Cycling in Provence – Alps

Itinerary: Cycling in Provence – Alps

Day 1: Arrival Marseille ; Transfer to Provence – Alps (670 m).
Pick up at Marseille airport or train station around midday and transfer to your Cycling in Provence base (1 hour 30 min). You will be based in the Provençal village of Clamensane, on the old Marseille route from the Alps to the coast, in a quiet and unspoilt environment and the ideal spot for Cycling in Provence and the Alps. Meet with your guide in the evening to present the tip and prepare your bikes.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Ride the hills and villages of Provence Alps.
Your cycling in Provence trip starts from the hotel and enjoy a loop ride through valley to the quaint village of Bayons, with its Roman church classed as a historic monument since 1891! From Bayons, pass through the spectacular narrow rocky gap in the mountains known as the “Clue de Bayons” and on to the the Col des Sagnes (1182 m, 548 m climbing) a beautiful mountain pass at the end of a quiet valley. The col climbs from the banks of the torrent in a series of swithcbacks, known locally as the “Tourniquets” before descending to the charming village of Turriers. Return via the Provençal village of la Motte du Caire.
For those seeking a bit more, possible challenging extension to the Mont Colombis (1727m) an 11km climb from Remollon with more than 1000m ascent; although short it’s known as one of France’s more difficult cycling climbs
Breakfast and Dinner incl. Lunch not incl.
Day 3: Cycling in Provence loop ride to Sisteron and the Lure Mountain.
Start from the hotel and enjoy a superb loop ride to the foot of the mountain of Lure. From Clamensane the road is fast and exhilherating as far as the Durance, through the valley of the Sasse torrent that descends to meet the Durance river at Sisteron. On arrival at Sisteron the first thing you will notice is the spectacular Citadel that towers above the western side of valley, with on the Eastern side a spectacular of high rocky formation known as the Rocher de La Beaume. The narrow gap is known as the “Gateway to the Alps”, or “Gateway to Provence” depending on your point of view! Historically the citadel controlled the road from Provence in the south to the Alps in the North. Possible extension to climb the Lure Mountain, challenging and rewarding climb on a Provençal peak with a bare limestone summit very similar in aspect  to the Mont Ventoux, but much less frequented by vehicles.
Spend some in Sisteron to visit this lovely medieval town with its narrow streets and steep cliffs overlooking the Durance, or take the time to climb the steps to the Citadel for spectacular views of the Durance valley. Return by private transport to Clamensane.
Breakfast and Dinner incl. Lunch not incl.
Day 4: Ride the mountains around Ecrins National park.
Transfer in the morning to the Alpine town of Gap, and ride in the direction of Orcieres Merlette at the heart of the Ecrins National park. The park is the largest protected natural area in France, established in 1973 and a haven for plant and animal life. Many cycling options are possible: ride through the valleys for a more easygoing outing, taking the opportunity to visit the local villages of the high Champsaur valley and sample local wares such as tourtons or ravioles ; or for more of a challenge take on climbs like the Col de Manse, or the spectacular Col du Noyer famous from the tour de France.
Return to the gite in the evening.
Today is a real alps cycling tour!
Breakfast and Dinner incl. Lunch not incl.
Day 5: Ride around Gap.
Ride to Gap in the morning, following the Durance valley. Known as “la Capitale Douce” or the Sweet Capital, gap is a small town nestled in the mountains at the foot of the Charance Mountain and Ecrins National park. Take the time to stroll through the narrow pedestrian streets in the historic centre, with local and traditional producers of cheese, wine and fruit sellers; sit at a café terrasse on one of the many squares or visit the museum or shady park on the banks of the Luye river. Return in the afternoon by a rolling scenic route at the foot of the Devoluy Mountains.
Breakfast and Dinner incl. Lunch not incl.
Day 6: Tour of Serre Poncon lake – from Provence to the Alps!
Fantastic last ride around the Serre Poncon lake a classic ride of the Hautes Alpes and always spectacular scenery. The foot of the lake is in the High Provence department, with the small villages of la Bréole and St Vincent les Forts with its ancient fortifications at the entry to the Ubaye valley, a high mountain valley between France and Italy. Cross the Ubaye river and leave Provence to enter the High Alps department and on to Savines le Lac, a lakeside town with amenities such as boating, beaches, swimming and watersports, at the foot of the towering Grand Morgan peak. Option to continue to the high mountain town of Embrun, or to continue quiet roads towards the mountain villages of St Apollinaire and Réallon at the southern tip of the spectacular Ecrins.
Breakfast and Dinner incl. Lunch not incl.
Day 7: Farewell !
Transfer to Marseille to catch your flight or train.
We hope you enjoyed your cycling holidays in full!
Breakfast.