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BICYCLE FRANCE |
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Provence, la vie en rose
Day One: Pont du Gard 19 B.C. Your guides will greet your arrival at Avignon and take you through the countryside to the Gard region, where you will spend two luxurious nights. Toast your welcome with the region’s sparkling wine during your bike-fitting, safety talk and map review, then hop onto your bike to spin slowly through scenic villages to the Pont du Gard aqueduct – one of the grandest structures ever built by the Romans. This feat of engineering genius was built in 19 B.C. to carry water from the nearby town of Uzès to Nîmes, and boasts having the largest main arch of any Roman structure. After this outstanding introduction to the journey ahead, we’ll cycle back to the hotel, where tonight our chef will delight you with his creative presentation of authentic Provençal fare.
Meal: Dinner Destinations visited: Avignon, Pont du Gard & Castillon du Gard or Collias Distance cycled: 33.20 km / 20.6 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 1 ride through poppies in Castillion Day Two: Uzès Loop Vineyards and fortress villages pepper the route to Uzès, a medieval town that is the starting point of the Pont du Gard. Intense full-bodied reds, fine elegant whites and fresh fruity rosés await your tasting pleasure. Have lunch in town, speak with the artisans in their studios, wander through the pottery shops, then continue cycling through the region’s rugged scrubland and villages of Flaux and Valliguieres to arrive at St. Hilaire d’Ozilhan for a tasting. After a fabulous day of biking and sightseeing, join the guides for an exciting game of petanque (local version of bocce) overlooking the Pont du Gard, and then indulge in a fabulous dinner in Castillion du Gard with our darling friend Mario. He is certainly a character and always a favorite among DuViners.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations visited: Uzès, Flaux, Valliguieres, St.Hilaire D’Ozilhan & Castillon du Gard Distance cycled: 33 km / 20.4 miles
"I can’t imagine a better way to see Provence. It’s great to be physically active on vacation." Jeff Oringer and Linda Kleeman Day Three: Gard – Les Baux de Provence Cycle past rustic stone churches and through rural countryside before crossing the Rhône River. Climb a beautiful slope to the Abbey de St.-Michel-de-Frigolet where we will enjoy a gourmet picnic. Through the villages of Gravenson and Maillane, past craftsmen hand-painting the tiny santons (traditional in Provence since the 18th century), we will arrive at Les Baux de Provence. Among some of the most spectacular views in the region, natural cliffs and lush greenery lead up to the ruins of a fortified castle. Back at our stunning accommodations, relax by the pool in a grove of olive trees. Tonight is your choice for dinner, but you are warmly invited to join the guides at the famed “Chez Brun”, our favorite local pizzeria, where our friends Colette and Bruno have re-invented the pizza.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic Destinations visited: St.Michel de Frigolet Abbey, Gravenson, Maillane & Les Baux Distance cycled: 48.50 km / 30 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 3 very happy pampering at Hameaux des Baux Day Four: St. Rémy Loop Start with a ride through the crumbling remains of the Roman market town of Glanum - marked by a large Roman arch and memorial tower – to St. Rémy. The birthplace of Nostradamus and favorite inspiration of artist Van Gogh is now a shopper’s paradise and a great setting for a café lunch. Choose your favorite traditional Provençal print fabrics and ceramic cicadas from the classic outdoor market. Taste the famous olive oils, and visit Van Gogh’s mausoleum before cycling back to the hotel. Tonight, you will experience a real Provence-style meal in Paradou.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations visited: Glanum, St. Rémy de Provence, Paradou Distance cycled: 25.80 km / 16 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 4 serious game of petanque before cocktail hour Day Five: Paradou - Eygalierés Enjoy a hearty breakfast with homemade pain au chocolate, croissants and beignets, and then hop on your bike to cycle through Eygalierés to a hidden gem - Le Mas de la Rose. The owner, Fabianne, has transformed this unique villa into a truly luxurious and exclusive place to relax. After our private picnic in the beautifully serene surroundings, you can join us for an extra ride and wine tasting or just relax by the pool.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner Destinations visited: Paradou, Maussane & Eygalierés Distance cycled: 27.50 km / 17 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 5 private cocktail hour at mas de la rose Day Six: Eygalierés - Avignon After eating a relaxing breakfast surrounded by olive trees, say goodbye to Provence however you see fit. Take a last loop ride around Eygalierés, sip a traditional French café, and finish your shopping in the spectacular village. We’ll see you off at the train station as you head on to your next destination.
Meal: Breakfast Accomplished: Total Satisfaction TRIP TOTAL: 167KM/ 104 MILES, averaging 32km/ 20 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.
Additional Information
Where do we meet on the first day of the Provence bike trip? Your two DuVine guides will meet you at the train station in Avignon on the first morning of the tour. Contact your DuVine tour coordinator at least 60 days prior to your trip; they will book rail tickets for you into the city of Avignon. At this time you can also review with them any pre- & post-travel plans you have or wish to make.
Where does the Provence bike trip finish? We will depart the hotel in the late morning for the train station to catch a TGV train to Paris, or any other destination of your choice.
How do I go about making my travel arrangements? DuVine Adventures is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans. Whether you are looking for a suggestion for dinner in Paris, a beautiful hotel or rail information simply call us at 888-396-5383 or 617-776-4441 or you can email us at info@duvine.com.
What is not included on your Provence bicycle trip? Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way.
How should I tip my DuVine guides? If you appreciate the service your DuVine Adventures guides provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from 150 to 200 euros per guide.
What travel documents will I need for my bike trip? All travelers to France are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport, and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.
What is the weather going to be like in the South of France? May, June, September and October in Provence usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with cool evenings. Rain is rare in Provence but always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear.
What is the average daily mileage? The average daily mileage is about 17-27 miles (26-40km). There will be daily options for riding additional, or fewer miles.
How should I get in DuVine shape?
How should I pack? Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list is enclosed.
A few words and phrases you’ll definitely use in Provence pastis: sweet, anise-flavored apertif, served ice cold aioli: potent garlic spread, for use on toast and served with... bouillabaisse: the region’s most famous and most delicious seafood dish creme brulee: Provence’s favorite custard herbes de provence: a mixture of herbs available in a sachet so you can take a little of Provence home with you promenade digestive: the long walk you’ll feel like taking right after dinner at almost any restaurant in Provence |
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