EUROPEAN CYCLING HOLIDAYS 2016

Transcription

1 EUROPEAN CYCLING HOLIDAYS 2016 FRANCE GUIDED & SUPPORTED SMALL GROUP CYCLING TOURS Loire, Provence, Dordogne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Languedoc, Normandy, Brittany, Alsace & the Pyrenees 7-days / 6-nights inn-to-inn cycling in the most popular cycling regions in France Cycling in rural France has been a passion of ours for many years. We appreciate the importance of a wellchosen route away from the maddening crowds and busy roads. We appreciate the value of knowledgeable and experienced guides, of well-maintained bikes suitable for the terrain and of a support vehicle or sag wagon for the days (or hills) when you need it. We appreciate the company of a small group of like-minded cyclists who share an interest not just in lots of fast kilometres although the cycling is important but in the scenery, the culture, the history and the wine and cuisine of some of the most spectacular cycling regions in Europe. Our 7-day small group cycling program ticks all the boxes: stunning scenery, quiet roads and a French culture that embraces the bicycle as a fundamental part of its character and therefore welcomes cyclists with respect and enthusiasm. Yes, there are hills to climb but your efforts will be well rewarded by spectacular views and exhilarating downhill sections. We offer a selection of carefully planned routes through some of the most beautiful parts of France, travelling on minor roads and, where available, on designated cycle paths. A guide is with you on the road and detailed route maps are provided. All baggage is carried from hotel to hotel, leaving you free to enjoy each day. Food is important to these tours and each evening the restaurants we choose will highlight the region s cuisine. Cycling each day, you will build-up a terrific appetite so you can indulge knowing you ve earned every morsel. Our tours are recommended for anyone who is reasonably fit. They are ideal for more experienced cyclists, as our guides will be happy to accompany you on additional rides for those wishing to do a few more kilometres. For partners and those less interested in hills and major climbs we have easy graded routes in places such as the Loire Valley. For those interested in emulating the greats in cycling we offer tours specifically to attack some of France s classic cols. All in all if it s cycling in France you are after we have something for everyone. Prices: See last page for all dates and prices Departs: Selected Sundays from May - October 2016 Tours Include: 6-nights in carefully selected 3-star hotels and typical B&B s (all with private bathrooms), breakfast and dinner daily, route notes, sightseeing, luggage transfers, cycle tour guide, quality multi-geared bicycle hire, support vehicles Distances: Moderate cycling - 40 to 60 kilometres on gently rolling to rolling terrain. Extra rides (extensions and loop rides) may be available. Inexperienced or beginner cyclists and week-ender cyclists not used to multi-day rides with some hills are advised to specifically prepare in order to enjoy these holidays on bike talk to our staff for suggestions. Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on for details or reservations

2 Here is a summary of some tours and suggested itineraries these are suggested itineraries as weather conditions, group interests and the tour guide will influence the final route taken each day: Loire Valley Easily accessible from Paris, the Valley of the Loire offers gentle rolling countryside, a rural landscape and the castles or châteaux, some of the finest in all France. Along the banks of the river, and its tributaries the Cher and the Indre, are medieval fortresses such as Amboise and Angers, renaissance masterpieces at Chenonceau and Chambord and the directoire folly of Ussé. You will also find Leonardo da Vinci s final resting place and studios at Clos Lucé near Amboise, 'troglodyte' houses carved out of the soft 'tufa' rock along the banks of the Loire and the fabulous gardens of Villandry. The Loire region offers many fine wine domains: sparkling Saumur, reds from Bourgueil and Chinon, Anjou rosés and Touraine whites. The cuisine of the region includes speciality cheeses (such as the distinctive Ste-Maure goat cheese), mushrooms (again grown in caves and wine cellars) and river fish like salmon, pike and zander. Our routes take in all of the major châteaux and Leonardo da Vinci's home with its codex prints and models of his inventions such as a tank and a helicopter in a lovely garden setting. We offer gentle cycling following riverbanks and meandering across country along quiet tree lined roads. Day 1: Arrive Tours or Azay-le-Rideau Transfers are from Tours Airport and Tours TGV Station (Saint-Pierre-des-Corps). We arrive at our château hotel in the village of Azay-le-Rideau, with its Renaissance château, one of the most beautiful in France. The château is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Indre, and this stunning setting is perfect for lazing on the lawns, and maybe taking in the son et lumière sound and laser show later in the evening. At the hotel we have a look at the bikes and make sure everyone is perfectly fitted to their bicycle. There will be an optional afternoon excursion to the troglodyte village at Les Goupillières, where the peasants who excavated the limestone for the châteaux once lived. Only abandoned as recently as 100 years ago, the hamlet is a fascinating contrast to the splendour of the châteaux. There should be time before dinner to relax in the hotel gardens before meeting our fellow riders, and look forward to the pleasures of the road ahead over the first of many wonderful meals. Day 2: Azay-le-Rideau to Tours Cycling 52km Our first day in the saddle takes us along the Indre, Loire and Cher rivers into Tours. On the way, we take in three of the region s celebrated châteaux. Cycling downstream along the Indre, we arrive at the Château d'ussé, also known as the 'Sleeping Beauty' castle, as it was the inspiration for Pérrault's fairy tale. After a coffee here we join the Loire, following the river upstream on a raised embankment for the next few miles, then we cross the Loire to visit Langeais with its imposing château. After lunch we follow the Cher to the Château de Villandry to see its fabulous ornamental gardens, differently themed each year, and laid out with geometric precision in fruit, herbs and vegetables. It is hard to imagine that peppers, leeks and aubergines could put on such a beautiful display. From here it is a short riverside ride to our château-hotel on the outskirts of Tours. Day 3: Tours to Amboise Cycling 52km This morning takes us along the Cher into Tours, and then out into the Touraine countryside, to the village of Cormery with its Abbey founded in 791, and home to an excellent restaurant for a lunch stop. Back on the road, we pass through the village of Azay-sur-Cher before entering the Amboise forest, continuing along one of the

3 arrow-straight forest drives created for the royal hunting parties. The drive ends at the Pagode de Chanteloupe, a remarkable 18th Century folly measuring 44m which can be climbed for stunning panoramas over the Loire Valley. A short descent takes us into Amboise, where our hotel for the next two nights, a 15th Century manor house, awaits. Amboise itself clusters around a stunning medieval château overlooking the river and our hotel is just around the corner in the old town. Day 4: Amboise Cycling 34km or 59km with Montpoupon loop We stay in Amboise this evening, so we take a loop ride out to visit perhaps the most beautiful château in the Loire Valley. We climb into the Amboise forest before descending into the valley of the Cher to arrive at Chenonceaux. One of the highlights of the tour, the stunning Château de Chenonceau (it loses the final x of the village for some reason!) was given by Henri II of France to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. With its graceful arches spanning the river Cher, it is the most visited château of the Loire, and it is truly unforgettable. After lunch we can return to Amboise for the afternoon or take a longer loop ride to visit the elegant Château de Montpoupon. The castle is home to one of France s foremost hunts and the grounds house a museum of hunting, and the kitchens and stables give an insight into daily life of the gentry and servants in the 18th Century. Day 5: Amboise to Cours-Cheverney Cycling 52km Leaving Amboise, we stop off to visit Clos-Lucé, the home of Leonardo da Vinci. As well as drawings and designs, this fascinating museum includes several life-size reconstructions of what these sketches would be like had they been made. Leaving Clos-Lucé we head across the rich and fertile heartlands of the Jardin de France to the Château de Chaumont. On the death of Henri II, Diane de Poitiers was forced by his widow to take this château in exchange for her beloved Chenonceau see who you think got the best deal! Chaumont is also host every summer to an internationally renowned Garden Festival where areas of the grounds are laid out in different themes the inventiveness knows no bounds. After lunch, we come to our château hotel near the village of Cours-Cheverney. The wonderful hotel has extensive grounds for a pre-dinner stroll or perhaps you prefer to visit a local winery for a dégustation. Day 6: Cours-Cheverney Cycling 53km We visit two châteaux today; the first, Cheverney, has truly impressive interiors with period furniture, tapestries and paintings all intact. A feature of the château is the pack of hunting dogs still kept there - a highlight of the visit is watching the feeding of the hounds. For fans of the Tintin children s adventure books Cheverney was the inspiration for Captain Haddock's castle, and a museum there is dedicated to the characters. The second château is also the largest and possibly the most impressive Chambord. Taking 15 years to build in the 16th Century, it is surrounded by a vast hunting park alive with wildlife. The interior is just as impressive, dominated by the 'double helix' staircase on which two people can ascend and descend at the same time, yet never meet. Most of the day is spent on the well maintained forest trails of the royal hunting parks. We return via the trails to our château hotel for a memorable final dinner. Day 7: Tour ends in Tours After breakfast a chance for some last minute shopping or to relax before a transfer back to Tours. Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on for details or reservations

