52 France
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (5 nts) TRANSPOR T Bicycle MEALS 5 Breakfasts,
1 Dinner BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included,
optional activities & personal spending DEPAR TS Every Thu GUARANTEE
Departure guaranteed NOTES 1. Please note that a variance in our standard
booking conditions applies to this trip. Departures may only be confirmed 4
weeks before the scheduled start date of your trip, rather than the standard 60
days. We recommend that you make no non-refundable travel arrangements
until your trip has been confirmed. 2. This trip is self guided and there is no
group leader. Luggage is transferred, and route notes and maps are provided.
TRAVELLER RA TING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary
Cyclist in Provence, France
Provence Cycling Weekend
Departs every Thursday
DEPARTURE
GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Cavaillon Arrive in the prosperous
Roman colony of Cavaillon and explore the beauty of this French
agricultural centre. Sample some of the town's famous melons in
the summer months, or follow a picturesque path to the top of
St-Jacques Hill for stunning views over the region. Day 2 Cycle
to Cadenet Follow the flow of the River Durance before climbing
through historic Merindol and Lauris - where the views from the
escarpment take in the stunning Durance Valley. Cycle to the
Provencal village of Cadenet and spend the evening at leisure
exploring the old village at the base of the cliffs, or venture up to
the ruins of the ancient chateau. Days 3-4 Cycle to Gargas Cycle
through the lavender fields and tree-lined lanes of the Provencal
countryside while traversing the Luberon mountain range. Visit
the quaint hilltop villages of Bonnieux and Apt in the heart of the
Luberon Nature Reserve. Continue through to Gargas and enjoy a
free day of cycling or sightseeing. For the die-hard cyclists on the
ride, why not step up to the ultimate challenge and push to the
summit of Mt Ventoux, one of the most gruelling sections of the
Tour de France? Days 5-6 Cycle to Cavaillon On the way back
to Cavaillon, perhaps take a detour to the ancient city of Gordes.
Energetic riders should venture to the town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue,
also known as the ‘Venice of Provence’, with its narrow canals and
stunning Baroque church, Notre Dame des Anges. Those wishing
to ride at a more leisurely pace may opt to travel through rolling
meadows and Provencal villages on the final leg of the tour.
Mont Ventoux
(optional)
Roussillon
Gargas
Avignon
Gordes
Apt
Cavaillon
Bonnieux
Merindol
Cadenet
FRANCE
PHYSICAL
CULTURAL
• Cycle breathtaking
routes along the
River Durance
• Discover delightful
hilltop villages
• Attempt one of the
Tour de France’s epic
climbs at Mt Ventoux
Magical mountains…
Still craving more
alpine adventure?
See trip code AZXF to
tackle the Classic Cols
of the Tour de France.
Loire Cycling Weekend
ORIGINAL
FRANCE
5 days, ex Amboise
Chaumont-sur-Loire
Departs every Thursday
DEPARTURE
GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Amboise Discover the rich, medieval
history of Amboise, nestled on the banks of the Loire River. Visit
the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci inside the majestic Amboise
Castle or indulge in the many gastronomic delights of the region.
Day 2 Cycle to Cour Cheverny Cycle along tranquil, country
roads and through sleepy, rural hamlets to Cour-Cheverny. Admire
the turreted rooftop of the Chateau de Fougeres-sur-Bievre and
visit the fascinating 19th-century public laundry. Day 3 Cycle
to Chaumont sur Loire Take the scenic route via the village of
Bracieux and visit the breathtaking Chateau de Chambord - often
referred to as a ‘Renaissance masterpiece’ - or perhaps choose to
embark on a shorter route along the Beuvron River to Les Montils
to discover its quaint, old houses and ancient stone archway.
Visit the 11th-century Chateau de Chaumont. Day 4 Cycle to
Amboise Enjoy a final spin across the bountiful Loire Valley to
reach another jewel of the region. Chateau de Chenonceaux - the
most romantic of all the Loire chateaux - sits majestically on the
edge of Cher River, allowing its stunning impression to be reflected
in the still water below. Admire the fantastic Renaissance influence
of the current facade, resplendent with ornate archways and high
turrets. Enjoy open, rolling scenery on the final journey back to
Amboise. Day 5 Amboise Stroll through the picturesque streets
of Amboise or perhaps visit the legendary Clos Luce - where
wonderful and wacky inventions of the enigmatic Leonardo da
Vinci are on permanent display.
Cour-
Cheverny
Tours
Amboise
Chenonceaux
PHYSICAL
CULTURAL
• Taste the Loire region’s
gastronomic delights
• Cycle down quiet
country lanes dotted
with farmhouses
• Stop by a fascinating
19th-century
public laundry
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (4 nts) TRANSPOR T Bicycle \MEALS 4 Breakfasts,
3 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included,
optional activities & personal spending DEPAR TS Every Thu GUARANTEE
Departure guaranteed NOTES 1. Please note that a variance in our standard
booking conditions applies to this trip. Departures may only be confirmed 4
weeks before the scheduled start date of your trip, rather than the standard 60
days. We recommend that you make no non-refundable travel arrangements
until your trip has been confirmed. 2. This trip is self guided and there is no
group leader. Luggage is transferred, and route notes and maps are provided.
TRAVELLER RA TING Not applicable as this is a new itinerary
Cyclists in Loire, France
• Visit the breathtaking
Chateau de Chambord
• Fall in love with the
romantic Chateau de
Chenonceaux
• Admire Renaissance
architecture
