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CVP
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Vélo en Provence
8 days Hotels Cycling through the Best of Provence
Itinerary Day 1 Eurostar and train from London to Avignon via Lille and Lyon; transfer Orange. 2 Cycle Chateauneuf du Pape for included winetasting; return to Orange via Caderouse. 3 Head east via village of Cameret sur Aigues and vineyards to Seguret; short detour to Gigondas for views of limestone pinnacles. 4 Free in Carpentras; optional trip to Avignon or various optional cycle rides. 5 Cycle to St Remy en Provence via Pernes le Fontaine. 6 Continue to Arles via Alpilles; option to visit Barbegal Mill Montmajour Abbey. 7 Optional ride into the Carmargue to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. 8 Transfer to Avignon; train to London via Lille. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included. See p45. Bicycles: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 Rest days or optional rides Grade & Terrain: Graded B, moderate (with additional optional moderate to strenuous routes). We cycle along quiet country roads through quintessential Provencale scenery enjoying great food and wine along the way. The route is mainly undulating but with several hillier sections, thus you should be a regular cyclist to get the most from the tour. We cover approx. 164km over 4 days, averaging around 42km per day, however a further 80km (over 2 days) are possible. You can ride independently or with group members. 95% on tarmac and 5% on gravel/clay. The only day that has the gravel/clay section is on the last optional day ride onto the Camargue. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
35km 46km 40/60km 48km 35km 47km
Senanque Abbey CYCLE GRADE B
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 8 days from London (Sat-Sat) 2008 deps 17 May-24 May 31 May-07 Jun 30 Aug-06 Sep 06 Sep-13 Sep 2009 deps 23 May-30 May 06 Jun-13 Jun Train Incl 599 599 599 599 Train Incl 629 629 Land Only 479 479 479 479 Land Only 499 499
Encompassing the evocative plains of the Camargue, the culturally rich area surrounding Roman Arles and the lush, rolling hills of the Luberon, our route takes us to the very heart of Provence. Cycling a daily average of 42kms we have plenty of time to explore the regions amazing heritage: the ancient bories (stone houses) of the Luberon, the magnificent Roman remains of Arles, the fine Romanesque abbeys of Montmajour and Senanque. Plus the more recent legacy of Van Gogh and other impressionist painters, many of whose works were inspired by the sensual countryside of Provence.
Winelands of Provence We start our explorations from Roman Orange with a ride south to the celebrated vineyards of Chateuneuf du Pape, where
there is time to enjoy a tasting of this famous wine. Returning via the rampartencircled village of Caderouse you may decide to visit Oranges famous theatre and triumphal arch. Next we head through more vineyards towards Carpentras and an opportunity to take in Gigondas for outstanding views and a chance to enjoy its Grenache wines. The Luberon: Heart of Provence Our time in Carpentras gives several options. For those that would like a further ride we can recommend cycling east of town where Les Plus Belles Villages can be found quintessential Provence! From here its not far to Senanque to see the Cistercian abbey. Alternatively Avignon is close by, its famous bridge just one of many attractions. Leaving Carpentras we now head southeast through pretty Pernes le Fontaine, where more than 40 ancient fountains can be found, then over the Durance river to the narrow streets of Noves and on to St Remy de Provence.
Vélo en Provence Ref CVP
Train From/To London via Lille
Seguret Dente lle Cameret sur Montm s de irail Aigues Gigondas ORANGE Vacqueras Caderouse
Chateauneuf du Pape Wine tasting
CARPENTRAS
Pernes Gordes Le Thor Rousillon Optional visit
P R O V E N C E
Avignon Optional visit
R hô n
ST REMY DE L u b e r o n Les PROVENCE Baux D ur a n ce Des
Fontvielle
e
Alp
ille
ARLES
s
FRANCE
C a m a r g u e Etang de Vaccares
Les Saintes Maries de la Mer Optional visit
Mediterranean Sea
km 0 30
Land Only tour: 8 days - start Orange day 1 (Sat), end Arles day 8 (Sat) Plus Local Payment: ¬140 (approx £95) payable Orange These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
Cycling through the vineyards
Into the Carmargue From St Remy we ride as ever along our favoured minor backroads this time around the base of the Chaines des Alpilles where many orchards are planted. We can pause at the remarkable 2nd century Barbegal Mill and wander through the stunning Montmajour Abbey before we reach Arles, onetime home of Van Gogh. South of the town the Rhone delta forms the wild lands of the Camargue, famous for their pink flamingos, black bulls and wild horses. A fabulous ride takes us southwest through the wetlands to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer the perfect end to a week discovering the many different faces of Provence.
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For latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk
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