HAUTE PROVENCE - Great Explorations

Transcription

GREAT EXPLORATIONS | HAUTE PROVENCE | 1
Great Explorations
H AUTE P R OV E N CE
CYCLING ∙ 8 DAYS
Tel: 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1845 | Email: info@great-explorations.com | Website: http://www.great-explorations.com
HAUTE PROVENCE
Cycling ∙ Tour 8 Days
You’ll know it as soon as you enter it, you’ll recognize the unmistakable pace
of ease, you’ll smell the unforgettable comfort of lavender, you’ll see the telltale
red-tile roofs and you’ll hear the fabled whispers of cicadas; this is Provence,
in all its unqualified beauty. Provence’s borders stretch a vast swath of land
of southern France and the wealth of diverse scenery here is mind blowing.
From its glitzy Mediterranean coasts you can head to snow-capped Alpine
mountains, its dense holm oak forests open to vast stretches of scrublands,
and from the western Mistral to the southern Marin, even Provence’s
elemental changes have borders.
The Haute Provence, rich in natural contrasts, is where lavender fields and
bastides meet the ski slopes of snow-tipped Alps. Luberon Valley is the land
of Van Gogh’s golden light, Peter Mayle’s Provence and Cézanne’s patchwork
greens. Its most beautiful lavender fields run in long rows, neat as hedges,
smacking upside forbidding stone walls of 12th Century abbeys, tumbling
over drumlins and meeting the deep blue horizons. The Vaucluse heritage,
rich in man’s religious and engineering influence for centuries, is where peace,
war, nature and mastery have left an indelible mark on the land and culture.
This is deep Provençal territory. Along with it comes some of the region’s most
scenic challenges nature could conjure up.
The scenery that unfurls along our chosen route could be taken right out
of a Van Gogh or Cézanne painting. Lavender rows and cypress tree spires,
yellow fields and the golden light of the lowering sun, swirling cloud froths set
against impossibly-blue ceilings. We invite you to explore a masterpiece with
your own eyes, create your own impressionistic memories and engross yourself
in voluptuous Provençal pleasures.
DATES
2014
May 23-30
Sep 21-28
LEVEL
Moderately Challenging
This trip is not suitable for novice
cyclists. It offers hills every day of
moderate to challenging difficulty,
but the regular rides are not overly
long (optional extra distance is
possible). Some passes are as high
as 735 meters and Mount Ventoux
is 1,909 meters if you choose to
climb it. You spend two nights
in two locations providing the
opportunity to take a day off from
cycling for those wishing a break.
Cycling average: 55km/33miles.
TRIP SIZE
8-16 participants
TOTAL DAYS
8 days/ 7 nights
ARRIVE/DEPART
Vaison La Romaine - Crillon/
Bedoin
WEATHER (VAISON LA ROMAINE)
Montelimar
Le Poet Laval
Average Daily High
°C
°F
January10
50
February 1254
March16
61
April18
64
May23
73
June27
81
July30
86
August30
86
September 25 77
October 2068
November 13 55
December 1050
Nyons
Buis
les Baronnies
Vaison la Romaine
START
ER
RIV
ES
Gigondas
U
YG
L’E
Mont Ventoux
Orange
Bedoin
FINISH
Chateauneuf
du Pape
Sault
Carpentras
Uzes
Pont du Gard
RH
GARD RIVER
O
NE
RIV
ER
Pernes
les Fontaines
Avignon
Fontaine
du Vaucluse
L’Isle sur la Sorgue
DU
RA
NC
E
Murs
Roussillon
Gordes
RIV
ER
Nimes
Apt
Menebres
Saint Remy de Provence
Les Baux
de Provence
Arles
ITINERARY
AVIGNON
Day 1
Arrival day
Picturesque Vaison-la-Romaine, split
in two by the Ouvèze River, is filled
with ancient ruins loomed over by the
watchful Coline du Château.
