Cycling & Exploring Weekend
Come and ride the roads of Provence/Gard and explore the local vineyards, fromageries and markets. A unique experience for the seasoned cyclist and a sensory treat for the culture vulture
OVERVIEW
This weekend mixes elements from the Taste of Provence experience to complement some amazing cycling routes that this area of Provence/Gard has to offer. We visit the towns of Uzès and Chateauneuf du Pape and ride past the famous Pont du Gard.
Providing something for both cyclists and non-cyclists. We explore the local culture with markets, vineyard visits and places of local interest .This breathtaking part of France has so much to offer and this is a great introduction to Provence/Gard, its culture, food and landscapes.
DAY 1
A welcome tour of the Chateau.
A short t-shirt ride to stretch your legs or a walk to the top of the hill to see the castle ruins or relax and settle in.
In the evening we have social drinks and meet and greet everyone on the north terrace. A run through of the weekend and a time for some Q&A’s.
THE CHATEAU AND SAINT VICTOR LA COSTE CASTLE RUINS
DAY 2
Ride option - The morning ride will be out to the historical town of Uzès, past the cathedral and then heading down to the Pont du Gard in a loop that incorporates some stunning scenery and little villages.
Approx 4hr / 46 miles / 14mph with some coffee/croissant breaks.
Explore option - In the morning we will head off to discover a beautiful local food market to taste some culinary delights!
Both groups will meet back at the chateau for lunch before heading off to a special vineyard for some wine tasting together.
DAY 3
Ride option - Today cyclist’s will be driven over to Mont Ventoux for a morning of climbing on this iconic mountain or you can join the others at the antique market. We will ride the famous route from Bédoin to the summit.
Ascent approx 3hrs / 13 miles / 8.7mph. We will stop half way up at Chalet Reynard for refreshments.
After lunch we head over to the famous town of Chateauneuf du Pape. We will be in the shadow of Mont ventoux as we loop around passing the old Castle ruins. The ride is a fairly flat and an easy end to the day.
Approx 3hr / 30 miles / 12mph with some stop offs.
Explore option - Head over into town and rummage through an old antique market and find a real treasure to take home. Head back to the Chateau for a loverly lunch with the cyclist’s. We will then head over to a wonderful olive oil plantation to meet the owners and discover their production process. You will have the opportunity to buy some olive oil direct form the source!
DAY 4
Any early starters can join for a short ride, walk up to the castle ruins or relax by the pool.
A beautiful breakfast on the north terrace.
Time to pack the bikes up, collect your antique goodies you bought at the market and au revoir!
There will be one transfer to marseilles airport.
DATES
27th - 30th May 2021
22nd - 25th July 2021
Sept 2021 TBC
7th - 10th October
Travel
The Chateau is situated just outside of Avignon.
30 min drive Avignon TGV Train Station
50 min drive from Nimes Airport
70 min drive Montpellier Airport.
90 min drive from Marseilles Airport
We can offer to transfer you and your luggage to and from the Chateau via Marseilles airport. There will be one transfer on the Thursday and one on the Sunday. This is included in the cost. We will do our best to be flexible so please contact us with your travel arrangements to finalise.
You must also let us know if you will be bringing your bike, shipping your bike ahead or hiring a bike. If you are shipping I can build the bike up for you on its arrival.
Insurance
Safety is priority at all times on this weekend. This is not a race but a challenge to yourself to be shared with others. Be respectful to us and to your fellow team mates. If you want to stomp ahead on the climbs no problem but we will always regroup at the top but why not come back down and give the others some encouragement!!
Please make sure you have adequate bike and personal liability insurance. You will need to provide us with documents to show you are covered for the whole trip. We are not liable if you decide to fall off the mountain or someone decides to push you off!
FAQ
What happens if the weather is bad?
Will we do our best to make alternative arrangements either on or off the bike.
Will I get to see the Sunflower and Lavender fields?
Lavender will be around in the July weekend and Sunflowers can be around until October!
Sometimes they close Mont Ventoux because of high wind.
If the weather is good but too windy to climb to the top we can go as far as possible or use one of the many other amazing routes this area has to offer.
My flight is delayed!
We will do our best to collect you on time
