5th-12th JULY 2009

Getawaybybike is pleased to offer a limited number of self guided trips incorporating Stage 3 of the 2009 Tour de France, Marseille - La Grande-Motte: 196km.

TRIP DETAILS:
Trip Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Average Daily Distance: 50km (30 miles) to 100km (60 miles) plus per day depending on routes selected
Stays:
2 nights St Remy-de-Provence (5, 6 July)
3 nights Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (7, 8, 9 July)
2 nights Vaison-la-Romaine (10, 11 July)
Dates: 5 July – 12 July 2009
Start: St Remy-de-Provence (transfer from Avignon TGV Station)
Finish: Vaison-la-Romaine (transfer to Avignon TGV Station)
Accommodation: Luxury hotels in traditional Provençal villages
Group Size: Minimum 2 people; maximum 8 people
Cost: AUD$3750/person (riders), AUD $3400/person (non-riders)
Deposit: AUD $1000/person - Reserve now

Inclusions

• Seven nights accommodation in luxury hotels in traditional Provencal villages, breakfasts daily (taxes included)
• Transfers between the train station (or airport) and hotels
• Transfers to and from the stage course of the Tour de France (stage from Marseille to La Grand Motte on 6 July 2009)
• Daily luggage deliveries from hotel to hotel
• 3 gourmet dinners and a complimentary bottle of wine
• 1 day’s guided ride or 1 day’s guided sightseeing excursion
• Bike hire (Seven days bicycle hire including free delivery and bike accessories such as helmets, computers, repair kits, water bottles, pumps and locks)
• Comprehensive information pack on arrival, containing day-to-day itineraries, guide book, route maps and directions, travelling information and tourist brochures
• 24-hour back up support and assistance if required, including regular contact with tour guides
• Back-up technical/mechanical assistance with hire bikes

Extra options

Additional Guided Days: Additional cost
Wine Tours: Additional cost

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 – ST REMY DE PROVENCE

Getawaybybike staff will be at the train station (or airport) to meet you and transfer you to your luxury hotel in St Remy-de-Provence. Your hire bikes will be delivered on arrival, as well as your cycling itinerary and information pack. There will be time to put your bike together and have a short shake-down ride if you wish; staff will be on hand to provide technical assistance and support if required. Depending on the time of your arrival, there should also be opportunities to do some sightseeing in St Remy itself.

St Remy-de-Provence, immortalized by Van Gogh and other painters who fell in love with the region, is a charming medieval town, historically rich, prosperous and with a somewhat chic ambience.

Tonight there will be a welcome dinner in St Remy with your tour organisers.

DAY 2 - TOUR DE FRANCE HIGHLIGHT

Today is your chance to catch some of the action of the Tour de France by following Stage 3 which leaves from Marseille and finishes at La Grand Motte. Your tour organiser will collect you from your hotel in St Remy and transfer you to a spot along the course where you can watch the pro’s battle it out. Lunch will be a picnic and at the end of the day your tour organiser will transfer you back to your hotel in St Remy. There will be opportunities to ride the route prior to watching the race.

Free night tonight.

DAY 3 - ST REMY TO FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE (85.6km – 51 miles)

From St Remy-de-Provence, your trip takes you first south to Maussane-les-Alpilles and then back north-east to Mas de la Brune and then over to the pretty town of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. You will travel along picturesque roads, and through quiet Luberon villages before arriving in the stunning hill-top village of Gordes and then continuing your downhill descent into Fontaine. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, famous for its mysterious underground springs and the emerald-green waters of the river that snakes its way through the town, is also home to one of France’s greatest 14th century poets – Petrarch. The “fountain” from which the town derives its name, is not exactly the source of the Sorgue River but the point where the powerful underground river rises from a gaping grotto in the side of the mountain. Your second gourmet dinner of the tour is reserved for night 3. Details are provided in your day-to-day itinerary.

