Explore northern Provence by bicycle - Coming south they say “Provence starts here!”
This tour is a bit more demanding than the others. But believe us - you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Experience the beauty of the Drome River in Provençal Alps. Small and narrow winding roads, lined with fruit trees, valleys, past villages clinging on to the rocks. Fragrant lavender fields and the singing cicadas accompany you every day. Also on your route is Nyons, the capital of olive oil and the Côte du Rhône vineyards. And back at your accommodation, you can (usually) relax at the swimming pool and savor the local food!
Day 1: Arrival in Marsanne
Day 2: Around Marsanne, ~45 km
A first day of training that will take you from the plain of Montélimar to Mirmande, classified most beautiful village in France. Nearby, the village of Cliousclat also deserves a visit for the charm of its small streets and pottery factories. Thereafter you will cross the beautiful forest of Marsanne by a small sporty and shaded road
Day 3: Marsanne > St.-Férréol-Trente-Pas, ~54 km
You leave the gentle valleys and plunge into the pre-Alps of the Drôme. You pass through some very pretty villages - Pont de Barret and Rochebaudin, then further up the river Roubion, you come to Crupies and Bouvières. Beyond the Col de la Sausse (alt 790m), you enter the mountains of Provence. An atmosphere soaked in the chirping of cicada and fields of Lavender, with the tender green of olive trees covering the gentler slopes of these dry hills.
Day 4: Around St.-Férréol-Trente-Pas, ~57 km
The day begins with a ride up to the Col de Valouse (alt 735m) the high point of today's ride. Then its due south towards the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône through lavender fields and apricot orchards. Captivating visit to the small Provençal town of Nyons, jewel of the celebrated olive oil producing region.
Day 5: St.-Férréol-Trente-Pas > La Motte Chalancon, ~35 km
Unquestionably this will be the most energetic day of your holiday. It’ll also be close to nature with narrow roads winding between arid marl outcrops and through tight valleys. Just as majestic as it is wild, the route will turn and then, suddenly, a hamlet perched atop a hill comes into sight, defying the immensity of solitude all around…
Day 6: La Motte Chalancon > Die ~53 km
Beautiful transition between Drôme Provençale and Diois which will begin with the ascent of the pass of Prémol. The long descent which will follow leads you to the bank of the river Drôme. A bathing in clear waters will not be impossible. You’ll spend the second part of the day at the cliffs of Vercors. Die will know how to hold you in its small alleys.
Day 7: Die > Marsanne, ~64 km
Today you will descend along the river Drôme, at the foot of the Vercors mountains. You will discover the vineyards of the famous Clairette de Die. You will have many opportunities to enjoy the turquoise waters of the river. A bike path will take you to the medieval city of Crest dominated by the highest dungeon in France. A visit of these alleys is necessary before reaching Marsanne.
Day 8: Departure
