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.
Day 1: Arrival in Marsanne
Day 2: 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. Dinner and overnight in a charming inn.
Day 3: Around St.-Férréol-Trente-Pas, ~58 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. Dinner and overnight in a charming inn.
Day 4: St.-Férréol-Trente-Pas > La Motte Chalancon, ~36 km
A grandiose stage with striking contrasts: depending on altitude and orientation, you will pass successively from the Mediterranean atmosphere of the Eygues gorges to the Alpine world of the Col de la Pertie. The olive groves and cicadas will give way to the beech forests of Ubac d'Angèle. You're in the heart of the Provençal Baronnies, a unique place where chamois can be spotted in the olive groves, where the concentration of royal eagles is one of the highest in France and on one of the main Griffon vulture nesting sites. Dinner and overnight in a 2-star hotel in the heart of the hamlet of La Motte Chalancon.
Day 5: La Motte Chalancon > Châtillon en Diois ~41 km
A superb transition between the Drôme Provençale and the Diois, begins with the ascent of the Col de Prémol. The long descent that follows takes you to the banks of the River Drôme. When the weather is fine, it might be worth taking a dip in its crystal-clear waters. The second part of your day is spent at the foot of the Vercors cliffs. The narrow winding streets of Châtillon en Diois will delight you. Dinner on your own and overnight in a lovely guest house.
Day 6: Châtillon en Diois > Beaufort sur Gervanne, ~52 km
Today's route takes us to the southern Vercors. The vegetation is more Alpine, with darker green spruce and fir forests. The freshness coming the Alps brings a invigorating touch. The climb up to the Col de La Croix will be rewarded by the wild landscapes you will cross before reach Beaufort sur Gervanne. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in the heart of the hamlet of Beaufort
Day 7: Beaufort sur Gervanne > Marsanne, ~48 km
This final walk will take you to the medieval town of Crest, dominated by the highest keep in France. A visit to the narrow streets is a must before heading off over hill and dale to Marsanne. You'll discover the hilltop villages of Chabrillan, Autichamp and La Roche sur Grane, a good time to take in some memories of this grand tour of the Drôme. Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel.
Day 8: Departure