Day 2
Le Poët-Laval
You’ll see your destination in the
distance miles before you reach its
steep entrance road. Le Poët-Laval,
one of the most beautiful villages
in France, sits atop a craggy hill
overlooking the beautiful Jabron
Valley in the heart of the Baronnies
Mountains. Uniquely, no cars are
allowed within the village, evoking
its Medieval origins. A centre for
Protestantism, Le Poët-Laval is home
to the oldest temple in France. Your
hotel here has a long history entwined
with the Knights Templar. Unpack and
relax, you’re here for two glorious
nights. Cycling distance: 60km/36mi;
625m.
Day 3
Le Poët-Laval
Enjoy the bygone-era ambience of
Le Poët-Laval this morning before
embarking on a delightful day ride
to the pottery centre of Dieulefit.
The potteries at Dieulefit date back
2,000 years and today some 30
potters and ceramic artists continue
this long and rich tradition. You’ll also
visit Bourdeaux today and the ruined
castle of Soyans. Cycling distance:
55km/33mi; 520m.
Day 4
Buis-les-Baronnies
Buis-les-Baronnies beckons, today.
This spectacular ride crosses through
the valleys of six different rivers, with
high hills and two passes in between.
If legend is to be believed, these are
same hills Hannibal led his elephants
over during his crossing of Italy in the
Second Punic War 218 BC. You might
not see elephants today but you will
marvel at such sights as gorges and
isolated chapels, vineyards, orchards
and lavender fields characterize the
scenery. Once again, unpack and
relax, you’re here for two glorious
nights. Cycling distance: 56km/33mi;
840m.
Day 5
Today’s adventure is simply
spectacular, so make sure your
batteries are charged in your camera
and sense of awe. The route takes
you through olive country; these
mountains grow the best Nyon olives.
Ride in the shadow of looming Mount
Ventoux to fortified Brantes, to the
stunning spa town of Montbrun-lesBains, one of the 100 most beautiful
villages of France, then the massive
gorges of Toulourenc Valley. It’s a
perfect spot for a walk or a picnic.
Cycling distance: 60km/36mi; 670m
/ 28km/17.mi; 620m / 44km/27.5mi;
550m.
Day 6
Sault-en-Provence
En route to fragrant Sault today you
visit Mollans-sur-Ouvèze with its
lovely high-arched bridge, marked
on each side by a tower and a tiny
chapel. Sault-en-Provence is known
the world over as the lavender
capital, coated in rolling fields of the
aromatic, purple stuff. It’s also home
to Provence’s most famous maker of
nougat, André Boyer. A perfect postride snack, non? Cycling distance:
47km/29mi; 726m / 37km/23mi;
670m.
Day 7
Bédoin
Ever fancied testing yourself on the
pro circuit? Today’s route provides
such a satisfying challenge – Les
Gorges de la Nesque.
It’s a popular cycling route with
locals and tourists for its spectacular
scenery, long but gentle 3% grade and
lack of vehicular traffic. It also leads to
one of the most infamous mountains
in the world for cycling enthusiasts,
Mont Ventoux.
You have the opportunity to tackle
this bare-chested monster as Bédoin
sits at the bottom of its 1,909-meter
moonscape summit. Trust us, the
views from the top and inevitable
descent are more than worth it. The
descent will be chilly so take an extra
layer to put on at the top.
Cycling distance: 50km/31mi; 1140m /
43km/27mi; 345m.
Day 8
Enjoy your last day of your tour of the
Haute Provence before embarking on
your next adventure.
COST (CURRENT YEAR)
USD $3250
Includes: 7B/2L/5D
Single supplement USD $600
Bike Rental USD $180
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
∙Services of one or more
experienced Great Explorations
guides and support vehicle
∙Seven nights lodging
∙All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
∙ Bike rental
∙Entrance fees for selected
historical sites and museums
∙Detailed map and route
instructions
∙All baggage transportation
∙All transportation from initial
meeting point to final drop-off
(see arrive/depart cities)
READY TO RESERVE?