4 Cycling in Provence the South of France One of our most popular regions of France for cycling with a mild year-round climate situated between the Côte d Azur and the Rhone River delta and stretching inland to the foothills of the Alps in the east and to the plateau of the Ardèche in the west. The area derives its name from the Roman Provincia Gallia and everywhere there is the evidence of the region s Roman past, with some of the best-preserved examples of Roman building anywhere. Renowned for its olive trees, fields of lavender and sunflowers, and of course the Mediterranean sunshine, the landscape is wonderfully varied, from the rugged hinterland with terraced vineyards, to the mini-mountain range of the Alpilles near Arles, to the flat marshes of the Camargue where the Rhone flows to the sea. The unique quality of the light in Provence has attracted artists for the last two centuries, notably Van Gogh and Gauguin who lived in Arles, and Cézanne who immortalised the area with his many studies of Mont Ste-Victoire. The cuisine of the region is as distinctive as the light, with emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, seafood and the herbs de Provence rosemary, thyme, lavender which grow wild on the hillsides. There are wines here too; pink rosé from Bandol and Mont Ventoux, and reds from Nîmes in the west, but above all, grands crus like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas in the Rhone Valley above Avignon. Because of the variety available we have two exciting tours in Provence: Roman Provence Heritage tour: Discover hidden treasures in Arles, Orange, Nîmes, Uzès, at the Pont du Gard and in Avignon, and taste world-renowned wines in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The landscapes will shift from the green fruit-growing pastures of the Rhone valley to the dry garrigue of the inland hills to the pan-flat expanses of marshland that make up the Camargue National Park with its pink flamingos, black fighting bulls and wild grey horses. Day 1 Arrive Arles or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Meet at Avignon train station (either Avignon TGV or Centre-Ville), any of the hotels in Avignon, or from other nearby locations (eg Nîmes airport) by arrangement. The first hotel is near the market town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where bikes are provided and fitted / adjusted to your individual requirements. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or take a short trip into the village, which is famous for its antiques and bric-a-brac market and stores. Early arrivals may wish to ride to the Fontaine de Vaucluse to see the resurgent spring of the river Sorgue. In the evening, after a briefing on the week s ride, we sit down to the first of many gourmet meals, washed down with one of the excellent wines from the slopes of Mont Ventoux, whose imposing profile dominates the region. Day 2 Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Orange Cycling 49km A relaxed start to the week as we ride along narrow country roads in the shadow of Mont Ventoux towards Orange. We stop for coffee in the village of Bedarrides alongside the River Sorgues, then on to the highlight for wine-lovers - a tasting at a vineyard of the celebrated Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe. After picnicking amongst the vines, it's a short hop to Orange for our overnight stop. Here we will see some superb examples of triumphal Roman architecture, including the Theatre Antique, built around 10AD. The theatre, which is still used for concerts, is wonderfully preserved and seats over 10,000. A fascinating audio-visual tour is included in the trip. Our hotel is in the heart of the pedestrianised centre of the town, so there is plenty of opportunity for exploring before dinner - or you can take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool! Day 3 Orange to Arpaillargues Cycling 50km Today we set out across the flatlands of the Rhone River, which we cross at Coustellet. We are now entering the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône Villages, where every hamlet has its own take on how wine should be made. Our route brings us to the bustling town of Bagnols-sur-Cèze, where the town hall houses early Picassos and works by Monet, Renoir and Gauguin in its low-key art gallery. Back on the bikes, we trace our way through a landscape of vineyards and cherry trees, then, after climbing a low ridge (with a fantastic picnic spot!), descend to St-Quentin-la-Poterie, which as the name suggests is a historic centre for ceramics, with artisan workshops selling their beautiful work direct to the public. Our final stretch of the day takes us west of the magnificent medieval city of Uzès, to the village of Arpaillargues and the outstanding Château d Arpaillargues, now a beautiful hotel where we stay for two nights. We should arrive in time to relax in the garden or swim in the large pool. Day 4 Arpaillargues Cycling 32km (plus canoe trip to Pont du Gard 10km) Boasting a beautiful cathedral with its Tour Fenestrelle or windowed tower, and the Château of the Duchy of Uzès, the town of Uzès has a wealth of medieval sites to visit, as well as plenty of boutiques to satisfy any shopping urges! We cycle up the short hill into town first thing in order to make the most of the produce market (a

5 great source for the makings of a picnic lunch!), before rolling downhill out of town to the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct built by the Romans as part of a system to carry water from Uzès to Nîmes. It is an awe-inspiring feat of engineering, and its harmony with its setting over the River Gard is remarkable. Rather than cycling the whole way to the bridge, we complete the final part of the journey by canoe, taking in the splendour of the Gard gorges and the Pont itself from the water. We have lunch within sight of the bridge, before making our along back roads to Uzès through the garrigue, the rugged, beautiful country of the départment of Gard, taking in the scent of wild thyme and basil, and maybe spotting a wild boar in the undergrowth or a red kite wheeling overhead. Day 5 Arpaillargues to Arles Cycling 56km Heading south from Arpaillargues and skirting the city of Nîmes, there is more dramatic, rugged scenery before we sweep out into the plains which reach to the Camargue and the Mediterranean. On the way we cross the Pont du Gard, this time on two wheels. From here it is easy cycling through a series of villages, each with a church showing the wrought ironwork belfries so characteristic of the area. A picnic lunch is followed by a wine tasting at the Château Morgues du Grès, a prestigious winery of the Costières de Nîmes appellation. After lunch, we ride through the northern fringes of the Camargue, through paddies growing the red rice of the region, and fields of the black bulls which are bred for the bullrings of Arles and Nîmes. We then cross the Rhone to our hotel in the heart of ancient Arles. We arrive early in the afternoon, so there should be plenty of time before dinner to have a look around the immaculately-preserved Roman Amphitheatre, nearby Roman Theatre, or for a short walk to the Alyscamps Roman cemetery, the 15th Century St-Trophîme Cathedral or the Van Gogh museum. Day 6 Arles to L Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Cycling 58km Our last day of riding takes us east towards the Alpilles massif. Although there are no high peaks, the jagged ridge gives the impression of being higher than it is. Riding out of Arles along tiny back roads - where meeting a car is an event in itself - we tackle a short stiff climb to the hilltop village of Les Baux. The bottom-gear effort is richly rewarded by the sublime views and the town itself, which is dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop. From Les Baux, we go over the massif known as the Val d Enfer (Valley of Hell, although it honestly isn t that tough a ride!), stopping at the stunning Carrière de Lumière, a sound and light show in a converted quarry which has to be seen to be believed. Then it is on via a gloriously twisty descent to the pretty little town of St-Rémy-deProvence for lunch. St Rémy, the birthplace of Nostradamus, is also celebrated as the subject for many of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings. After lunch, we can stroll round the Roman arch and monuments known as les Antiques, or visit the hospital of St-Paul-de-la-Mauseole, the sanatorium where Van Gogh committed himself after his argument with his best friend Paul Gauguin. Our final stretch of riding takes flat, quiet lanes through orchards and melon fields, with a choice of a final hill or a flatter option before a short hop back to the Mas de Cure Bourse outside L Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for our final night s celebration dinner. Day 7 Tour ends after breakfast After breakfast time to visit the village Saturday morning market before the transfer back to Avignon. Villages of the Luberon: The Provence made famous in Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence, with lavender farms and olive groves, charming villages with bustling markets overlooked by apricot-coloured houses with pastel blue shutters. Ménerbes, Gordes, Roussillon with its ochre cliffs, Vaison-la-Romaine dominated by the Roman bridge will entrance you, as will the wineries of Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise. The terrain here can be challenging

