette, Lafare and le Barroux 30kms /4hrs. This
is the most attractive ride of the week with stunning
views of the Dentelles cliffs and swooping
descents through woodland, mountain and vineyards .Our
last day starts in Malaucene the famous start point for
the ride up Mont Ventoux. Malaucene was the site of the
Pope's Summer palace in the 14th Century . Unfortunately
little is left of the palace but there is a superb
fortified church dating from the same period .The route
follows minor roads up via a long ascent to a col
with excellent views of the rocky spines of the
Dentelles. From here the ride descends through a
patchwork of fields and forest to the hamlet of Suzette
perched on a rocky shoulder..Another long fun descent
leads to Le Barroux where there is time for a visit to
the chateau. On our return is through a maze of tracks
and minor roads passing a massive Roman aqueduct en
route. Finally another descent leads back to Malaucene
and a cool drink in one of the tree shaded cafes . This
is a memorable day with excellent views and variety..a
fitting climax to the weeks' rides.
We lay on a special meal for the last
night with plenty of wine and , usually , laughter..plus
some nicely cushioned seats !!!!. |
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Day 8. Saturday Transfers to Avignon TGV Station
. Nimes Airport or Marseille Airport.
COST......E 900 inclusive of
all meals except 3 picnic lunches. Bike
hire included as are transfers from regional airports and
Avignon TGV Station..all by prior arrangement. PLEASE
NOTE..clients must have insurance that includes cycle
touring cover and cycle theft .
Special PRICE in our gite of E770..
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DATES for 2009..18 to 25 April 9 to 16 May 20 to 27 June 29 Aug to 5 Sept.
Other dates available for groups of
minimum 4 clients.Based on group of maximum 8. Equipment list
on request.
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