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Provence Bike Tour Peloton RR
7 days (6 nights)Comfort HotelsDates: June 27 - July 3, 2021
fitness
scenery
culture
food / wine
Provence Bike Tour Peloton RR
7 days (6 nights)fitness
“It is an urge, in short, to be in Provence. No other region in
Europe, not even Tuscany, has so nourished our dreams and sensual
demands. It has been a playground since the Romans scat-tered
arenas and theatres across the land-scape”. The Telegraph -
Travel
Charming villages and the Provence countryside
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Comfort
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
heat rain wind
min:63 Fmax:80 F
10%
Highlights
1- Provencal culture & history 2 - Learn about the sites
painted by Vincent Van Gogh 3 - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage
Site of Pont du Gard 4 - Discover the villages of Saint Remy, Les
Baux, and Gordes 5 - Climb of Mt Ventoux (optional)6 - Introduction
to the regional wines and dishes of Provence7 - The Roman ruins and
old city of Vaison la Romaine
Description
Provence has been inspiring and enchanting its visitors for
centuries. The variety of landscapes is stunning -fields of
lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop villages, Roman ruins and
even snowcapped mountains- and there’s no better way to take it all
in than on two wheels.
We’ll start in the town of Saint Rémy-de-Provence, pass through
Les Alpilles and Luberon, on our way to the cyclist mecca that is
Mount Ventoux. Climbing Ventoux is the athletic challenge of your
tour and it's a great trophy for hardcore, motivated cyclists. But,
the beguiling routes in the mountain’s shadow are more than
sufficient to enjoy great riding and stunning views. Gordes, in the
heart of the Park du Luberon and Saint Rémy, are the quintessential
expression of the Provençal countryside.
With a rich Roman heritage we also visit some of the best
preserved remnants of this great empire on our journey. Interlacing
this are cultural and historical highlights from our more recent
past as well as insights into more distant eras. Cycling through
landscapes painted by Cezanne and Van Gogh it soon becomes clear
why so many of the most distinguished poets and painters chose to
make Provence home.
Along the way, we will sample local wines from the Côtes du
Rhône region which complement a cuisine renowned both for its flair
and freshness. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients the
Provencal gastronomy provides the final piece of what can only be
described as the ultimate bike tour jigsaw.
By its nature, this tour provides scope for participants to ride
as little or as much as they would like. As such this tour is
suitable for non-riders since there are plenty of activities to
keep them busy. It also provides the goal for more experienced
riders to push themselves on our extra loops which include the
‘giant’ of Provence – Mont Ventoux. This is optional of course!
Beppe SalernoCo-Founder
It is a great pleasure to host you in this picturesque part of
Italy! When I started as a bike tour guide in 2000, it was hard to
imagine that active travel would become my career years later. We
started Tourissimo because we pride ourselves on being the experts
at what we do, where we do it. People like you look for phenomenal
experiences, and to package that into a week-long vacation requires
expertise. We know what that should look and feel like, and we know
how to create it.
1- Provencal culture & history 2 - Learn about the sites
painted by Vincent Van Gogh 3 - Explore the UNESCO World Heritage
Site of Pont du Gard 4 - Discover the villages of Saint Remy, Les
Baux, and Gordes 5 - Climb of Mt Ventoux (optional)6 - Introduction
to the regional wines and dishes of Provence7 - The Roman ruins and
old city of Vaison la Romaine
Description
Provence has been inspiring and enchanting its visitors for
centuries. The variety of landscapes is stunning -fields of
lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop villages, Roman ruins and
even snowcapped mountains- and there’s no better way to take it all
in than on two wheels.
We’ll start in the town of Saint Rémy-de-Provence, pass through
Les Alpilles and Luberon, on our way to the cyclist mecca that is
Mount Ventoux. Climbing Ventoux is the athletic challenge of your
tour and it's a great trophy for hardcore, motivated cyclists. But,
the beguiling routes in the mountain’s shadow are more than
sufficient to enjoy great riding and stunning views. Gordes, in the
heart of the Park du Luberon and Saint Rémy, are the quintessential
expression of the Provençal countryside.
With a rich Roman heritage we also visit some of the best
preserved remnants of this great empire on our journey. Interlacing
this are cultural and historical highlights from our more recent
past as well as insights into more distant eras. Cycling through
landscapes painted by Cezanne and Van Gogh it soon becomes clear
why so many of the most distinguished poets and painters chose to
make Provence home.
Along the way, we will sample local wines from the Côtes du
Rhône region which complement a cuisine renowned both for its flair
and freshness. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients the
Provencal gastronomy provides the final piece of what can only be
described as the ultimate bike tour jigsaw.