6 for cyclists because of the topography, although none of the hills are too daunting, and anybody of reasonable fitness will be able to manage the routes comfortably. Day 1 Arrive Avignon or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Meet at Avignon train station (Avignon TGV or Centre-Ville), any of the hotels in Avignon, or from other nearby locations (eg Nîmes airport) by arrangement. We arrive at our hotel near the market town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where bikes are fitted and adjusted to your individual requirements. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or take a short trip into the village, which is famous for its antiques and bric-a-brac market and stores. Early arrivals may wish to ride to the Fontaine de Vaucluse to see the famous resurgent spring of the river Sorgue. In the evening, after a briefing on the week s ride, enjoy the first of many gourmet meals, washed down with one of the excellent wines from the slopes of Mont Ventoux, whose imposing profile dominates the region. Day 2 Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Gordes Cycling 40km / 57km optional (hilly) Today we are heading into the heartland of Provence - the Luberon - and the picturesque villages depicted in Peter Mayle's 'A Year in Provence'. The first, and most westerly of the Luberon's villages, is Oppede-le-Vieux, followed by Ménerbes, both perched atop small climbs, with the corresponding downhill reward afterwards. We will take a leisurely route through these villages, maybe stopping for a coffee or a pastis. For lunch we will visit perhaps the most photogenic of the Luberon villages, Gordes, perched on a hilltop and overlooked by its 16th Century Château. We will be staying an easy roll downhill from Gordes tonight, so the afternoon can be spent in the village itself, or by the pool at the hotel. There are also optional excursions to the Abbaye de Senanque - a perfect example of Romanesque architecture dating from the 12th Century, set in a valley amongst picture book fields of lavender or the nearby Village des Bories a fascinating hamlet of traditional Provençal dry-stone dwellings. Day 3 Gordes to Lourmarin Cycling 49km (hilly) Heading north from Gordes, we swing east and south to arrive at Roussillon, perching above the ochre cliffs. Roussillon was one of the major producers of ochre for paints and pigments, and boasted 17 different colours. A sign-posted trail leads to the quarries where the shades of red, orange, yellow and purple rock contrast startlingly with the deep blue Provençal sky. From Roussillon, we cycle over the Pont St Julien, a Roman bridge, before crossing the plain on a lovely cycle path and climbing again into Lacoste, where the ruined château of the Marquis de Sade looms over the village, and Bonnieux, with a few options for lunch and superb views over the various villages. One more climb all the way out of Bonnieux takes us over the top of the Combe de Bonnieux and down a picturesque road into Lourmarin for the night. Home to Albert Camus, and renowned as one of the most charming Luberon villages, Lourmarin has a well preserved historic centre of narrow lanes to explore and the château, known as the Villa Medici de Provence, houses an art gallery. Day 4 Lourmarin Cycling 58km This evening we stay in Lourmarin, so the ride is a loop into the heart of the Luberon. Visiting ancient villages such as Ansouis with its medieval château, Tour d'aigues clustered around its ruined fortress, and the charming market town of Pertuis with its walled old quarter, the route travels backroads so quiet you might think you were transported back to the days before the motor car. In the afternoon we will detour to the Château Val Joanis to taste their superb wines of the Luberon appellation, and to visit the lovely ornamental gardens, before heading back to Lourmarin for another delicious dinner. Day 5 Lourmarin to Sault Cycling 58km There is a gentle climb from the start today, going back up the road on which we came into Lourmarin. A short downhill followed by another easy climb takes us through a couple of hamlets before descending into the market town of Apt, where a coffee stop and a sampling of the town s famous crystallised fruits should provide the energy for a very steep but short rise out of town. After a flatter ride past vines and olive trees, we reach StSaturnin for lunch, and climb past spectacular gorges and the ancient Château de Javon, before emerging into the lavender fields and sheep pastures of the Plateau d'albion, with immense views of Mont Ventoux dominating the horizon. A long, spectacular descent takes us to the bottom of Sault before riding up through the town to the hotel. Sault is a local centre for wild products - wood mushrooms, pheasant, wild boar and other game and one or more are likely to feature on the menu tonight as a reward for the hard work. Before that, a dip in the hotel pool or spa will help to ease any aching limbs! Day 6 Sault to Crestet Cycling distance: 62km (Gorges de la Nesque) / 55km (over Mont Ventoux) Our final day in the saddle can be an easy day, or a tough one! The easy option is to descend along the southern flank of Mont Ventoux, nearly 50 kilometres of freewheeling and flat pedalling, into Bedoin. Our route takes us down the spectacular Gorges de La Nesque where a heart-stopping panorama is around every turn. After coffee

7 in Bedoin, a climb over the Col de la Madeleine (a modest affair compared to the monster of the same name in the Alps!) brings us into Malaucène, and from here it is a few flat kilometres to the hotel. For those who would like a bit more exercise, and to take a home little piece of cycling legend, we can climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux. At over 1,900 metres this is not for the faint-hearted, but the approach from Sault (which is already at 750m) is very steady until reaching Chalet Reynard at the tree line. The final approach to the summit, which is devoid of vegetation, is tough, but the effort is more than worth it as you are rewarded with one of the most exceptional panoramas in Europe. You will have conquered 'the Giant of Provence'! The exhilarating descent is another reward as you reach improbable speeds on smooth roads that are resurfaced every time the Tour de France comes to the mountain. After lunch quiet flat roads pass through peaceful villages on the short ride to Crestet, where we stay at a converted farmhouse hotel perhaps with a swim in the pool before a farewell dinner. Day 7 Tour ends after breakfast in Crestet After breakfast visit the Vaison Saturday morning market before the transfer to depart on your onward journey. Rocamadour, the Dordogne and the River Lot A fabulous region in southwest central France with wonderful views with stunning landscapes of rivers and cliffs, hills and fields of sunflowers, with fascinating villages steeped in history and with some of the most interesting cycling in France. Known to the French as the Périgord, the area is famous for the Hundred Years War between England and France resulting in the building of many castles and bastides or fortified villages. The village of Rocamadour was an important waypoint for pilgrims making the long journey to Santiago de Compostela and there are many fine medieval churches along the route of our tour. The caves of Lascaux are home to some of the finest examples of pre-historic art and the whole region is dotted with caves, underground rivers and ancient settlements.

