*** Tours in Provence ***

Provence of the Caesars

Located in the far southeast of France, Provence is known for its lovely Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, the Impressionists, its Papal palace and Roman ruins. Most people are somewhat familiar with this region of France which was made popular by Peter Mayle's best-selling book, A Year in Provence. What many people don't realize is just how diverse are the many areas that comprise Provence, nor how deeply rooted the region's history is in that of ancient Rome.

Provence of the Tour de France

Located in the far southeast of France, Provence is known for its lovely Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, the Impressionists, Roman ruins, and that most famous mountain stage of the Tour de France race, the climb up Mont Ventoux, France's highest peak between the Pyrenees and the Alps. For those who dream of completing a Tour de France mountain stage, this tour incorporates the climb up Mont Ventoux into one of its stages. For those who prefer to leave Tour de France mountain stages to the professionals, however, an incredibly beautiful alternate route is provided.

Tour Dates	See Schedule.
Location	The Provence Region of France. In the deep south of France, the tour begins and ends in Avignon, 3.5 - 4.5 hours from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport by express train. The vegetation, light, and ambiance is Mediterranean. Overnight destinations include Avignon, Gordes, Sault, and Vaison-la-Romaine.
Type	Circuit Tour. This tour is available with standard or gold support.
Terrain	The terrain, like everything about this region, is diverse. While there are lots of ups and downs on this tour (some challenging), you will also enjoy long, relatively flat stretches of effortless cycling.
Length	7 days / 8 nights.
Distance	Total: 173 miles / 279 km. Average per day: 34.6 miles / 55.8 km.

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H I G H L I G H T S

Some of France's most beautiful perched medieval villages -- Gordes, Roussillon, Menerbes, Goult, etc. -- bathed in the warm Provencal sun. The climb up Mont Ventoux, the roof of Provence and location of the popular Tour de France mountain stage. The sheer beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes, vegetation (fields of sunflowers and lavender) and the play of light that so captivated Impressionists like Van Gogh. The charming riverside villages of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine de Vaucluse. The gorges of the Nesque and the Toulourenc Rivers. Vineyards, wine villages, and free wine tasting opportunities. Avignon, the region's most colorful and cultured city, with its medieval wall surrounding the city and its former Papal palace (the popes resided here during the 14th century.)

 

Vineyards and Van Gogh

Located in the far southeast of France, Provence is known for its lovely Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, the Impressionists, its Papal palace and Roman ruins. Most people are somewhat familiar with this region of France which was made popular by Peter Mayle's best-selling book, A Year in Provence. What many people don't realize is just how diverse are the many areas that comprise Provence, nor how deeply rooted the region's history is in that of ancient Rome.

The Many Faces of Provence

Located in the far southeast of France, Provence is known for its lovely Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, the Impressionists, its Papal palace and Roman ruins. Most people are somewhat familiar with this region of France which was made popular by Peter Mayle's best-selling book, A Year in Provence. What many people don't realize is just how diverse are the many areas that comprise Provence, nor how deeply rooted the region's history is in that of ancient Rome.

Tour Dates	You may begin this tour on any day except Sunday. See Schedule for blackout dates and additional tour scheduling details.
Location	The Provence Region of France. In the deep south of France, the tour begins and ends in Avignon, 3.5 - 4.5 hours from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport by express train. The vegetation, light, and ambiance is Mediterranean. Spend 6 nights in Avignon.
Type	Hub & Spoke Tour. This tour is available with standard or gold support.
Terrain	The terrain, like everything about this region, is diverse. While there are lots of ups and downs on this tour (some challenging), you will also enjoy long, relatively flat stretches of effortless cycling.
Length	5 days / 6 nights. Ride as many days as you like. Day trips include options for adding distance and challenge. Day trips can also be shortened.
Distance	Choose from 5 day-trips ranging from 27 - 54 miles (44 - 87 km) in length.
Non-Cycling Options	To serve traveling parties that include non-cyclists, we have partnered with a local outfitter -- Rouge Occitane --  offering a variety of fun and interesting personalized driving tours in the area. These half-day trips include hotel pick-up and return and the exclusive services of a knowledgeable guide. Destinations include many of the sights described in the detailed cycling itinerary below, as well as St Remy, Gordes and Roussillon (see our detailed itinerary for our Provence of the Tour de France tour). Of course, excursions are always open to cyclists who need or want a day out of the saddle!

