GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 1 Great Explorations HAUTE PROVENCE CYCLING 8 DAYS
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 2 HAUTE PROVENCE Cycling Tour 8 Days You ll know it as soon as you enter it, you ll recognize the unmistakable pace of ease, you ll smell the unforgettable comfort of lavender, you ll see the telltale red-tile roofs and you ll hear the fabled whispers of cicadas; this is Provence, in all its unqualified beauty. Provence s borders stretch a vast swath of land of southern France and the wealth of diverse scenery here is mind blowing. From its glitzy Mediterranean coasts you can head to snow-capped Alpine mountains, its dense holm oak forests open to vast stretches of scrublands, and from the western Mistral to the southern Marin, even Provence s elemental changes have borders. The Haute Provence, rich in natural contrasts, is where lavender fields and bastides meet the ski slopes of snow-tipped Alps. Luberon Valley is the land of Van Gogh s golden light, Peter Mayle s Provence and Cézanne s patchwork greens. Its most beautiful lavender fields run in long rows, neat as hedges, smacking upside forbidding stone walls of 12th Century abbeys, tumbling over drumlins and meeting the deep blue horizons. The Vaucluse heritage, rich in man s religious and engineering influence for centuries, is where peace, war, nature and mastery have left an indelible mark on the land and culture. This is deep Provençal territory. Along with it comes some of the region s most scenic challenges nature could conjure up. The scenery that unfurls along our chosen route could be taken right out of a Van Gogh or Cézanne painting. Lavender rows and cypress tree spires, yellow fields and the golden light of the lowering sun, swirling cloud froths set against impossibly-blue ceilings. We invite you to explore a masterpiece with your own eyes, create your own impressionistic memories and engross yourself in voluptuous Provençal pleasures. DATES 2014 May 23-30 Sep 21-28 LEVEL Moderately Challenging This trip is not suitable for novice cyclists. It offers hills every day of moderate to challenging difficulty, but the regular rides are not overly long (optional extra distance is possible). Some passes are as high as 735 meters and Mount Ventoux is 1,909 meters if you choose to climb it. You spend two nights in two locations providing the opportunity to take a day off from cycling for those wishing a break. Cycling average: 55km/33miles. TRIP SIZE 8-16 participants TOTAL DAYS 8 days/ 7 nights ARRIVE/DEPART Vaison La Romaine - Crillon/ Bedoin
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 3 Montelimar WEATHER (VAISON LA ROMAINE) Le Poet Laval Uzes GARD RIVER Pont du Gard RHONE RIVER L EYGUES RIVER Orange Chateauneuf du Pape Avignon DURANCE RIVER Nyons Buis les Baronnies Vaison la Romaine START Gigondas Mont Ventoux Bedoin FINISH Carpentras Sault Pernes les Fontaines Murs Fontaine du Vaucluse Roussillon L Isle sur la Sorgue Gordes Average Daily High C F January 10 50 February 12 54 March 16 61 April 18 64 May 23 73 June 27 81 July 30 86 August 30 86 September 25 77 October 20 68 November 13 55 December 10 50 Nimes Apt Menebres Saint Remy de Provence Les Baux de Provence Arles ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival day Picturesque Vaison-la-Romaine, split in two by the Ouvèze River, is filled with ancient ruins loomed over by the watchful Coline du Château. Day 2 Le Poët-Laval You ll see your destination in the distance miles before you reach its steep entrance road. Le Poët-Laval, one of the most beautiful villages in France, sits atop a craggy hill overlooking the beautiful Jabron Valley in the heart of the Baronnies Mountains. Uniquely, no cars are allowed within the village, evoking its Medieval origins. A centre for Protestantism, Le Poët-Laval is home to the oldest temple in France. Your hotel here has a long history entwined with the Knights Templar. Unpack and relax, you re here for two glorious AVIGNON nights. Cycling distance: 60km/36mi; 625m. Day 3 Le Poët-Laval Enjoy the bygone-era ambience of Le Poët-Laval this morning before embarking on a delightful day ride to the pottery centre of Dieulefit. The potteries at Dieulefit date back 2,000 years and today some 30 potters and ceramic artists continue this long and rich tradition. You ll also visit Bourdeaux today and the ruined castle of Soyans. Cycling distance: 55km/33mi; 520m. Day 4 Buis-les-Baronnies Buis-les-Baronnies beckons, today. This spectacular ride crosses through the valleys of six different rivers, with high hills and two passes in between. If legend is to be believed, these are same hills Hannibal led his elephants over during his crossing of Italy in the Second Punic War 218 BC. You might not see elephants today but you will marvel at such sights as gorges and isolated chapels, vineyards, orchards and lavender fields characterize the scenery. Once again, unpack and relax, you re here for two glorious nights. Cycling distance: 56km/33mi; 840m. Day 5 Today s adventure is simply spectacular, so make sure your batteries are charged in your camera and sense of awe. The route takes you through olive country; these mountains grow the best Nyon olives. Ride in the shadow of looming Mount Ventoux to fortified Brantes, to the stunning spa town of Montbrun-les- Bains, one of the 100 most beautiful villages of France, then the massive gorges of Toulourenc Valley. It s a perfect spot for a walk or a picnic.