8 The Dordogne is also blessed with a cuisine that has become synonymous with typical French cooking. The famous duck and goose dishes, including the celebrated fois gras, truffles and cheeses are much sought after. The wine appellations include from the light and fruity Bergerac and Pecharmont in the north to the dark and powerful Cahors in the south. The countryside on this route is fairly rugged, and there are some hills to tackle, but the route has been designed to ensure that each day s riding will be manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, and the support vehicle is never far away. Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Souillac or Meyronne Meet at the railway station in Souillac or at our hotel in the village of Meyronne which overlooks the River Dordogne. Here we make sure everybody is fitted with their bikes; a warm-up ride will take us to the village of Martel, with buildings dating from the 13th Century, and seven towers giving the medieval village a distinctive skyline. Afterwards we head back downhill to the hotel where a quick swim in the pool before dinner might be enticing. Dinner is at the hotel where we will look forward to the week ahead. Day 2: Meyronne to Rocamadour Cycling 54km After following the river to the fabulous village of Carrenac, a UNESCO listed site, we leave the valley of the Dordogne and turn east onto the uplands of the Causse de Gramat, a sparsely populated limestone plateau where the only sounds are the chirruping of the cicadas and the ringing of sheep bells the landscape a sharp contrast to the lush greens of the river valleys. Our first stop is Autoire, another contender for the 'most beautiful villages of France' award. This perfect lunch spot also benefits from a spectacular 35 metre waterfall. Continuing, we reach the Gouffre de Padirac, a 75 metre chasm leading to a river flowing 103 metres underground. The underground journey is taken by boat and on foot. After filling our water bottles, the last leg of today's ride brings us to Rocamadour. This spectacular village on the River Alzou has been a place of pilgrimage since the 10th Century, and above the town in the hillside is the Cité Réligeuse, where there are seven chapels. Day 3: Rocamadour to Sarlat Cycling 52km Heading downhill back to the River Dordogne, we reach it at Souillac, where we can visit the Romanesque Abbey-Church. The remarkable carvings on the tympanum of the ruined church are well worth a closer look. A few kilometres after Souillac we reach Montfort where a tight loop or cingle in the river creates a stunning vista, with the Château de Montfort resplendent above the river. A couple of kilometres brings us to Vitrac, where we can swap pedals for paddles to drift past châteaux on an optional canoe excursion. We ll transfer the bikes and you will be collected downstream and transferred to our hotel in Sarlat-le-Canéda. One of the best-preserved medieval centres in France, the golden limestone used for the buildings gives the town a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Day 4: Sarlat Cycling distance: 42km We stay in Sarlat tonight; this gives us plenty of time to visit the splendid weekly market in the morning, with an astounding selection of local produce, beautifully presented, and then to head off for sightseeing. Our route takes us to the medieval fortress at Beynac and then the stunning topiary of the Gardens of Marqueyssac, rounding the day off by passing along the north bank of the Dordogne through stunning riverside village of Roque Gageac on the way back to Sarlat. Tonight we dine in the heart of the medieval town. Day 5: Sarlat to Saint-Cyprien Cycling 48km A busy day, crossing the Dordogne, we stay on the south side of the river, climbing to visit the bastide town of Domme. The hill-top bastides were built during the Hundred Years War as fortified strongholds, built in a grid pattern around a central square. Many of them changed hands several times from English to French control and back again. Rewarded by a superb descent, then following tiny roads with a panorama at every turn we come to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle with its 12th Century castle, held by the English in the Hundred Years War. From its battlements you can gaze across the river to the Château de Beynac, its French-held counterpart, standing on a cliff overlooking the village the castle is protected by the 150 metre sheer drop to the river below. In the afternoon we cross back to the north, following the river banks to the pretty village of Saint-Cyprien, then make our way to our hotel, a stunning converted farmstead with beautiful grounds and stupendous views; take a stroll in the countryside discovering walnut and fig trees, or just relax by the pool with a cold beer! Dinner is a home-cooked treat really something special! Day 6: Saint-Cyprien to Coly Cycling 47km Our final day in the saddle takes into the heart of prehistoric Périgord. The road leads downhill to the village of Les Eyzies where there is a wealth of prehistoric attractions includes the national Prehistory museums. The next

9 stop on our journey is the Roque St-Christophe, a fascinating site of dwellings carved from the cliff face dating back to Roman times and beyond. After lunch we follow the River Vézère as it meanders upstream from its confluence with the Dordogne, passing the beautiful Château de Losse, to arrive at one of the highlights of the trip, the celebrated caves of Lascaux II, where cave art representing the prehistoric civilisation of 15,000-20,000 years ago is hauntingly displayed. Afterwards we head back downhill to the village of Montignac for a coffee stop, before the last leg of our journey to the beautiful hotel in the hamlet of Coly. Day 7: Tour ends after breakfast in Coly or Brive. Tour ends today with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and a transfer if required to Brive-la-Gaillarde. The Wine Regions of Bordeaux Bordeaux and the lower reaches of the River Garonne and the Dordogne River are world renowned as fertile areas ideal for growing wines. But there is so much more to see and enjoy in this area as the rivers are broad, meandering and majestic, there are fields of fruit, nuts and sunflowers and thick forests and pine plantations. The region is alive with history. Prehistoric cave paintings can be seen at several grottoes along the river valley. The Romans arrived in the 3rd Century BC and vestiges of that period are scattered across the region. In the 12th Century the English King Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine and gained the Bordeaux region for the English crown. This control lasted for three hundred years, from 1154 to 1453 and the English love of red wine (or claret) helped the region gain its worldwide reputation. Today Saint Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac in the Libournais to the east, Graves and Sauternes in the EntreDeux-Mers region to the southeast, and Pauillac, St-Julien and Margaux in the Medoc peninsula to the northwest are the most famous appellations in France. They include wines such as Châteaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Mouton-Rothschild, Margaux, Yquem, Cheval-Blanc and Pétrus. Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive Bordeaux Airport or Libourne Transfers can be arranged from Bordeaux Airport or Libourne train station to the hotel in the heart of the bustling market town of Libourne, a short stroll from the old quarter. Libourne is on the edge of some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world. After making sure everybody is happy with their bicycles, we will take a short excursion into the vineyards of Pomerol. The best Pomerols stand in comparison with the best that St-Émilion has to offer. The most exclusive red wine in the world, the legendary Château Pétrus, comes from Pomerol. We visit one of the more prestigious domains for a tasting. There should be time for a stroll into the town and maybe a late afternoon swim in the hotel pool before freshening up for the first of many memorable dinners. Day 2: Libourne to Sanse Cycling 46km Heading east, our route takes us through the Montagne wine district, passing through typical wine villages, until we descend off the plateau towards the river Dordogne. If time allows we will visit a local winemaker who will explain the grape growing process. We arrive in Moncaret, where a super crisp white wine is produced. As a diversion from all the grapes, we visit the ruins of a Roman villa which overlooks the village; the excavations have uncovered some fascinating details about daily Roman life in the provinces of Gaul. The rest of the day s ride follows the Dordogne until we arrive at our château-hotel. Take time for a swim in the heated pool, or relax on the terrace overlooking a verdant valley with a cold beer or a glass of the local appellation, before an al fresco dinner of gourmet food.