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H I G H L I G H T S

Marvel at the sheer beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes, vegetation (fields of sunflowers) and the play of light that so captivated Impressionists like Van Gogh. An incredibly varied geography including mountain ranges, semi-arid garrigue, rolling vineyards, and cliff-studded river valleys. Enjoy free wine tasting opportunities nearly everywhere along your route. Explore Roman ruins as impressive as those of Italy; particularly the grand aqueduct of the region, the Pont du Gard, and the Triumphal Arch and amphitheatre at Orange. Perched medieval villages bathed in the warm Provencal sun. Avignon, the region's most colorful and cultured city, with its medieval wall surrounding the city and its former Papal palace (the popes resided here during the 14th century.)

 

*** Tours in Languedoc / Mediterranean Sea ***

Mediterranean Canals & Beaches - 7 Day Version

Located near the border with Spain, France's Languedoc region is true Mediterranean country. Settled by the Greeks and later by the Romans, this region was at the center of Mediterranean civilization at the dawn of the common era. Vineyards, olive orchards, and figs are part of their legacy. For two millennia this region has been a transportation crossroad, first boasting the Via Domita, the great international Roman road connecting Spain with the Alps; and later, in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi, effectively joining the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Our tour in this region follows the course of this great canal -- recently named a United Nations World Heritage Site -- from the incredibly preserved walled city of Carcassonne (also a World Heritage Site) to the splendid Mediterranean sandbar at Sète.

Tour Dates	See Schedule.
Location	The Languedoc Region of France. Near the border with Spain, this is coastal Mediterranean France at its best. This tour begins in Carcassonne, follows the Canal du Midi to Sète, and includes visits to at least 3 golden Mediterranean beaches. Other overnight destinations include Olonzac, Narbonne, and Béziers. From Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, the train to Carcassonne takes about 6 hours. The return train trip to Charles de Gaulle Airport from Sète requires 5 - 6 hours.
Type	Circuit Tour. This tour is available with standard support.
Terrain	Easy, on bike paths with virtually no climbs; mostly off-road cycling on the shaded shore of the canal; some stretches of the path are rugged. Optional rides can add distance and challenge to the tour's itinerary.
Length	7 days / 8 nights.
Distance	Total: 111 miles / 180 km. Average per day: 28 miles / 45 km. Optional day-trip rides provide an additional 86 miles / 138 km of cycling.

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H I G H L I G H T S

The technological marvel of a canal constructed in 1680. The many pont-canals (water bridges) which span the canal to cross intersecting rivers. The "ladder" of 8 locks at Ensérune. The magnificently preserved walled-city of Carcassonne. The huge, shaded promenades in the centers of Narbonne and Béziers. The flamencos and the savage beauty of the Mediterranean wetlands south of Narbonne. The 22 kilometers of pristine beaches that are on the route to Sète. The wide, golden sand beaches outside of Narbonne and Béziers known as Narbonne Plage and Valras Plage, respectively. Vineyards and opportunities for winetastings everywhere. Days of shaded cycling along the canal's towpath.

 

Mediterranean Canals & Beaches - 5 Day Version

Located near the border with Spain, France's Languedoc region is true Mediterranean country. Settled by the Greeks and later by the Romans, this region was at the center of Mediterranean civilization at the dawn of the common era. Vineyards, olive orchards, and figs are part of their legacy. For two millennia this region has been a transportation crossroad, first boasting the Via Domita, the great international Roman road connecting Spain with the Alps; and later, in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi, effectively joining the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Like the longer version of this tour, this tour follows the course of the Canal du Midi -- recently named a United Nations World Heritage Site -- from the incredibly preserved walled city of Carcassonne (also a World Heritage Site), but continues only as far as the ancient Roman capital city of Narbonne.

