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SELF-GUIDED - France
Cycle Provence & the Luberon
Lavender fields of Provence
Grade: B
RIDE PROFILE Av. daily distance: 50km (32 miles) No. of days cycling: 6 (2 optional) Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage is transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: hilly region with a few gradual climbs and a descent on the final days ride. Some rugged terrain passing through quiet villages and countryside. Recommended min. age: 16 TRIP DETAILS Group: self-guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided. Accommodation: 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools. Food: all breakfasts and 4 dinners included.
Follow the scent of lavender fields while riding through the rolling hills of the Luberon to the splendour of Mont Ventoux
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rovence has been inhabited since ancient times and is so named as it was one of the first provinces outside of Roman Italy. The area stretches from the Rhone River in the west to the Alps and Italy in the east, and the landscape is dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields. Cycling along the Durance River we pass through many picturesque market towns and quaint villages. The Durance flows for 320km from the French Alps into the Rhone River, under the shadow of the Luberon and its national park. Amid the lush colours of the lavender fields we make our way towards the majestic Mont Ventoux. Standing at almost 2000m the mountain has become legendary as one of the most gruelling climbs of the Tour de France and the summit offers magnificent views across the plains of Provence. Nestled between Sault and the mountain range are the beautiful Nesque Gorges with many ancient Roman ruins to explore before heading back to the market town of Cavaillon.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Start Cavaillon (accessible by rail from London see dates and prices box). 2 Cycle to Pertuis along the Durance River. We follow the Luberon mountain range from west to east taking in many beautiful villages along the way. 3 Cross the colourful landscape of the Luberon Regional Park. Ride through mountain range on our way to the lavender fields surrounding the charming market town of Forcalquier. 4 Free day. Explore the narrow streets and shady squares of Forcalquier. Alternatively ride a loop to the foot of the Lure mountain and the village of Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues amid clusters of forest and grain fields. 5 A challenging route today gradually climbing on rugged terrain through isolated hamlets with stunning views of Mont Ventoux. Pass through the ancient town of Saint-Christol with its underground caves and eventually reach Sault.
8 DAYS
6 Free day. For a relaxing day ride a circular loop through the Nesque Gorges to some of the most beautiful places in Provence. For the ultimate challenge you have the opportunity to climb almost 1200m to the summit of Mont Ventoux, a legendary section of the Tour de France for over a century. 7 Cycle south across the Vaucluse Plateau, then west through some delightful villages to Cavaillon. 8 End Cavaillon. Take onward travel to London if booked.
Forcalquier
Trip code LSM " 8 days Sat or Thu No Local Payment Start Cavaillon day 1, end Cavaillon day 8 ¤ Start any Saturday or Thursday from 15 March to 25 October ¤ Starting 15 Mar to 07 Jun and 18 Sep to 25 Oct £669 ¤ Starting 12 Jun to 13 Sep £689 ¤ Prices based on 2 persons sharing: compulsory single supplement £130 ¤ Supplement for single traveller £225 ¤ Prices are 'Land only' and do not include travel from London ¤ Return rail travel to Cavaillon, prices on request ¤ Low cost flights to Marseille available with Easyjet and Ryanair ¤ Insurance £26
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BIKE HIRE
France: 21 speed Cannondale hybrid bikes £60, paid on booking
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FOR TRIP NOTES AND AVAILABILITY ENTER THE TRIP CODE IN THE SEARCH BOX ON THE EXODUS HOME PAGE
To book call 0845 863 9626 or visit www.exodus.co.uk
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