10 Day 3: Sanse Cycling 50km Tuesday is a circular day, so we will be returning to our hotel this evening. Our route takes us to the bastide of Pellegrue; although the fortifications are now gone, the central square with its covered market remains, and is a great stop for a coffee break. We are now getting to the edge of the wine making region, and the vines start to be replaced by the source of another delicacy - plum trees! Prunes, in particular the succulent, often armagnacsoaked varieties known as pruneaux d'agen, are a speciality of the region, and find their way into chocolates and other delicious treats. We stop at a producer for a taste. Next on the route, and a great place for lunch, is the market town of Duras standing on a hill topped by its medieval fortress. On the ride back to our hotel we pop in to an organic wine producer in the Bordeaux SainteFoy appellation to get an idea of the work that goes on in the vineyard, and of course to try the results! Day 4: Sanse to St Vincent Cycling 46km A relaxing day through the vines starting with an easy ride along the banks of the Dordogne. We cross the river at Castillon-la-Bataille, scene of the final defeat of the English in the Hundred Years War. We are now entering the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, as we arrive in the Libournais. A gentle climb through the Côtes-deCastillon vineyards sees us into the ancient ramparts of St-Émilion. In addition to its fabulous wines, St-Émilion is one of the prettiest towns in South-West France. Within the ancient walls the 13th Century Château du Roi and the Eglise Monolithe, a church dating from the 8th Century which is carved from a single block of rock. We lunch in St-Émilion and, time permitting; there are options for tastings or a wine appreciation course. The famous wines of the surrounding vineyards include Château Cheval Blanc and Château Ausone, the best vintages of which are legendary, with suitably stratospheric prices. We visit a vineyard before returning to our hotel in St-Vincent with time to relax by the pool or stroll into the village before a very special dinner at a local restaurant. Day 5: St Vincent to Sauternes Cycling 52km Today we are in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region although literally translated the name means between two seas the seas in question are in fact the rivers Dordogne and Garonne. The first part of today s ride is almost wholly on the Roger La Pebie Cycleway, which is a converted railway track. Our first stop is the Abbaye de Sauve-Majeure. Founded in 1079 it quickly became one of the greatest abbeys in the South-West of France. Thanks to its spiritual influence, the abbey was soon regarded as a major stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James). It is now classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next to the Abbey is the Maison des Vins des Entre-Deux-Mers, a visitors centre showcasing the white wines of the region. Different varietals of grapes are explained, and we taste a selection of wines to discover how terroir (the local soils and microclimates) can produce very different wines. After lunch we cross the river Garonne heading south into the Sauternes wine area. After a tasting at a vineyard specialising in this most highly regarded of dessert wines, we head for our château hotel overlooking the village of Sauternes. The elegant château produces its own dessert wine and was accorded Premier Cru status in the Bordeaux classifications of We stroll into the village for a superb dinner gazing out into the vines. Day 6: Sauternes to Bordeaux Cycling 56km Cycling northwards we pass through the vineyards of the Graves region, home to the legendary Château HautBrion amongst the many great wines both red and white. We cycle through vines and forests on deserted roads, taking a tasting and visit at a winery of the Graves appellation. Graves has notable reds and a remarkably clear white, achieved by lowering the temperature in the early stages of fermentation so that all the impurities naturally filter out. After lunch we re-join the La Pebie cycleway, and make our way into Bordeaux itself to complete the week s journey. Bordeaux has no shortage of attractions, from the beautifully restored 18th Century customs houses lining the river to the sophisticated shopping along Rue Ste-Catherine. Our last dinner together will be at one of the many gourmet restaurants on which the city prides itself. Day 7: Tour ends in Bordeaux Tour ends after breakfast before a transfer to Bordeaux station or airport. Burgundy - the Cuisine, wine and history Burgundy (or Bourgogne to the French) is synonymous with the crisp whites of Chablis and the prestigious reds of the Côte d Or: Nuits-St-George, Pommard, Aloxe-Corton and Puligny-Montrachet. Kir, the traditional aperitif of Burgundy, is made from Cassis blackcurrant liqueur from Dijon and Bourgogne Aligote white wine. For many, Burgundy is synonymous with food - Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguinon, snails and of course French Dijon mustard among its many delicacies and specialities.

11 Burgundy encompasses the rolling hills of the Mâconnais and Chalonnais in the south; the wild Morvan plateau to the northwest; and of course the steep-sided côtes of the prestigious wine districts around Beaune. The scenery is a mixture of perfectly tended vineyards, fields of wheat interspaced with poppies in early summer, of maize and sunflowers. Woods and spinneys of French Oak are used for making the much-prized wine barrels used all over France and around the world. The countryside is undulating and peaceful, criss-crossed with canals, country lanes and bike trails and towpaths. There are many rivers and streams that originate from the Burgundy plateau, feeding into the Seine to the north and the Saone and Rhone to the south. From a historical perspective Burgundy has more than its fair share dating from the 8th Century BC when Celts invaded, the Romans came here in the 1st Century, and the first Christian churches were built as early as the 4th Century. Magnificent abbeys were founded at Cluny and Vézelay in the 10th Century, and in the later Middle Ages cathedrals sprang up at Auxerre, Autun and Dijon. The burgeoning wine trade resulted in superb architecture for the wealthy merchants who built stunning houses and public buildings in Beaune, Auxerre, Dijon and Autun. Our tour takes in all the varied aspects of Burgundy, both natural and man-made and we make sure that you don't miss out on the regional gastronomic delights! The cycling ranges from easy on some days to moderate on others, but should be comfortably achievable for anyone of reasonable fitness. Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Mâcon or at the hotel in Replonges We meet in Mâcon or our hotel in Replonges from where we take a short ride into Mâcon. Mâcon was on the border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire from the 9th to the 17th Centuries. The promenade along the River Saone is lined with delightful cafés and restaurants with vistas of the 16th Century StLaurence Bridge. A short walk around the old town takes to the church of St-Pierre and Cathédrale St-Vincent, the old market halls and timbered houses. We return to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner. Day 2: Replonges to Tournus Cycling 58km Passing through the undulating landscape of the Mâconnais we ride through the vines that produce the grapes to make the celebrated Pouilly-Fuissé white wine. Every village has its own wine, and we can stop for a tasting visit. Refreshed we follow a dedicated cycle track to reach the abbey of Cluny, founded in 910 AD and once the most important monastic order of Europe; at its height the Abbey sent out 10,000 monks across all Europe to do God's work. The vaults of the Abbey Church are the highest in Romanesque architecture at 30m. We follow the wooded Mâconnais hills through picturesque villages arriving at the River Saone in the medieval city of Tournus with its magnificent Abbey Church and preserved 17th Century hospital. Our hotel has been converted from a guardhouse built in the city ramparts, and here we will eat dinner. Day 3: Tournus to Chagny Cycling 52km We leave the Mâconnais region and enter the Challonnaise wine region. We recross the foothills of the Montagnes Mâconnais and descend to visit the 12th Century Château de Sercy in its beautiful lakeside setting. We then re-join the Voie Verte cycle path to the village of Buxy, home to the wines of Montagny. A tasting at a local winery is followed by lunch, depending on weather or our fancy, a picnic or at a café in the village. We are now entering the heartland of prestigious Burgundy wines, and the next few villages rejoice in names to set a wine enthusiast's heart beating a little faster: Givry, Rully and Mercurey are signposts that we are in the land of Pinot Noir, and we will stop and taste one or two of these fabulous reds. We join a canalside track and few more kilometres bring us to Chagny where our château-hotel awaits. Time for a swim in the pool or ride to visit the 11th Century church, the preserved apothecary and the town's watchtowers. Day 4: Chagny to Beaune Cycling 49km The hills are bigger today as we head south to visit the village of Couches and the beautiful Château de Marguerite de Bourgogne. We then visit the nearby Mont de Sène, also known as the Mount of the 3 Crosses, where a short sharp climb brings us to one of the best panoramas in Burgundy, with views east to the Alps and north along the famous vineyards of the Côte. Our road then descends through Santenay and PulignyMontrachet where we stop to sample the prestigious white wines, then on to our hotel in the heart of Beaune. We stay two nights in Beaune and can visit the Hotel-Dieu hospital, a marvel of Burgundian-Flemish art that houses another Flemish masterpiece: Roger van der Weyden's polyptych of the Last Judgement. The glazed tiles that adorn the roof are spectacular. Day 5: Beaune Cycling 52km Leaving Beaune through the village of Pommard where we can stop for a guided visit of the Château de Pommard. We then visit the Cirque du Bout du Monde, a spectacular cliff formation forming a natural