Tour Dates	See Schedule.
Location	The Languedoc Region of France. Near the border with Spain, this is coastal Mediterranean France at its best. This tour begins in Carcassonne, follows the Canal du Midi to Narbonne, and includes visits to at least 2 golden Mediterranean beaches. Overnight destinations include Carcassonne, Olonzac, and Narbonne. From Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, the train to Carcassonne takes about 6 hours. The return train trip to Charles de Gaulle Airport from Narbonne requires 5 - 6 hours.
Type	Circuit Tour. This tour is available with standard support.
Terrain	Easy, on bike paths with virtually no climbs; mostly off-road cycling on the shaded shore of the canal; some stretches of the path are rugged. Optional rides can add distance and challenge to the tour's itinerary.
Length	5 days / 6 nights.
Distance	Total: 115 miles / 185 km. This includes 66 miles / 106 km of day-trip cycling routes, which are optional.

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H I G H L I G H T S

The technological marvel of a canal constructed in 1680. The many pont-canals (water bridges) which span the canal to cross intersecting rivers. The magnificently preserved walled-city of Carcassonne. The huge, shaded promenade in the center of Narbonne. The flamencos and the savage beauty of the Mediterranean wetlands south of Narbonne. The wide, golden sand beaches outside of Narbonne. Vineyards and opportunities for winetastings everywhere. Days of shaded cycling along the canal's towpath.

 

*** Tours in the Dordogne ***

Castles in the Cradle of Mankind

The region of Périgord is known for its numerous castles, magnificently preserved medieval villages, vineyards, prehistoric cave dwellings, and tranquil river valleys. Located about 300 miles southwest of Paris and about 70 miles east of Bordeaux, Périgord is signature France! The unspoiled, rolling landscape in this region is so heavily forested that it is known as Black Périgord, black for the darkness created by the large tracks of thick forests.  For many years, Périgord has been the region most preferred by vacationers from the United Kingdom and recently, it has become home to many Brits looking for a better way of life. As such, Périgord feels very comfortable to English speakers!

Its long history is everywhere in evidence -- from its medieval villages with their looming castles, largely unchanged after 500 years, to the prehistoric cave dwellings with their 55,000 year old murals -- present day Périgord is rich with reminders of just how long man has found this region to be Eden. The Dordogne River, long the embattled border between France and England, continues to separate the castles of the once rival nations. But you won't find hostilities now. Instead you'll enjoy tranquil cycling along the quiet, scenic roads that connect the splendidly preserved 15th century villages.

Tour Dates	You may begin this tour on any day except Sunday. See Schedule for additional tour scheduling details.
Location	The region of France known as Black Périgord, black for the darkness created by its large tracks of thick forests. Overnight destinations include 5 nights in Sarlat and 3 nights in Montignac. The train trip from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport to Sarlat requires about 7 hours. Because of the time required to make the return trip to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from Montignac, plan to layover at least 1 night in Paris on the back-end of your tour.
Type	Hub & Spoke Tour. This tour is available with standard support.
Terrain	The terrain of this area consists primarily of rolling hills -- from gentle to wicked. The most popular day trip (the castle circuit) however, requires no long climbs. If you're into serious cycling, this tour includes plenty of options to test your meddle!
Length	7 days / 8 nights. Ride as many days as you like. Day trips include options for adding distance and challenge. Day trips can also be shortened.
Distance	Choose from 11 day-trips ranging from 16 - 41 miles (26 - 66 km) in length.
Non-Cycling Options	To serve traveling parties that include non-cyclists, we have partnered with a local outfitter -- MultiTravel Dordogne Specialists -- offering a variety of fun minivan excursions in the area. These day trips include lunch, hotel pick-up and return, and knowledgeable guide. Destinations include many of the sights described in the detailed cycling itinerary below, as well as opportunities to cruise and /or canoe on the Dordogne. Of course, excursions are always open to cyclists who need or want a day out of the saddle!