∙Call or email Travel Advisor with
any remaining questions and to
reserve your space 1.800.242.1925
∙Reserve your flights to and from
the region
∙Book your night before hotel,
if necessary
∙Consider travel insurance
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hôtel Beffroi
Hôtel Beffroi
Vaison-La-Romaine
Located in the Medieval village, this
glorious château built in 1554 is in
one of the most beautiful mansions
in the Old City of Vaison It features
unique architecture within its walls,
a swimming pool and incredible
panoramic views of the surrounding
countryside.
Hôtel Les Hospitaliers
Hôtel Les Hospitaliers
Le Vieux Poët-Laval
Nestled in one of France’s most
romantic villages in the hills of
northern Provence. Guests can see
dramatic countryside across the
valley from the terraces or swim in the
private swimming pool.
Le Lion d’Or Les Arcades
Le Lion d’Or Les Arcades
Buis-les-Baronnies
Built in 1661, this unique residence has
lovely gardens, a swimming pool and
jacuzzi ready for the aching muscles
of travelling cyclists.
Hostellerie Val de Sault
Sault
This charming residence is ideally
situated on a large verdant property
overlooking the Giant of Provence,
Mont Ventoux. It offers a tennis court,
outdoor and indoor pools, plus a
fitness room and jacuzzi.
Hostellerie Crillon le Brave
Hostellerie Val de Sault
Hostellerie Crillon le Brave
Crillon le Brave
Located in a tiny hillside village, it is
surrounded by vineyards, olive trees
and lavender fields. This Relais &
Chateaux hotel is listed by Travel and
Leisure as one of the top 500 hotels
in the world.
The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate
alterations. ©Great Explorations. Revised November, 2013.
OUR BICYCLES
The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is
the premier bicycle manufacturer in North America and Europe. We also
maintain a fleet of Van Nicholas Mistral titanium race bikes in Provence.
Our Cannondale hybrid bikes in the Provence are new Quick Speed 2
performance hybrids with components as follows:
• Frame: aluminum; carbon forks
• Crank: Shimano 105 5700 50/34
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 5700
• Tire: 700 x 28C
• Saddle: Cannondale Quick Speed Ergo
Racing bikes (dropped handlebar) models are as follows:
Supersix 5 105 carbon frame with components as follows:
• Components: Shimano 105
• Crank (double): 50/34
• Rear Cogs: Shimano 105 5700, 12-27
• Seat: Cannondale C3 alloy
Synapse 5 105 model with synapse alloy frame and components are follows:
• Components: Shimano 105 • Crank: 50/39/30
• Rear cogs: 12-32
• Seat: Synapse
Van Nicholas Mistral titanium bikes (54 cm; 56 cm; 58 cm; 60 cm sizes)
• Components: Shimano 105 • SRAM Elita Compact Crankset, 50/34T
• Rear Cogs: Shimano 105 CS-5700 Cassette, 12-25
* there is an additional fee for the Van Nicholas bikes of $200
All bikes come with pump, tire levers, spare tube, water bottle carrier
etc. Hybrid bikes come with handlebar bags and rear racks; racing bikes,
come with map case but not a rear rack. We tune each bike prior to your
arrival so that it is ready to ride for you.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Your tour starts in Vaison-la-Romaine, about 650
kilometers southeast of Paris, due east of Orange. Access
is via either Orange or Avignon. Both can be reached via
the TGV (high speed rail network of France), 2h10 from
Paris. Transfer to Vaison is via bus or taxi. We provide you
with more detailed instructions about reaching your start
point and departing your end point.
BON APPÉTIT
It won’t take you long to figure out the people of Provence
are serious about the gardens, their vines and their food.
Gastronomy is an art from here, but “local” is a way of life,
not some 21st Century trend. It’s all about sense of place,
terroir, for them. If they don’t know whose goat made that
cheese, whose lamb shank is melting in their oven or who
pressed the olive soaking their bread, it isn’t on their table.
Staples are seasonal so what you eat will depend on the
season you travel here. Try every morsel you can, it’s all
Great Explorations Recommended!