12 amphitheatre with waterfalls and caves. In the afternoon we visit the village of La Rochepot. We meander back to Beaune through the vignobles of the Côte de Beaune, passing through the famed vineyards of AuxeyDuresses, Volnay, Pommard and Mersault where there will be ample time to taste the local wines. In Beaune, there is time to explore the town before dinner at our hotel. Day 6: Beaune to Saulon-la-Rue Cycling 44km The final day of cycling leaves time to visit the renowned vineyards of the Côtes-de-Nuits. We set off north through the vineyards of Aloxe-Corton, where we can stop for a tasting. We then drop into Nuits-St-Georges, the chief village of the famous wine-producing region which bears its name. It is a huddle of medieval buildings and narrow back streets and makes a great place to stop for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Château Clos de Vougeot, a temple to Burgundian wine, literally, for it is here in the 12th Century cellars that the Order of the Tastevin Knights hold their ceremonies dedicated to upholding the traditions of food and wine Bourguinon. A short ride brings us to our hotel, the Château de Saulon. Here, you can unwind by the pool before our final celebration meal of superb Burgundian cuisine. Day 7: Tour ends after breakfast - Dijon After breakfast, we transfer to Dijon. Languedoc from Avignon to the Cevennes From the coastal plain (the largest wine producing area of France) this region stretches inland to the Black Mountains (Montagne Noire), and to the west it meets the Pyrenees Mountains. In the east, spectacular canyons and cliffs stretch to the lonely plateau of the Cévennes, and from here to the River Rhone. The Mediterranean washes miles of white sandy beaches from the Rhone delta to the Spanish frontier. Between these borders sit the rugged hinterlands of the Corbières and Minervois. The region has a climate that can vary from the icy snows of the mountains in winter to the heat of the Mediterranean summer, with May/June and September the ideal time to visit. The cycling in this area is as varied as the terrain and the weather, with moderate pedalling along the valley of the River Gardon, challenging countryside in the more mountainous terrain of the Haut-Languedoc and its Cévennes National Park, and then easy cycling as we appreciate the wineries of the coastal plain. In the early Middle Ages this was the historic home to the Cathars, a religious sect who rejected the pomp of the Catholic Church and was persecuted to extinction as a result. The Cathars left a legacy of fortresses in the Pyrenean foothills and the Montagne Noire that today are some of the most romantic ruins in Europe. Here too you will find the Canal du Midi, built in the 18th Century to carry goods from the Mediterranean at Sète to the river Garonne at Toulouse and from there to the Atlantic coast at Bordeaux. It is a tranquil, tree-lined treasure that meanders across the Languedoc plain and into the hills. Seafood, shellfish and freshwater fish dominate the regional cuisine - with Spanish influences. Further inland the food is more substantial with specialities such as cassoulet (bean and meat stew in a pot) and wild game dishes. The wines of the Languedoc are diverse, with reds from the Faugeres and Minervois regions, the whites of Picpoul de Pinet and others from the coastal plain - providing a perfect accompaniment to shellfish dishes - and the sparkling wines of Limoux. The tour involves a moderate amount of climbing, including a couple of cols or mountain passes, and is ideal for those with some cycling experience (although a support vehicle is available at all times). Day 1 Arrive Avignon or at the hotel near Uzès Transfer from Avignon TGV station to our hotel, the beautiful Château d Arpaillargues, set in its own courtyard and gardens just west of Uzès. Early arrivals may choose to take an excursion into the marvellously preserved medieval town of Uzès, or the incredible Roman Pont du Gard about 12km away. Our first evening will be spent in our hotel's superb restaurant, enjoying the cuisine for which the region is famous. Day 2 Uzès to Tornac Cycling 64km We set out west through gently undulating fields of vines and sunflowers, descending gently to the valley of the River Gardon. Our next port of call is the hilltop village of Vézénobres. The medieval cité includes several unique buildings including the Château de Thoiras, now the village town hall. The town is also a great stop for lunch. In the afternoon we cross the Gardon and continue to the historic town of Anduze. Inhabited since megalithic times, subsequently occupied by the Gauls and then the Romans, in the 12th Century it was the most powerful town in the Languedoc. It was the centre of Protestant revolt in the 17th Century. After a coffee in the old town we visit the Bambousaraie de Prafrance, a marvellous collection of exotic plants set in hectares of bamboo groves.

13 Our final destination today is the village of Tornac, 5km from Anduze and overlooked by the Château de Tornac. At our delightful hotel we will dine at the gourmet restaurant, a foodie destination for the whole region. Day 3: Tornac to Ganges Cycling 60km Our second full day of riding takes us westwards to the village of Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort on the banks of the River Vidourle. In the village, which is ideally placed for a coffee stop, keep a lookout for the fountains and sundials which abound. Continuing, we arrive in the village of St-Bauzillé-du-Putois where there is a fantastic restaurant for lunch, before visiting the Grotte des Demoiselles. This massive cavern, with its enormous stalactite and stalagmite formations, is visited by an underground funicular railway. Back on the road, a short ride brings us to the market town of Ganges, home to our hotel at the head of the Vis valley. An optional side trip will take in some thrilling white-water kayaking on the Vis. Dinner tonight is at a charming restaurant in the nearby village of Brissac. Day 4: Ganges to Hérépian Cycling 80km Up bright and early because there is a longer day in the saddle today. We head west climbing up the Vis Valley and then take a side-trip to the heart-stopping vista of the Cirque de Navacelles. The village of Navacelles huddles at the foot of the hill in a gorge that is over 300m deep. After crossing the plateau there follows one of the most breathtaking descents as we freewheel down over 15km to the town of Lodève. In glorious countryside, we finish by descending the valley of the River Orb to Hérépian, a village with a history of bell-making, and we can visit the still working bell foundry. Our hotel is a converted convent, but there is nothing austere about the sumptuous table d'hôte that rewards us for the day's exertions. Day 5 Hérépian Cycling 64km Today s ride is a loop, returning to Hérépian in the evening. On the way we continue along the Orb Valley which opens up to provide some of the most sublime views of the whole week. Along the way we stop in the beautiful village of Roquebrune-sur-Orb, maybe visiting the botanical gardens. Day 6 Hérépian to Murviel-les-Béziers Cycling 70km Our last day of riding takes us out of the mountains onto the coastal plain. On the way we visit a winery in one of the many villages. Grenache Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre are the grape varieties that go to make these highly regarded wines. Continuing through typical Languedocien villages each with their distinctive wrought-iron bell-towers, we come to the historic town of Pézenas. The home of the playwright Molière, the charmingly preserved old quarters feature a Jewish ghetto dating from the 14th Century. All around the town you will see the intricately carved doorways and courtyards of which the town is proud. Our final stretch of riding is a relaxed affair and brings us to the village of Murviel-les-Béziers, where our Hotel is the old wine making domaine of the Château de Saint-Martin-des-Champs. The château still produces some fabulous wines using unusual grape combinations and we may sample the different varieties, and drink some in earnest at our final dinner. Day 7 Tour ends in Béziers or Montpellier After breakfast relax or take a dip in the pool before the transfer to Béziers station or Montpellier. Normandy from the Conquest to the Bayeux Tapestry Home of William the Conqueror, Normandy has always had strong connections with the English-speaking world; from 1066 when the Duke of Normandy laid claim to the English crown, until June 1944 and Operation Overlord when combined American, Canadian and British Commonwealth forces launched the biggest seaborn invasion ever seen to liberate France from Nazi occupation. The land itself is rich and fertile, the valley sides containing the lush green pastures are home to the distinctive black-and-white cows which produce the milk used to produce such cheeses as Livarot, Pont l'eveque and of course Camembert; interspersed with these are the apple orchards from whence come the famous cider and calvados apple brandy. On the coast, fishing boats land the fish and seafood which feature in the local cuisine.