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Comfort
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
• Airfare• Pre-tour hotel stays and post-tour hotel stays •
Personal expenses such as laundry and cell phone • Guide gratuity •
Ebike upgrade• A gala event as final celebration
Ability LevelThese rides are designedfor recreational
riders.Riders can ride less ormore.Tourissimo uses a 3-levelscale
and this tour wouldaccomodate all three levels. The terrain is
rolling or hilly with some longer climbs on some days.
E-bikes available!
Tourissimo is about meaningful, authentic experiences that are
also educational, yet fun! In designing a tour, and while on tour,
putting the learning experience at the center is what makes
Tourissimo different. Our tour designers and guides know how to
deliver those moments that enrich a vacation and yourself.
The Tourissimo Experience
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
• Professional tour guides throughout the program• All
accommodations in 4 star hotels• All breakfasts, two lunches, and
three dinners• Wine with dinner• Wine tasting at a producer•
Logistical support during the tour and luggage transfer• Guided
walking tour of Pont du Garde • Group shuttle at the beginning and
at the end of the tour• All activities mentioned in the day-by-day
description• Bike rental and GPS navigation
Price
USD 2,895Private room (single supplement) USD 350
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Comfort
Daily Itinerary
The group transfer from Avignon to Saint Rémy-de-Provence takes
about half an hour. If you are already in Avignon, feel free to
make your way to Saint Rémy-de-Provence on your own. After checking
in, we will have time to dream about the days ahead over an
aperitif. But before that we will cover some preliminary logistics
such as bike fitting, and perhaps more arrivals. A warm-up ride can
be arranged in the afternoon.
Day OneSunday
Saint Remy-de-Provence
Daily MileageTBA
Type of terrainFlat
Meals includedD
Hotel TBA
Day TwoMonday
Saint Remy-de-Provenceloop to Les Alpilles & Les
Baux-de-Provence
Daily Mileage32/50 mls
Type of terrainRolling
Meals includedBD
Hotel TBA
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
Our first Provençal ride is on quiet roads among vineyards and
orchards with Les Alpilles in the background. The name of this
mountain range means “small Alps.” The picturesque village of Les
Baux-de-Provence is a medieval gem and it affords some of the best
views of the region. Perched on the hillside, this town of natural
cliffs, lush greenery and ruined castles is legendary. We will
spend some time here to walk around and to take photos. Along the
ride back, you will get a chance to visit the amazing light show of
Carrières de Lumières. If weather allows it, your guides will set
up a picnic at Carrière de Sarragan (quarry). Enjoy the views of
Les Baux from here. Dinner is in our favorite restaurant in
town.
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Comfort
Daily Itinerary
Today’s ride is packed with picturesque views of villages and
thecountryside. We’ll transfer to the famous antiques market in
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This unique town built along five small
islands in the Sorgue River will certainly be an interesting visit.
We start our ride through the exquisite French countryside, past
gold-tinted villages (Fontaine-de-Vaucluse) and colorful fields
into the Alpilles foothills, and prepare for the famous climb to
Gordes. Upon departing Gordes, we cannot miss the Abbaye Notre Dame
de Sénanque, which is often pictured in travel magazines and
postcards with lavender fields in the foreground. We will have a
picnic here in this corner of the Luberon, an area so well
described and immortalized by Peter Mayle in “A Year in Provence.”
Our destination is the historical and lively Vaison la Romaine.
Today is an incredible day of biking as we cross the Rhone
Riverto reach an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our
ridetakes us to the majestic and awe-inspiring Pont du Gard.
Thispiece of Roman architecture was designed to carry water from
aspring in Uzès. The aqueduct bridge is part of the Nîmesaqueduct,
a 50-kilometer (31 mi) system built in the first centuryAD. Because
of the uneven terrain, the mostly undergroundaqueduct followed a
long, winding route that called for a bridgeacross the gorge of the
Gardon River. It was added to UNESCO'slist of World Heritage Sites
in 1985 because of its historicalimportance.Once at Pont du Gard,
we will park the bikes for a walking tour ofthe site with a private
guide. Upon ending the visit, a picnicorganized by the guides will
await in the shade. When we arriveat the hotel we can relax and
enjoy the famous Provençalafternoon light. This evening you are on
your own to discover yourunique corner of St. Remy for dinner
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
Day ThreeTuesday
Loop to Pont du Gard
Daily Mileage23/46 mls
Type of terrainFlat
Meals includedBL
Hotel TBA
Day FourWednesday
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - Gordes - Vaison la Romaine
Daily Mileage35/50
Type of terrainHilly
Meals includedBLD
Hotel TBA
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Comfort
Daily Itinerary
Vaison-la-Romaine is famous for its rich Roman ruins and
mediaeval town and cathedral. It is also unusual in the way the
antique, mediaeval and modern towns spanning 2,000 years of history
lie close together in perfect harmony. You’ll get to explore it as
we spend the next three nights here.Today we make our way to
Gigondas and Sablet, two hilltop villages surrounded by vineyards
in the Côtes-du-Rhône area. In the backdrop the Dentelles de
Montmirail mountains part of the Haut Vaucluse. A visit to a
producer is how we’ll get familiar with this very gifted wine
region. The Côtes-du-Rhône appellation produces mostly red wines,
very little rosé and no whites. The red wines have a ruby or deep
garnet color. Balanced and robust, the predominance of the Grenache
Noir grape gives them a palette of fruity aromas developing towards
more spicy notes. Back to Vaison la Romaine for some free time and
walks around Roman ruins and medieval quarter. Dinner is on your
own (many options).