The Baronnies Mountains house an AOC quality olive, you’ll
see the orchards all over this region and their fruits lacing
the menus of this region. The small, jet-black Nyon olive is
salty and bitter but mild in taste and generally dry-cured
before being packed in olive oil.
DID YOU KNOW?
Possibly the most well known Dieulefit potter is Guillaume
Bardet, famous for his extravagant 365 project. Undertaken
with the skill and art of a dozen Dieulefit potters and
ceramic artists, he created a unique piece of art every day
for an entire year. It won the 2011 Bettencourt Prize for
Intelligence of the Hand. Guillaume and his contemporaries
can be found hard at work in their Dieulefit studios.
For the year-round adventure seekers in the group Buisles-Baronnies will please you all. It’s a busy 4-season
destination offering a dizzying variety of sporting
adventures for all: cycling, hiking, mountaineers, caving,
skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and canyoning.
The possibilities of adventure travel here are endless.
While scaling cycling legend Mount Ventoux, Tom Simpson
lost his life in 1967. He famously asked spectators to place
him back on his bike, he rode for just a short time before
falling for the final time one mile before the summit. Dead.
His memorial sits just below the summit at the place he
finally succumbed to its gruelling elements.
The wines of Provence are Greek in origin, arriving
sometime around 600 BC with the founding of Marseille.
Boasting the oldest vines in France, today the region
is well regarded for its dry rosé production. A perfect
summer drink and why not enjoy the world’s best. Stalwart
Châteauneuf-du-Pape deserves a mention in any wine talk
simply by virtue of its history. Relieved of its papal duty
but remaining the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine, this
red wine is thick, rich and powerful. It’s not to everyone’s
taste but we think sampling a wine on its ancestral soil
makes the experience that much sweeter.
A must-taste specialty, in our opinion, is the mellow and
fragrant miel de lavande. You’ll no doubt experience one
or two local markets during your tour where you can pick
up a jar or three of this aromatic delicacy. Apart from
pottery, Dieulefit is also known for its picodon production,
a delicious goat cheese – perfect on an omelette topped
with truffle shavings.
OUR CONNECTION
In 1983, I flew to Europe with a bicycle and spent 6
months cycling through France. After several weeks, I
remember arriving to Provence and thinking I had found
nirvana; cycling from St. Remy to Les Baux and over to
Gordes and the hill-towns that make up the Luberon
on a day in late fall, with the wine harvest on, I made
a note to self- come back here. Two years later, I did
and began guiding trips (full disclosure- I guided for
B&R for 18 years before starting Great Explorations). In
1989 Peter Mayle’s best-selling novel about his ‘Year in
Provence’ was published and the region suddenly (and
deservedly) became a favourite place to sojourn , if not
for a year, at least for a week. Cyclists love the region
because there are so many options for riding- from
gently rolling roads through vineyards, to moderate
climbs to charming villages. We have three different
trips in the region (people often want to return!) Provence, Provence South, and Haute Provence. The
differences between these are subtle. The Provence trip
starts from Vaison le Romaine (northwest of Avignon)
with overnights also in Pernes les Fontaine, and Gordes.
All cycling levels can be accommodated here (Mt.
Ventoux is an option on one day), but generally, the
riding is easy-going/moderate The Provence South trip
starts from Avignon and is rated moderate, but would
be slightly hillier and stays in villages of Uzes, St. Remy
and Gordes. Haute Provence is for those that want to
challenge themselves- the rides are longer with more
climbing and this region, to the north of Mt. Ventoux is
a more remote (un-touristed) part of Provence. I have
guided hundreds of trips in the region, I enjoy them
all equally.
In 2010, with my wife and two children, we decided to
live for 6 months in France and it was an easy decision
to choose Provence (we lived in Bedoin, at the foot of
Mt. Ventoux). For us, it remains a favourite destination
and always will.
Robbin McKinney, Great Explorations

HAUTE PROVENCE - Great Explorations

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