14 There is history in abundance, from the gothic cathedral of Bayeux and the renowned Bayeux tapestry to the 'merveille' or miracle which is the astonishing island monastery of Mont St-Michel; in between are countless Romanesque and gothic churches and the medieval timbered farmhouses so typical of the region. More recent history is revealed in the museums and exhibitions of the D-Day beaches, the austere World War Two cemeteries, and the remains of landing stages and gun emplacements. Those to whom natural beauty is more important will not be disappointed with the many different landscapes sweeping sea views, marshes criss-crossed with canals, and countryside with a patchwork of fields, woods and orchards. Day 1 Arrive Dinard Airport or Dol-de-Bretagne After collection from Dol-de-Bretagne TGV or Dinard airport and settling in at the hotel we match everybody with their bikes and make all necessary adjustments for the perfect fit. Our afternoon ride takes us to visit Le Merveille, the astonishing abbey on Mont St-Michel. The main existing structure dates from the 13th Century but parts date back to the 6th and 7th Centuries. After returning to the hotel, a short minibus ride takes us to a superb restaurant overlooking the bay and Mont. Day 2 Dol-de-Bretagne to Granville Cycling 54km Our first day s riding takes us around the bay to the town of Avranches, where General Patton broke through German defences after the D-Day landings. The sea is never far away and throughout the whole day we are treated to panoramas of Mont St-Michel from different angles. After lunch in Avranches we continue around the coast, climbing up over the stunning Champeaux cliffs before descending into the town of Granville with its well preserved ancient quarter and 15th century ramparts, to find our hotel and another delicious supper to reward us. Day 3 Granville to Hébécrevon Cycling 57km Following the coast with views to the Channel Islands on our left, we come to the town of Coutances. The cathedral here is one of the most important examples of Norman architecture completed in 1274 it has remained basically unaltered since. The town also has a noted botanical garden. After lunch in Coutances the ride continues along quiet lanes through tiny Norman villages and hamlets nestled amongst fields and apple orchards. The charming timbered houses we pass sometimes date back to the 14th Century. We arrive at our château-hotel in the village of Hébécrevon where we can relax in the extensive grounds before dinner. Monsieur Delisle, our host, rode the Tour de France for several years as lieutenant to 5 times winner Jacques Anquetil. Day 4 Hébécrevon to Quinéville Cycling 69km The first section of today s ride is a dedicated cycle track along the river Vire, traffic free and flat. The countryside is typical Norman bocage, fields and meadows divided by woodland, hedgerows and tiny lanes. Soon the landscape changes into the marshland of the Marais Cotentin, home to herons, egrets and a myriad of other waterbirds. We arrive in Carentan for lunch, perhaps by the magnificent 13th Century Gothic church. After lunch the route takes us through the heart of the battlefields of the US invasion forces, past Dead Man s Corner and on to Sainte-Mère-Eglise. This village was made famous by the film The Longest Day which includes the true story of the village which was the first town liberated on D-Day, by US Airborne Rangers who parachuted in under cover of darkness. We finish the day by riding to our hotel, the Château de Quinéville, and dinner in the baronial dining room.

15 Day 5 Quinéville to Bayeux Cycling 60km Today we follow the coast along the sites of the Utah D-Day beaches in the American Sector. First on the itinerary is Utah Beach where we visit the D-Day museum. The landings on Utah Beach were relatively casualty free, unlike the bloody battle that took place across the bay on Omaha Beach. We return to Carentan for lunch, then continue around the bay and back to the coast. On the way we visit Isigny, noted for its fabulous dairy products it is the only French village to have an appelation controlée for its butter, cream and cheese. The day finishes in the town of Bayeux, where we spend the next two nights, giving us time to take in the wealth of history in the town the splendid Cathedral dating from 1077, the celebrated Tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest of England, and lace and embroidery workshops. Day 6 Bayeux Cycling distance: 54km Those who wish can opt for a shorter ride today and spend more time in Bayeux. The full day s route takes us out to Omaha Beach, the site of the fiercest fighting in June Our route takes us past reminders of the sacrifices made for the liberation. The American Cemetery, with lines upon lines of identical crosses (with Star of David stones interspersed) is a moving experience. We carry along the coast at Longue-sur-Mer where we can visit the German gun emplacements which have been preserved. Next is Gold Beach, where the British forces came ashore, and Arromanches with the remains of the mulberry temporary landing stages still visible in the harbour. Alternative routes are available if Juno Beach the Canadian beach, scene of fighting as heavy as Omaha is of particular interest. The road back to Bayeux takes us through the village of Creully with its 12th Century château also home to an umbrella making trade, whose workshops we can visit. Finally we complete the week with a short ride back to Bayeux, where dinner in the old town will round off an unforgettable week. Day 7 Tour ends in Bayeux Tour ends after breakfast Alsace and the Rhine Valley Alsace at the easternmost edge of France, along the west bank of the Rhine is a region like no other in France. Despite being a centre of dispute between Germany and France over the last two centuries, changing hands several times, it has maintained its beauty as well as its unique character and ambience. From the gothic script on street signs and hotel and restaurant names, to the ornate half-timbered houses coloured by flowerfilled balconies, there is a Germanic flavour mixed in with many old French traditions a unique cocktail. Strasbourg is famous for its sausages and choucroute, the Alsatian take on Sauerkraut, made with cabbage cooked in local wine loaded with chops, sausages and other meaty delights. Coq-au-vin is made here with local Riesling wine. Pride of place in Alsace goes to foie gras, served in a pastry crust, and some notable cheeses like Munster made with milk from the Vosges pastures. For a quick snack, try flammeküeche, the Alsace pizza. The slender bottles of the region contain wines of some equally distinctive cepages or grape varieties. Gewurztraminer with its golden colour and heady aroma of lychees and passion fruit; complex Pinot Gris with smoky undertones and apricot fruit; delicate Riesling with citrus notes and floral hints; and Sylvaner with notes of fresh cut grass and elderflower. Less well known are the light and cherry tinged pinot noir reds, and the sparkling Crémant d Alsace. Beer lovers are also catered for Strasbourg is home to Kronenbourg and Fischer.

16 Our tour takes in medieval walled villages, Roman and Gothic churches and cathedrals, ruined fortresses, dramatic castles, and panoramic views taking in the Rhine and the Black Forest. Riding is mixed, with some moderately hilly days and some days of flat riding, and will be enjoyed by anyone with a little cycling experience. Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive Strasbourg Meet at Strasbourg TGV station, Strasbourg airport or Baden-Baden airport and a short transfer to the village of Ottrott, at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. At our hotel in the heart of the village we set the bikes up making sure that everyone is perfectly fitted. There is time for an excursion to the market town of Obernai with its picturesque market square and the 16th Century grain market, or for those wanting a harder workout a climb to the convent of Mont Sainte-Odile. The convent is a site of pilgrimage. Work on the convent was started in the 12th Century, but the visit is as notable for the stunning panoramas as for the convent itself. Back at the hotel you can relax by the pool before a dinner of local specialities and a bottle of the local red wine. Day 2: Strasbourg to Ribeauvillé Riding through vineyards we pass the picturesque village of Heiligenstein before climbing the lower wooded slopes of the Vosges Mountains. A short walk takes us to the ruined Spesburg castle deep in the forest. Dropping through the woods we come to the pretty town of Andlau for coffee. The route then follows the Route du Vin as it winds in and out of the forests of the Vosges foothills. There is a climb out of the Lieprevette valley to the Château du Haut-Koenigsburg (a big climb, there is an optional minibus transfer to the top!) From the gardens of the Château the stunning panorama takes in the Black Forest across the Rhine to the east and all around, ruined fortresses on the summits of the Vosges Mountains. A glorious descent brings us down to the plain before a short ride to our hotel for this evening in the charming village of Ribeauvillé nestling amongst the vines. The village is a fabulous place for a stroll before dinner, with timber framed houses, cobbled squares and 13th Century church. Day 3: Ribeauvillé to Colmar Our first section is a short steep climb and descent into picturesque Riquewihr. Set amongst vineyards, it is the home of the Dopff winemaking family noted for sparkling Crémant. Look out for the stork-wheels cartwheels mounted horizontally on the roofs of houses to encourage storks to build nests (and thereby to bring good luck and fertility to the village) After rolling through the wine villages of Kientzheim and Ammerschwirr there is another climb to the spa town of Trois Epis. A 13km downhill ride to Turkheim, home to one of the best reputed wine co-operative in France to sample the varietals of the region. Finally a short easy ride into Colmar with a chance to see the Unterlinden museum and Retable d Issenheim - a 24 panel altarpiece painted by Matthias Grünewald at the beginning of the 16th Century. Our hotel has one of the finest restaurants in the town, serving Alsatian specialities with a refined elegance. Day 4: Colmar We stay again in Colmar and there are options for a longer or shorter ride. We cycle through the vines to a series of beautiful picturesque villages; stop for coffee in gorgeous Eguisheim, then climb past the ruined towers of the three castles above Husseren-Trois-Châteaux. Those who want a shorter day can head to spend more time in Colmar; otherwise we continue through cobbled Gueberschwirr into the vines then descend to the market town of Rouffach for lunch. The afternoon ride is flat across the plains of the River Rhine before returning to Colmar through hunting forests to the east of town. We eat at the renowned Maison des Têtes restaurant. Day 5: Colmar to Ensisheim A flatter day today as we cross the Rhineland plain to arrive at the river, visiting Neuf Brisach en route an intact 17th Century fortification built by Louis XIV s military architect Vauban with a unique 8-pointed star structure. From here dedicated cycleways brings us to the river and we cross to enter Germany following a riverside track. After lunch, back in France, an easy afternoon ride brings us to our hotel in Ensisheim, once the site of a Neolithic settlement skeletons have been found at a burial ground on the outskirts of town. Day 6: Ensisheim to Mulhouse Our last day in the saddle brings a challenge for those who are up for it a climb up to 1343 metres to the Grand Ballon. The start of the day takes flat cycle tracks through the villages of Feldkirch and Böllwiller, before arriving at the village of Hartmanswiller with its fortified cemetery dating from the 15th Century; the church and its graveyard were fortified as a place of refuge for the villagers from bands of brigands following the Wars of Religion. From here the intrepid can climb to the summit of the Grand Ballon the minibus is on hand for those who prefer to shorten the ride.