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 4 Cycling distance: 60km/36mi; 670m / 28km/17.mi; 620m / 44km/27.5mi; 550m. Day 6 Sault-en-Provence En route to fragrant Sault today you visit Mollans-sur-Ouvèze with its lovely high-arched bridge, marked on each side by a tower and a tiny chapel. Sault-en-Provence is known the world over as the lavender capital, coated in rolling fields of the aromatic, purple stuff. It s also home to Provence s most famous maker of nougat, André Boyer. A perfect postride snack, non? Cycling distance: 47km/29mi; 726m / 37km/23mi; 670m. Day 7 Bédoin Ever fancied testing yourself on the pro circuit? Today s route provides such a satisfying challenge Les Gorges de la Nesque. It s a popular cycling route with locals and tourists for its spectacular scenery, long but gentle 3% grade and lack of vehicular traffic. It also leads to one of the most infamous mountains in the world for cycling enthusiasts, Mont Ventoux. You have the opportunity to tackle this bare-chested monster as Bédoin sits at the bottom of its 1,909-meter moonscape summit. Trust us, the views from the top and inevitable descent are more than worth it. The descent will be chilly so take an extra layer to put on at the top. Cycling distance: 50km/31mi; 1140m / 43km/27mi; 345m. Day 8 Enjoy your last day of your tour of the Haute Provence before embarking on your next adventure. COST (CURRENT YEAR) USD $3250 Includes: 7B/2L/5D Single supplement USD $600 Bike Rental USD $180 WHAT S INCLUDED? Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle Seven nights lodging All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners Bike rental Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums Detailed map and route instructions All baggage transportation All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities) READY TO RESERVE? Call or email Travel Advisor with any remaining questions and to reserve your space 1.800.242.1925 Reserve your flights to and from the region Book your night before hotel, if necessary Consider travel insurance
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 5 ACCOMMODATIONS Hôtel Beffroi Hôtel Beffroi Vaison-La-Romaine Located in the Medieval village, this glorious château built in 1554 is in one of the most beautiful mansions in the Old City of Vaison It features unique architecture within its walls, a swimming pool and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Hôtel Les Hospitaliers Hôtel Les Hospitaliers Le Vieux Poët-Laval Nestled in one of France s most romantic villages in the hills of northern Provence. Guests can see dramatic countryside across the valley from the terraces or swim in the private swimming pool. Le Lion d Or Les Arcades Le Lion d Or Les Arcades Buis-les-Baronnies Built in 1661, this unique residence has lovely gardens, a swimming pool and jacuzzi ready for the aching muscles of travelling cyclists. Hostellerie Val de Sault Sault This charming residence is ideally situated on a large verdant property overlooking the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. It offers a tennis court, outdoor and indoor pools, plus a fitness room and jacuzzi. Hostellerie Crillon le Brave Hostellerie Val de Sault Hostellerie Crillon le Brave Crillon le Brave Located in a tiny hillside village, it is surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and lavender fields. This Relais & Chateaux hotel is listed by Travel and Leisure as one of the top 500 hotels in the world. The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. Great Explorations. Revised November, 2013.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 6 OUR BICYCLES The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is the premier bicycle manufacturer in North America and Europe. We also maintain a fleet of Van Nicholas Mistral titanium race bikes in Provence. Our Cannondale hybrid bikes in the Provence are new Quick Speed 2 performance hybrids with components as follows: Frame: aluminum; carbon forks Crank: Shimano 105 5700 50/34 Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 5700 Tire: 700 x 28C Saddle: Cannondale Quick Speed Ergo Racing bikes (dropped handlebar) models are as follows: Supersix 5 105 carbon frame with components as follows: Components: Shimano 105 Crank (double): 50/34 Rear Cogs: Shimano 105 5700, 12-27 Seat: Cannondale C3 alloy Synapse 5 105 model with synapse alloy frame and components are follows: Components: Shimano 105 Crank: 50/39/30 Rear cogs: 12-32 Seat: Synapse Van Nicholas Mistral titanium bikes (54 cm; 56 cm; 58 cm; 60 cm sizes) Components: Shimano 105 SRAM Elita Compact Crankset, 50/34T Rear Cogs: Shimano 105 CS-5700 Cassette, 12-25 * there is an additional fee for the Van Nicholas bikes of $200 All bikes come with pump, tire levers, spare tube, water bottle carrier etc. Hybrid bikes come with handlebar bags and rear racks; racing bikes, come with map case but not a rear rack. We tune each bike prior to your arrival so that it is ready to ride for you.