Divine Provence
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Divine Provence
"La Vie est Belle"- Pedaling the Roman Path
Highlights
- Stays in chateaux and charming manor houses
- Provencal culture & historic lecture with local experts
- Lear about the sites painted by Vincent Van Gogh whilst at the St. Remy Sanitarium
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon, the town of Aix en Provence and the villages of Saint Remy and Les Baux
- Enjoy the Provencale countryside by bike with the optional challenging climb of Mt Ventoux
- Introduction to the wines of Provence with a local producer
Description
What do you associate with Provence: quiet roads… vineyards… fields of lavender and sunflowers… rustic cuisine? Experience the landscapes and culture described in Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence” and discover the region’s Roman heritage on a sensory journey that will become one of your most treasured travel experiences!
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Price
May: $4,795
Jun - Oct: $4,895 -
Single Supplement
$900
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Ability Level
Athletic beginner
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Terrain
Flat and rolling
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Distance
Total Mileage: 251 Daily Average: 35 mi
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Departing
Aix en Provence
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Arriving
Avignon
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Dates
- June 10, 2012
- September 2, 2012
- September 15, 2012
- September 25, 2012
- October 10, 2012
Day 1: Avignon
The city of Avignon is a historical treasure. Experience its 2500 years of history on a warm-up ride throughout the area.
Day 2–4: Mazan, les Côtes du Ventoux, Mont Ventoux and Gorges de la Nesque
Day 2: Today's ride takes us along the beautiful grounds known as the Côtes du Ventoux, where exceptional wines grow with the impressive mountain as a backdrop. We pass through the wine mecca of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a marvelous hill town constructed in the medieval fashion.
Day 3: Before us stands the impressive Mt. Ventoux: 1912m of foreboding mountain, with its last 6 miles bearing an astonishing resemblance to the lunar landscape. Today's extra-loop takes you up to the top (by bike!), while the regular loopers enjoy time down in the valley with succulent reds from the iconic wine areas of Gigondas, Vacqueras and Beaumes de Venise to be sampled.
Day 4: If you haven’t heard of the Georges de la Nesque before today’s ride, you certainly won’t ever forget them after cycling through them. Breathtaking views, low traffic volume and smooth roads make this a mecca for cyclist across Europe.
Day 5–6: St. Remy & Les Baux de Provence
Day 5: Today we ride to St. Remy de Provence —Nostradamus’ and Van Gogh's inspirational town – passing by Fontaine de Vaucluse and Cavaillon, home of the Charentais melon
Day 6: Travel on quiet vineyard roads past cypress trees and fruit orchards with the background resembling a small version of the Alps. The picturesque, medieval village of Les Baux de Provence affords some of the best views of the region.
Day 7: Aix-en-Provence
In terms of distance this is the longest riding day of the tour. However, with great road surfaces, a generous prevailing wind and some long flowing descents this day flies by. We finish the ride in Aix-en-Provence, another Roman settlement that was later conquered by the Visigoths and then the Saracens.
Day 8: Au Revoir!
After breakfast we'll provide a group shuttle to the train station in Aix, where you can easily make connections. Whether you'd like to stay for an extra few days or head home, we are happy to assist you with travel plans.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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Vicki B., Madison, NJ had this to say about Provence:
I loved the pace and ease of taking all day to do the miles. The guides were fantastic about everything!