17 After lunch it s literally all downhill as we speed through sublime landscapes to the village of Thann, renowned for its richly decorated collegiate church with coloured roof tiles and intricate fretwork gothic spire. The route returns to flat cycle tracks to our final destination, the impressive city of Mulhouse with its pedestrianised medieval quarter, a fine arts museum, and a superb automobile museum in the Schlumpf Collection. Dinner will be a last feast of Alsace specialities to send you on your way! Day 7: Tour ends in Mulhouse Tour ends with a transfer to Mulhouse TGV or Basel-Freiburg-Mulhouse airport. And for the more sportif cyclist the Pyrenees Cols Here is the chance for the more active cyclist to follow in the tracks of the world s greatest riders cycling on some of the climbs that have been made famous by the Tour de France. For the Pyrenees we have chosen a route that takes in the Marie Blanque, the Tourmalet, the Aspin, the Peyresourde and the Portillon. On each day the cycling itinerary crosses at least one of the legendary cols of Le Tour but, unlike the professionals, we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery as we go. Optional shorter or longer routes are available on each day's ride, so that cyclists with a wide range of abilities may take part. The tours offer full support, guides cycling with the group and minibus near at all times. Our guides are cycling enthusiasts with a detailed knowledge of the Pyrenees and their place in cycle racing history. This holiday presents a challenge to even the most experienced cyclist but there is no reason why you shouldn t consider this a relaxing holiday too. We provide quality three-star hotels with character and ambience to ensure your time off the bike is just as enjoyable. Evening meals are not merely a time to refuel, they offer the chance to indulge in fine food and a glass or two of wine with new friends! Classic Cols of the Pyrenees Day 1: Meet at Pau airport or TGV station and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the old part of the city. Bikes are assembled and if time allows we can tackle the Col de Marie Blanque to the south of Pau, or take a loop ride with a couple of easy climbs to get the legs and bikes ready for the week. The distance for this optional ride is around 50km. Before dinner there is an introductory briefing from the guides on the rides and options available. Day 2: Pau to Sauveterre de Comminges Cycling 130km We begin with a warm-up ride through rolling foothills - no major climbs today but plenty of kilometres through magnificent scenery. The first section takes us to the pilgrimage town of Lourdes for coffee. After this the route continues through the foothills with the majestic mountains on our right, through picturesque villages to lunch in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a start town in many tour stages. After lunch we follow the river Garonne, here a noisy stream as it starts on its journey to the Atlantic at Bordeaux. We finish at a splendid hotel outside Sauveterre de Comminges, in enough time to relax by the large pool before dinner. Day 3: Sauveterre de Comminges to Arreau Cycling 85km Port de Balès. The first of the big passes come today: after a steady 30km of gentle uphill, we attack the fearsome Port de Balès. First included in the Tour in 2007 this 1755m pass is a beast because of the constantly changing gradients which include short sections of 12-13%. We picnic at the top of the climb, before freewheeling 15km downhill. We then climb of the Col de Peyresourde, a veteran of 40 Tours de France since 1947, with its 1569m summit. The descent from the Peyresourde brings us into the village of Arreau where our 3star hotel, with a refreshing pool, awaits us.

18 Day 4: Arreau Cycling 70km A loop ride returning to Arreau with two major climbs; the first is Col d'azet. At 1578m it is one of the prettiest cols in the Pyrenees; though quite steep the steady gradient allows you to enjoy the views. We descend to SaintLary-Soulan for lunch. In the afternoon we ride to the ski station of Pla d'adet at 1675m, scene of nine mountain finishes in Le Tour most recently in 2005 when George Hincapie took the honours. Day 5: Col du Tourmalet Cycling distance 85km The first challenge is perhaps the most beautiful in the Pyrenees the Col d'aspin. After a steady climb to the summit at 1489m a fantastic descent to Ste-Marie-de-Campan. We the ride the most legendary of the Pyrenean climbs, the mighty Col du Tourmalet. Climbing 1404m to its summit at 2115m, over a distance of 19km, this is not a col to be taken lightly. The scene of some of the Tour's fiercest mountain battles, you will be glad to see the statue to Jacques Goddet as you crest the pass. After lunch on the Tourmalet, we descend into Luz-SaintSaveur and north towards Pierrefitte-Nestalas. For the fit, the Hautacam is a 12km detour on the way home before a fast cycle into the centre of Lourdes and the hotel. Day 6: Pierrefitte-Nestalas to Pau Cycling 115km Col d'aubisque. The last day of riding is more relaxed, taking in the Col du Soulor at 1444m, followed by a descent into the breathtaking Cirque du Litor then a short climb to Col d'aubisque, a hors categorie climb at 1709m. From the top of the Aubisque it's mostly downhill back to Pau. Day 7: Tour ends Pau After breakfast, transfer to airport or railway station for homeward journey. Another offering is our tour of the mythical cols which encompasses many of the mountain passes that have passed into legend in the battlegrounds of the Tour de France. Each day includes at least one of the géants, yet is manageable for a wide range of sporting riders thanks to our outstanding support team. We also offer famous climbs like the Galibier, Alpe d'huez and the fabled Mont Ventoux, which together with the Tourmalet in the Pyrenees make-up the most mythical of the climbs of the Tour de France - ask for details. Outdoor Travel also offer cycling holiday destinations include several areas of Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, England and Scotland, Romania, Austria, Poland, Hungary, in the Czech Republic or India, Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia. Other group guided Bike & Boat cruises are available in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Tuscany or Naples in Italy, the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, the islands of Greece, the Lycian coast of Turkey or in Vietnam. Contact Outdoor Travel direct for more details and reservations Call Toll free: or (03) or Fax (03) info@outdoortravel.com.au Web: Mail: Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, PO Box 286, Bright, VIC 3741, Australia