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 7 HOW TO GET THERE? Your tour starts in Vaison-la-Romaine, about 650 kilometers southeast of Paris, due east of Orange. Access is via either Orange or Avignon. Both can be reached via the TGV (high speed rail network of France), 2h10 from Paris. Transfer to Vaison is via bus or taxi. We provide you with more detailed instructions about reaching your start point and departing your end point. BON APPÉTIT It won t take you long to figure out the people of Provence are serious about the gardens, their vines and their food. Gastronomy is an art from here, but local is a way of life, not some 21st Century trend. It s all about sense of place, terroir, for them. If they don t know whose goat made that cheese, whose lamb shank is melting in their oven or who pressed the olive soaking their bread, it isn t on their table. Staples are seasonal so what you eat will depend on the season you travel here. Try every morsel you can, it s all Great Explorations Recommended! The Baronnies Mountains house an AOC quality olive, you ll see the orchards all over this region and their fruits lacing the menus of this region. The small, jet-black Nyon olive is salty and bitter but mild in taste and generally dry-cured before being packed in olive oil. DID YOU KNOW? Possibly the most well known Dieulefit potter is Guillaume Bardet, famous for his extravagant 365 project. Undertaken with the skill and art of a dozen Dieulefit potters and ceramic artists, he created a unique piece of art every day for an entire year. It won the 2011 Bettencourt Prize for Intelligence of the Hand. Guillaume and his contemporaries can be found hard at work in their Dieulefit studios. For the year-round adventure seekers in the group Buisles-Baronnies will please you all. It s a busy 4-season destination offering a dizzying variety of sporting adventures for all: cycling, hiking, mountaineers, caving, skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and canyoning. The possibilities of adventure travel here are endless. While scaling cycling legend Mount Ventoux, Tom Simpson lost his life in 1967. He famously asked spectators to place him back on his bike, he rode for just a short time before falling for the final time one mile before the summit. Dead. His memorial sits just below the summit at the place he finally succumbed to its gruelling elements. The wines of Provence are Greek in origin, arriving sometime around 600 BC with the founding of Marseille. Boasting the oldest vines in France, today the region is well regarded for its dry rosé production. A perfect summer drink and why not enjoy the world s best. Stalwart Châteauneuf-du-Pape deserves a mention in any wine talk simply by virtue of its history. Relieved of its papal duty but remaining the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine, this red wine is thick, rich and powerful. It s not to everyone s taste but we think sampling a wine on its ancestral soil makes the experience that much sweeter. A must-taste specialty, in our opinion, is the mellow and fragrant miel de lavande. You ll no doubt experience one or two local markets during your tour where you can pick up a jar or three of this aromatic delicacy. Apart from pottery, Dieulefit is also known for its picodon production, a delicious goat cheese perfect on an omelette topped with truffle shavings.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS HAUTE PROVENCE 8 OUR CONNECTION In 1983, I flew to Europe with a bicycle and spent 6 months cycling through France. After several weeks, I remember arriving to Provence and thinking I had found nirvana; cycling from St. Remy to Les Baux and over to Gordes and the hill-towns that make up the Luberon on a day in late fall, with the wine harvest on, I made a note to self- come back here. Two years later, I did and began guiding trips (full disclosure- I guided for B&R for 18 years before starting Great Explorations). In 1989 Peter Mayle s best-selling novel about his Year in Provence was published and the region suddenly (and deservedly) became a favourite place to sojourn, if not for a year, at least for a week. Cyclists love the region because there are so many options for riding- from gently rolling roads through vineyards, to moderate climbs to charming villages. We have three different trips in the region (people often want to return!) Provence, Provence South, and Haute Provence. The differences between these are subtle. The Provence trip starts from Vaison le Romaine (northwest of Avignon) with overnights also in Pernes les Fontaine, and Gordes. All cycling levels can be accommodated here (Mt. Ventoux is an option on one day), but generally, the riding is easy-going/moderate The Provence South trip starts from Avignon and is rated moderate, but would be slightly hillier and stays in villages of Uzes, St. Remy and Gordes. Haute Provence is for those that want to challenge themselves- the rides are longer with more climbing and this region, to the north of Mt. Ventoux is a more remote (un-touristed) part of Provence. I have guided hundreds of trips in the region, I enjoy them all equally. In 2010, with my wife and two children, we decided to live for 6 months in France and it was an easy decision to choose Provence (we lived in Bedoin, at the foot of Mt. Ventoux). For us, it remains a favourite destination and always will. Robbin McKinney, Great Explorations