DAY 4 - FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE CIRCUITS

Petit Luberon Circuit (100km – 60 miles)

This is a fantastic circuit through pretty countryside - however it’s a long ride with some steep climbs up into the Luberon villages and through the Luberon National Park; riders should be experienced and have a very good level of fitness for this ride. Recommended stop for lunch - Lourmarin or Lacoste.
Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. From its ochre cliffs, tunnels and canyons streaked with colour from the brightest yellows to the deepest reds, ochre is everywhere in Roussillon and the surrounding countryside. The contrast between the red cliffs, the blue Provencal sky and the thick green of the pines and heather clinging to the wooded summits is both startling and beautiful - it is not surprising that Roussillon has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Classified as one of “the most beautiful villages in France”, Bonnieux is built on a plateau above the valley, its houses spread out on the hill-side in harmonious earth-toned colours and shapes. From afar you will see the 425m church tower well before you actually arrive in the village itself.
The tiny village of Lacoste (just over 400 inhabitants) is another typically charming Provencal village situated in the heart of the Petit Luberon. Its claim to fame is that it is where the famous chateau of the notorious Marquis de Sade is situated.

Free night tonight.

DAY 5 – FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE CIRCUITS

Gorges de la Nesque/Sault (117.5km – 73 miles)

The distance and significant climbing through the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque and up into the villages of Sault and La Roque-sur-Pernes requires that riders have a very good level of fitness for this ride. Suggested stop for lunch is Sault. Situated near the end of one of the gorge systems that cut through northern Provence, is the Gorges-de-la-Nesque, a spectacular rift through the white calcareous rock of the plateau. Although not as huge as the Verdun Gorge, it is still very impressive. This breath-taking winding mountain road, described by locals as a cyclist’s paradise (and you are sure to see why!) takes you through a number of hair-pin bends and turns, all of which offer jaw-dropping views. As you wind your way around the gorge, you will also pass a number of pretty mountain-side villages, including Villes-Sur-Auzon and Monieux before arriving in Sault.
This road is a popular route for motor-cyclists and touring motorists of all descriptions, particularly during the summer months when the crowds head to the cool of the mountains to escape the summer heat. Situated on the border of a great wooded plateau, blooming with lavender, Sault is a very appealing place to indulge the senses. Here is nature in its true glory! The town is surrounded by immense blue/purplish tracks of lavender alternating with fields of wheat for as far as you can see - superb! Free night tonight.

DAY 6 – FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE TO VAISON-LA-ROMAINE

Route 1: Vineyards Route (50km - 30 miles)

From Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, your route takes you northwards, through beautiful sun-drenched country across to Mazan, then Bedoin skirting around the mystical Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. You then continue on past the classic Provencal village of Malaucene and arrive in the old Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine, the jewel of Roman Provence. Steeped in Roman history and rich in architecture, Vaison is a delightful village; its many gorgeous tree-shaded outdoor restaurants and cafes, bustling markets, wine and gourmet festival, and wonderful Provencal boutiques will no doubt tempt you back for another visit!

Route 2: Mont Ventoux Route (86km – 54 miles)

Today is your chance to challenge yourself like the Tour de France professionals as you head across the “Giant of Provence” - Mont Ventoux! For road bicycle racing enthusiasts, the mountain can be climbed by three roads. This route takes you up from Bedoin: 22 km over 1610 m. This is the most famous and difficult ascent. The road to the summit has an average gradient of 7.6%. After you descend down the Malaucene side continue riding through this beautiful sun-drenched corner of Provence, past the pretty villages of Malaucene and Crestet before finally arriving in Vaison-La-Romaine, tired but satisfied! Bedoin is a lovely little agricultural village situated in the heart of the Mont Ventoux region. Spread out over a large area, it comprises several hamlets all of which are blessed by the region’s sunny Mediterranean climate. Bedoin is noted for its AOC wine as well as the high quality fresh fruit and vegetable produced here. Malaucene is the capital of the Ventoux and nestles within the old ramparts. The village is shaped around its ancient fort, which stands at the highest point of the village. The old town is partly surrounded by a remarkable avenue lined with ancient platane trees and its cafes provide a welcome respite for riders. All that remains of Malaucene’s fortified enclosure are a few of the gates. One of these, the Soubeyran gate, was used during the Revolution as a gallows for public hangings.

