As a gourmet cyclist, you'll love this tour! We'll take you through Drome and Provence (the land of lavender) to meet some colourful locals, in love with their culinary heritage, who keep the tradition of "bien manger et bien boire" alive and kicking!
This is a wonderful bicycle trip to be done at your own pace… with just the right number of hills to justify a gourmet dinner!
After your daily ride, a charming little hotel or a quaint bed & breakfast will welcome you. Your next duty is to sit down, relax and savor a wonderful dinner prepared with love, accompanied by a tasty local wine.
Tour Itinerary:
Saturday: Arrival in Chateaudouble
Arrive in Chateaudouble, a small village at the foot of the Vercors mountains. After settling down in your own Chambre d'hôtes (Bed and Breakfast)- a traditional farm in the countryside - you may want to take a walk at your leisure. At 8:00 pm, the owner of the farm will delight you with a memorable dinner prepared with her own produce. After dinner, our local expert will give you the necessary material and equipment and a thorough briefing to answer each and every question you may have.
Sunday: Chateaudouble - Grane (40 km or 24 miles)
From the foot of the Vercors, you'll cross the Valence region ("Valentinois") from North to South, all the way to the Drome river. It is a region authentic and rich in contrasts: plains, rolling hills, valleys, plateaus. Many stops are possible along the way for tasting… and shopping! Honey, cheese, liquors, breads, etc… are just a sample of the products you can purchase directly from local producers.
Monday: Grane - Charols (45 km or 28 miles)
You'll bike along the Drome river, then cross the city of Crest with its towering citadel. Here vineyards produce a sparkling white wine "Clairette de Dié." A unique wine that dates back to Gallic times! Further on, vineyards make way to cliffs and forests. The view is magnificent! After a long downhill through the Roubion valley, you'll reach Charols where you'll overnight.
Tuesday: Charols - St. Paul-les-Trois-Chateaux (40 km or 24 miles)
There is one last hill to climb before reaching the colorful "Drome Provencale!" If only you could capture the wonderful scents of lavender and truffles. On your way, you may choose to visit the monks of the "Monastère d'Aiguebelle" and taste one of their best Tricastin, a wine too often overlooked by reviewers! Overnight in an old building, once home to "Chevaliers de Girard de Mainsonforte!"
Wednesday: St. Paul-les-Troix-Chateaux - St. Paul-les-Trois-Chateaux (50 km or 31 miles)
You may choose to relax and skip this ride! If you opt for our loop, you will discover Grignan, a magnificent city built around its medieval castle. The view from Grignan over the surrounding countryside is inspiring, breathtaking and beautiful… In June and July, lavender fields make this area very special...
Thursday: St. Paul-les-Trois-Chateaux - Orange (40 km or 24 miles)
Today will be dedicated to discovering the wine-producing Côtes-du-Rhône area. Some of these wines are light and fruity and others are heavy and strong. Biking through this region is a real treat for the senses, especially sight, smell and taste! In no time, you'll be in Orange, known for its exceptional Roman theater--still in use every summer for performances. Take a stroll through the city and relax…. Taste the local specialties of Calissons d'Aix, Nougat de Montélimar and Berlingots de Carpentras, plus many more.
Friday: Orange - Avignon (40 km or 24 miles)
Heading South will take you to Chateauneuf-du-Pape-literally the "New Pope's Castle," where remains of the Castle still stand. For most of us, it's above all one of the most prestigious wines of the area. Soon, you'll be in Avignon, the city of art and culture, which is best discovered on foot. More culinary discoveries await: Pastis, Papalines or Gratelon are yours to taste. Today's mileage: 40 km (24 miles) on flat terrain.
Saturday: Departure from Avignon
If your schedule allows it, take advantage of your free time to discover "Les Halles," the big market of Avignon. Open every day except Monday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, this is where you'll find produce of all kinds, breads of all shapes, olives of all sizes and colors and a myriad of versions of honey, cheese and spices. Everything here is as varied as Provence itself! Depart Avignon at the time of your choice.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
2 options are available:
Option A: (2 nights in a 2-star properties, 2 nights in 3-star properties, 3 nights in guesthouses)
Option B: (1 night in a 2-star property, 2 nights in 3-star properties, 3 nights in guesthouses, 1 night in a 4-star property)
These prices include:
- 7-night accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- 2 dinners (drinks are included)
- Luggage transfers
- Detailed road book
- Meeting with our local representative on arrival day
- All tax and service charges
These prices do not include:
- Lunches
- Expenses of personal nature
- Travel Insurance
- Rental bikes. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 95 euros per person.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Food & Wine
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