 

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H I G H L I G H T S

Experience prehistory firsthand as you explore the Font de Gaume and Lascaux II caves, offering the world's finest prehistoric cave paintings, and Les Eyzies with its much-renowned museum, cave, and cliff-dwellings. Explore the Troglodytic cliff dwellings at La-Roque-St-Christophe. Tour magnificent medieval castles (English guided tours available) set along the scenic shores of the Dordogne River. Marvel at some of the world's most beautiful gardens (often located on the grounds of the castles). Relax as you lazily paddle your way down the Vézère River in a canoe. Enjoy free wine tasting opportunities nearly everywhere along your route. Sarlat, perhaps the most extraordinarily restored medieval village in Europe. Delight over some of France's finest wines and tastiest cheeses and fois gras!

 

Black Périgord

The region of Périgord is known for its numerous castles, magnificently preserved medieval villages, vineyards, prehistoric cave dwellings, and tranquil river valleys. Located about 300 miles southwest of Paris and about 70 miles east of Bordeaux, Périgord is signature France! The unspoiled, rolling landscape in this region is so heavily forested that it is known as Black Périgord, black for the darkness created by the large tracks of thick forests.  For many years, Périgord has been the region most preferred by vacationers from the United Kingdom and recently, it has become home to many Brits looking for a better way of life. As such, Périgord feels very comfortable to English speakers!

Its long history is everywhere in evidence -- from its medieval villages with their looming castles, largely unchanged after 500 years, to the prehistoric cave dwellings with their 55,000 year old murals -- present day Périgord is rich with reminders of just how long man has found this region to be Eden. The Dordogne River, long the embattled border between France and England, continues to separate the castles of the once rival nations. But you won't find hostilities now. Instead you'll enjoy tranquil cycling along the quiet, scenic roads that connect the splendidly preserved 15th century villages.

Tour Dates	You may begin this tour on any day except Sunday. See Schedule for additional tour scheduling details.
Location	The region of France known as Black Périgord, black for the darkness created by its large tracks of thick forests. Spend 6 nights in Sarlat. The train trip from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport to Sarlat requires about 7 hours. Because of the time required to make the return trip to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from Sarlat, plan to layover at least 1 night in Paris on the back-end of your tour.
Type	Hub & Spoke Tour. This tour is available with standard support.
Terrain	The terrain of this area consists primarily of rolling hills -- from gentle to wicked. Of course, following each climb, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista and an exhilarating descent. The most popular day trip (the castle circuit) however, requires no long climbs. If you're into serious cycling, this tour includes plenty of options to test your meddle!
Length	5 days / 6 nights. Ride as many days as you like. Day trips include options for adding distance and challenge. Day trips can also be shortened.
Distance	Choose from 8 day-trips ranging from 16 - 41 miles (26 - 66 km) in length.
Non-Cycling Options	To serve traveling parties that include non-cyclists, we have partnered with a local outfitter -- MultiTravel Dordogne Specialists -- offering a variety of fun minivan excursions in the area. These day trips include lunch, hotel pick-up and return, and knowledgeable guide. Destinations include many of the sights described in the detailed cycling itinerary below, as well as opportunities to cruise and /or canoe on the Dordogne. Of course, excursions are always open to cyclists who need or want a day out of the saddle!

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H I G H L I G H T S

Experience prehistory firsthand as you explore Les Eyzies with its much-renowned prehistory museum, Font de Gaume cave paintings, and cliff-dwellings. Tour magnificent medieval castles (English guided tours available) set along the scenic shores of the Dordogne River. Marvel at some of the world's most beautiful gardens (often located on the grounds of the castles). Enjoy free wine tasting opportunities nearly everywhere along your route. Sarlat, perhaps the most extraordinarily restored medieval village in Europe. Delight over some of France's finest wines and tastiest cheeses and fois gras!

 

Wine, Castles, & Cave Paintings

The region of Périgord is known for its numerous castles, magnificently preserved medieval villages, vineyards, prehistoric cave dwellings, and tranquil river valleys. Located about 300 miles southwest of Paris and about 70 miles east of Bordeaux, Périgord is signature France! The unspoiled, rolling landscape in this region is so heavily forested that it is known as Black Périgord, black for the darkness created by the large tracks of thick forests.  For many years, Périgord has been the region most preferred by vacationers from the United Kingdom and recently, it has become home to many Brits looking for a better way of life. As such, Périgord feels very comfortable to English speakers!

