Provence Cycling

Provence Cycling Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Orange, France. Regular rail connections from central Paris (Gare de Lyon) and from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orange are available (approximately 4 hours). Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore this attractive Provençal market town or just choose to relax at our hotel, located within walking distance of the train station. Sightseeing options include the magnificent 10,000-seat Roman theatre, the only such structure in the world still standing in its entirety, and the 2,000-year old Arc de Triomphe commemorating Julius Caesar’s victories over the Gauls. Hotel included. All meals on your own today.

• Day 2

  After breakfast, we meet our guides and have a brief orientation and bike fitting before setting out on our first day's ride. We cycle across the flat vineyards of the Côte du Rhône, through quaint villages like Aubignan and Mazan. As we make our way through the orchards and towards the hills we are treated to the beautiful Provencal countryside in all its seasonal glory. Our hotel this evening is a converted country house that offers splendid views of Mont Ventoux and the tiny villages that dot the landscape below. Dinner and overnight just outside the town of Bedoin. Breakfast and Dinner included.
  
  Cycling: 30 miles.

• Day 3

  We'll glide down to Bedoin this morning to visit the colorful and bustling local market. Any purchases can be stored in our support vehicle prior to continuing our ride through the charming villages of Mormoiron and Venasque. At 6,263', Mont Ventoux, named the "Giant of Provence", towers over the surrounding countryside and serious cyclists can opt to pedal their way to the summit where, on a clear day, both the Alps and the Pyrenees may be visible. Anyone attempting this ride must be an extremely fit and experienced cyclist prepared for a steep climb and fast, curvy and cold descent. The route to the top is occasionally part of the Tour de France and trip members choosing this option will gain a new found respect for cyclists who compete in this race! Options abound and those preferring to not climb this mountain and continue touring the countryside will be guided along a scenic route back to our hotel. Overnight again near Bedoin. Breakfast and, Dinner included.
  
  Cycling: 30 miles with Mont Ventoux option adding 10 challenging miles.

• Day 4

  From Bédoin, we pedal around the Dentelles de Montmirail, which are short, steep mountains with a distinctive rocky ridge named after the lace (dentelle) they are thought to resemble. Our ride links a succession of quaint villages, each more exquisite than the last, including Crillon le Brave, perched high on a hill overlooking Mont Ventoux, and Beaume de Venise, famous for its sweet Muscat wine. We'll explore the lovely medieval hamlet of Séguret – nestled along the side of a steep hill, its amazingly well-preserved streets and buildings justify its reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in France – before continuing on to Vaison la Romaine were we'll spend the next two nights. We have time late this afternoon for some souvenir shopping, exploring the impressive Roman ruins, laundry or perhaps just relaxing and appreciating our picturesque surroundings. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed at a local bistro. Breakfast, Dinner included.
  
  Cycling: 30 miles with 45 mile option available.

• Day 5

  Numerous route options are available today as we ride uphill out of a beautiful valley that slices into the wild north flank of Mont Ventoux. This sparsely inhabited area is nonetheless dotted with tiny villages perched on the surrounding hillsides. Leaving our hotel we'll follow narrow valleys lined with lime trees as we make our way up to the Col de Fontaube. Energetic cyclists can opt for a longer route this morning riding through Montbrun up to the plateau d'Albion. This afternoon we follow the emerald-colored waters of the Gorges de Toulourenc to return to our hotel in Vaison la Romaine. Tonight you are free to eat on your own or with your new friends in one of the many quaint café's in town. Breakfast included.
  
  Cycling: 35 miles with 50 mile option available

• Day 6

  A gorgeous ride awaits us as we head north into the Drome Provencal. We'll stop for a mid-morning café au lait and croissant in the Villedieu village square before cycling past Suze la Rousse with its medieval castle turned into a wine university. Our destination today is the village of Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux. After our ride, we can explore the village or enjoy a cold pastis in the quiet town square before gathering for a delicious candlelit Mediterranean dinner at a delightful outdoor restaurant. Breakfast and Dinner included.
  
  Cycling: 30 miles with 40 mile option available.

• Day 7

  An exhilarating morning ride takes us to the aristocratic village of Grignan, surmounted by its imposing 16th-century chateau. We'll take a tour of the chateau, located on a rocky hillock overlooking the tiled roofs and sunny plazas of the village below and considered the most important such structure in southern France. Built in 1548 by the Governor of Provence, the Chateau de Sevigne displays fine examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture while the interior furnishings (including priceless Aubusson 17th-century tapestries) stir our imagination and evoke images from an era long past. Our afternoon ride takes us through the timeless beauty of the Provencal countryside and our last evening together is spent at a rustic Auberge enjoying each other's company and toasting a wonderful week of cycling in Provence. Breakfast and Dinner included.
  
  Cycling: 25 miles with 35 mile option available.

• Day 8

  After breakfast and a final farewell to new found friends, we transfer to Montelimar for rail connections back to Paris or other European destinations. Please do not schedule a departure from Montelimar prior to 9:30 a.m. today. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Hotel accommodations; bicycles; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; wine-tasting; expert guide/leadership; vehicle support and luggage transportation.

Air transportation to France; rail transportation within France; 6 lunches, 2 dinners; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (other than at designated wine tastings); guide gratuities; laundry fees and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and enjoys cycling. Many of the rides are over rolling terrain with some uphill stretches and longer climbs but our support vehicle will be nearby to pick up any cyclists wanting to take a short break. We do recommend that all participants undertake a conditioning regimen beginning at least 3 months prior to departure to ensure you feel comfortable cycling for 30-35 miles per day. Those individuals considering taking advantage of longer cycle options should increase their pre-departure conditioning accordingly.

We have scheduled our departures to avoid the mid-summer heat and crowds while still traveling during periods that typically offer abundant sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Weather in Provence is generally warm and sunny in May and September with daytime temperatures ranging from 60-80° F and a small chance of rain. June temperatures will be warmer, with daytime temperatures creeping closer to 85° F. As our October departure falls in the beginning of the month, we expect conditions to still be optimal for this type of adventure—participants should, however, prepare for slightly cooler weather and shorter days. Although all-day rainstorms are unusual, showers are a possibility at any time of the year making adequate raingear a necessity for this adventure.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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