Provence Cycling Weekend

6 days - from $1118

Ride through the rolling hills and lavender fields for a long weekend
Provence 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. Our route takes us north of the Luberon mountain range towards the majestic Mont Ventoux, which standing at almost 2000m has become legendary as one of the most gruelling climbs of the Tour de France. We pass through a number of typical Provencal market towns from the ancient orange clifftop town of Gordes to bright red-ochre village of Roussillon and the old Roman city of Apt. The landscape varies from the rolling hills of the Luberon to the ancient Roman ruins of the beautiful Nesque Gorges before we return to the 'melon town' of Cavaillon.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Cavaillon (accessible by rail from London: see dates and prices box). 2 Follow the flow of La Durance before the first climb of the day through the historic villages of Merindol and Lauris before continuing to the Provencal village of Cadenet, at the foot of the Grand Luberon. 3 Cycle along quiet country lanes and cross over the Luberon mountain range, passing through the hilltop village of Bonnieux and Apt in the heart of the Luberon Nature Reserve on our way to our base for the next two nights in Gargas, near to Roussillon. 4 Free day. Today you have the choice of a gentle circular ride around the famous towns of Gordes and Roussillon or for the ultimate challenge, we have the opportunity to climb almost 1200m to the summit of Mont Ventoux, a legendary section of the Tour de F 5 Ride through a variety of pleasant scenery and delightful villages on our way back to Cavaillon. 6 End Cavaillon.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 35km (22 miles) No of cycling days: 4 (including 1 optional ride) Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: Hilly region with a few gradual climbs and some rugged terrain passing through quiet villages and countryside.
Group size: Self guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided.
Accommodation: 5 nights in 2 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools.
Food: All breakfasts and 1 dinner included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $280.00
Trip Reference: LSL
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Start any Thursday from 15 March to 18 October 2012Starting 11 June -1 6 September GBP669Prices are land only and do not include travel from LondonSupplement for single traveller GBP375 (includes single room supplement)Return rail travel to Cavaillon, prices on requestLow cost flights to Marseille available with Easyjet and RyanairBike Hire France: 21 speed Cannondale hybrid bikes GBP60, paid on booking
Trip Reference: LSL