Its long history is everywhere in evidence -- from its medieval villages with their looming castles, largely unchanged after 500 years, to the prehistoric cave dwellings with their 55,000 year old murals -- present day Périgord is rich with reminders of just how long man has found this region to be Eden. The Dordogne River, long the embattled border between France and England, continues to separate the castles of the once rival nations. But you won't find hostilities now. Instead you'll enjoy tranquil cycling along the quiet, scenic roads that connect the splendidly preserved 15th century villages.

Tour Dates	See Schedule.
Location	The Périgord Region of France. Overnight destinations include St. Emilion, Bergerac, Limeuil, Montignac, and Sarlat. The train trip from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport to Libourne requires about 4 hours. Because of the time required to make the return trip to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from Sarlat, plan to layover at least 1 night in Paris on the back-end of your tour.
Type	Circuit Tour. This tour is available with standard support.
Terrain	Variable. Long, relatively flat stretches as well as two to three climbs on most days (some challenging). Of course, following each climb, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista and an exhilarating descent.
Length	7 days / 8 nights.
Distance	Total: 157 miles / 254 km. Average per day: 31 miles / 50 km.

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H I G H L I G H T S

St. Emilion, a 1200 year old stone village set amidst the world's most exclusive vineyards. Experience prehistory firsthand as you explore the Font de Gaume and Lascaux II caves, offering the world's finest prehistoric cave paintings, and Les Eyzies with its much-renowned museum, cave, and cliff-dwellings. Explore the Troglodytic cliff dwellings at La Roque St. Christophe. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of the Valley of the Vézère. Relax as you lazily paddle your way down the Vézère River in a canoe. Tour magnificent medieval castles (English guided tours available) set along the scenic shores of the Dordogne River. Enjoy free wine tasting opportunities nearly everywhere along your route. Sarlat, perhaps the most extraordinarily restored medieval village in Europe. Delight over some of France's finest wines and tastiest cheeses and fois gras!

 

The Magical Lot

France's Quercy region is known for the ancient pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, prehistoric cave dwellings, medieval castles and villages, vineyards, forests and geese farms. Immediately east of Périgord, the ancient and proud land of Quercy continues to have a wild, untamed feel. Though adjacent to Périgord, this region has a completely different feel. Dominated by causses (limestone plateaus), this region has very little surface water. Where surface water does exist -- in the form of rivers -- it continues to carve deep canyons into the porous limestone. The result of this geography: strange forests of deep-digging trees, white cliffs, mighty canyons watched over by perched medieval villages, caves (many having hosted prehistoric settlements), underground rivers, and vineyards and orchards planted in every available river valley.

Tour Dates	See Schedule.
Location	France's Quercy region, also known as the Lot. Overnight destinations include Sarlat, Creysse, St. Céré, Rocamadour, and Figeac. The train trip from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport to Sarlat requires about 7 hours. Because of the time required to make the return trip to Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport from Figeac, plan to layover at least 1 night in Paris on the back-end of your tour.
Type	Circuit Tour. This tour is available with standard support.
Terrain	Variable. Long, relatively flat stretches as well as two to three climbs on most days.
Length	7 days / 8 nights.
Distance	Total: 112 miles / 181 km. Average per day: 28 miles / 45 km.

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H I G H L I G H T S

Rocamadour, the beautiful cliff-hanging village that has hosted pilgrims for one thousand years, and continues to do so. A boat ride on the underground river in the Gouffre de Padirac. The gorgeous town of St. Céré, set amidst mountains and canals. The wonderfully preserved medieval quarters of Sarlat, Figeac, and Cahors. The drama of the white cliffs rising from the floor of the Lot Valley. The artist community of the cliff-hanging village of St. Cirq-Lapopie, one of France's most beautiful villages. The widely acclaimed prehistoric cave paintings of Pech-Merle.