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
Day FiveThursday
Côtes-du-Rhône
Daily Mileage30 or 55 mls
Type of terrainFlat and Rolling
Meals includedBL
Hotel TBA
Day SixFriday
Mont Ventoux loop
Daily Mileage30 or 45 mls
Type of terrainMountains
Meals includedB
Hotel TBA
Before us stands the impressive Mont Ventoux: 1,912m (6,273 ft)
of foreboding mountain, with its last miles near the top bearing an
astonishing resemblance to the lunar landscape. For those who
attempt the ride, make sure you bring plenty of rain and cold
weather gear: even in the hottest of Provençal temperatures, the
top of Ventoux can seem like the North Pole! The ride goes up the
Tour de France classic side from Bédoin and descent to Malaucène
where you can visit the local bike shops and gift shops for a Mt
Ventoux jersey or gift.It goes without saying that there are going
to be two loop options that do not involve the climb to the top. A
thoroughly explanation of the day the night before will lay down
your options.
Roman ruins and medieval quarter. Dinner is on your own (many
options).
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Comfort
Daily Itinerary
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
Day SevenSaturday
Departure
Meals includedB
After breakfast, a transfer will be arranged to attend the Tour
de France for those who are extending their stay, or to the Orange
TGV train station for those leaving.
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Provence Peloton RR - 7 days - Cycling - Premier
Food and Wine
Arriving and Departing
While as accurate as possible at the time of creation, this
program should be considered an approximate indication of the
schedule and scope of activities and tour routing, rather than an
inflexible schedule.Very occasionally events that are out of our
control mean we have to make some changes, but we'll ensure you
still have the best time!We will do our best to ensure that any
change is communicated as soon as possible. Should our first choice
hotels not be available due to special events, limited space,
renovation, we will offer alternatives of the same standard or
superior, whenever possible.
www.tourissimo.travel - [email protected]
Arriving - Avignon TGV train stationDeparting - Orange TGV train
station
Other transportation - Private group transfer by Tourissimo from
the last hotel to a TdF location TBA
With a strong Italian and Spanish influence the cuisine of
Provence has a distinctive flair that sets it apart from more
classic French fare. Blessed with an abundance of natural
ingredients that flourish in the region, Provence is unsurpassed
for the freshness of its produce and variety of its dishes.
For starters you could try a sweet Cavaillon melon or one of the
classified goats cheeses of the region accompanied with some fresh
figs. Alternatively, you could sample a selection of tapenades on
some crispy hot toast or perhaps you’d prefer a simple but
exquisite pistou (basil) soup.
Moving on you could stay light with a Nicoise salad or if you’d
prefer to sample something richer the regions signature dish
bouillabaisse or daube (beef stew) might suit. As an accompaniment,
the black diamond – truffle- could add an extra complexity to the
mix that is already accented by fragrant herbs and rich olive
oils.
And to finish it off the master Chocolatier Joel Durand in St
Remy could sate your sweet tooth or perhaps the master Nougatier
Boyer of Sault might provide a lighter option. Or just keep it
simple with some anis candles or marrons glaces (crystallized
chestnuts).
Whatever you choose we are sure that you will be blown away by
the freshness and flavours that permeate Provençal cuisine and
that’s before we even start talking about the wines to accompany
it.
Provence is one of France’s serious fine wine regions, on a par
with Bordeaux and Burgundy. The wines from Provence appear under 3
prefixes Coteaux D’Aix en-, Côtes de- and Les Baux de Provence –
all of which you will have a chance to sample on this tour. In
contrast to the cultured power of Bordeaux and the elegance of
Burgundy, Provençal red wines are earthier with an almost rustic
flavour. In this respect they are really interesting since quality
commercial wine making is balanced by a real sense of identity.