Route 3: Cotes de Rhone Route (80km – 50miles)

From Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, head north-eastwards, through beautiful sun-drenched country across to Mazan, skirting around the mystical Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux, before arriving in the wine village of Beaumes-de-Venise. Continue on through the heart of the wine growing area passing Vacqueyras and Gigondas before finishing in the old Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine. Over the centuries, Vacqueyras has largely been an agricultural centre, its principal crop being its wine production. With vineyards extending as far as the Dentelles de Montmirail ranges, it produces one of the three major vintages of Cotes du Rhone wines. Although this village has long been regarded as a producer of wines of renown, it was not until 1990 that local wine-growers obtained official recognition for the quality of their wines and were bestowed with the Cotes du Rhone AOC classification. Known the world over for its famous Muscat (and equally distinguished Cote-du-Rhone village reds and whites), Beaumes-de-Venise actually derives its name from the famous prehistoric caves (or Baumes) to be found in the hill overlooking the town. Steeped in Roman history and rich in architecture, Vaison is a delightful village; its many gorgeous tree-shaded outdoor restaurants and cafes, bustling markets, wine and gourmet festival, and wonderful Provencal boutiques will no doubt tempt you back for another visit!

Your third gourmet dinner of the tour is reserved for night six. Details are provided in your day-to-day itinerary.

DAY 7 – VAISON-LA-ROMAINE CIRCUITS

Route 1 : Vallee de Toulerenc Circuit (70km – 42 miles)

This is a glorious riding route with a great mix of climbing, flat stretches, and descents - all set against a magic scenic mountain back-drop! This circuit will suit experienced riders with a very good level of fitness. Suggested stop for lunch - Brantes (for traditional Provencal fare and unbeatable views).

Route 2: Mont Ventoux Classic (74km – 46 miles)

If you chose not to do Mont Ventoux yesterday then you have one more chance today! Challenge yourself like the Tour de France professionals and tackle the “giant of Provence”! Mont Ventoux is a challenging ride for amateur and professional cyclists alike. This ride should only be attempted by riders who have a very high level of fitness and significant recent mountain climbing experience. Pay particular attention to the sharp corners on the descents. Known as the “Giant of Provence”, Mont Ventoux stands at 1912 meters and is the highest mountain in Provence. The name “Ventoux” derives from the word “vent” for wind and it is indeed windy up at the summit! Although Mont Ventoux looks as if it is perpetually snow-capped, the white stuff is in fact an arid carpet of limestone gravel. The views from the summit are spectacular and, on a clear day, you can see from the Alpes to the Pyrenees

Route 3: Southern Drome (116.5km – 73 miles)

This is a long, but beautifully scenic ride through mainly rolling/hilly countryside with a few steady climbs thrown in. This ride is designed for the experienced rider with a good level of fitness to handle the distance and occasional climbing. There is a nice restaurant at Crupies or, alternatively, take a picnic lunch with you. There are plenty of lovely spots along the way to stop for a picnic. Tonight feel free to dine at one of the many restaurants in Vaison-la-Romaine. You will have probably discovered some hidden gems during your wanderings around this delightful Roman town. What better way to celebrate a memorable trip to Provence than with a glass or two of Cote du Rhone.

DAY 8 – VAISON-LA-ROMAINE

All good things must come to an end and it’s time to say au revoir to beautiful Provence. We hope that your trip has been an enjoyable and memorable one and that we will see you again in the not too distant future!
On your last day our Getawaybybike staff will collect you from your hotel in Vaison-la-Romaine, transfer you to the railway station in Avignon, and assist with your departure.