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CYCLING
IN HAUTE PROVENCE
Cycling
Through the Alpes du Sud
  Provence is the most famous area of Mediterranean France. The air is scented by maquis and lavender, the wine crisp and cool, and the food rich in herbs. Our circular ride through the Alpes du Sud is best suited to seasoned bikers. The landscape has that special quality of light, that inspired the great painters and is a joy to travel through especially in the early spring and autumn. This is when the climate is usually perfect. The ride is punctuated by sleepy pantiled villages and pleasant market towns like Castellane and Moustiers, famous for its Faience pottery. There are Spa towns like Digne and Greoux, and medieval citadels like Manosque. Along with these, the natural attractions of the Verdon Gorge (France’s Grand Canyon) and the spectacular lakes and mountains of Provence combine to make a holiday full of interest and diversity.
From the relatively bustling Manosque, your first day’s cycling takes you to spa town of Digne-les-Bains. The ride from Manosque to Digne is along a pretty minor road along the banks of the river Ass with little ascent and ideal to ease your cycling muscles into action. From Digne-les-Bains there is an enjoyable but tougher days cycling involving some long climbs to the Col de Pierre (1035m), taking you to the delightful mountain village of St Andre les Alpes. On day 4 a spectacular ride along the shores of Lac de Castillon and through the market town of Castellane takes you to La Palud close to The Verdon Gorge. Two nights here give you the opportunity to cycle a loop on the minor roads above the canyon, park your bike for the day and take a walk through the whole or part of the canyon itself (a long but spectacular day) or take a day for some rest. A relatively gentle day follows from La Palud enabling you to spend some time and maybe a long lunch, in the narrow streets and pottery shops of the attractive town of Moustiers before continuing to Riez. You are now in Roman Provincia. You can admire the group of Roman columns at Riez, and wander the old town centre. The last ride brings you back to the orchards and lavender fields around Manosque, where an early arrival will give time to explore the medieval town centre.
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - Rooms in all our hotels on this tour provide full ensuite private facilities. The tour starts and finishes at the historic town of
Manosque, where our 2* hotel is near the town centre. The first night is booked on a half-board basis, the last on a bed and breakfast basis as there are many good restaurants nearby to choose from. Our second stop is at a centrally located 2* hotel in the town of
Digne-les-Bains; the hotel’s restaurant has a good reputation so half board is arranged. In the alpine resort of
St. Andre we stay in another comfortable 2* hotel on a half board basis. At
La Palud we stay for 2 nights in a 2* hotel with a pool on a bed and breakfast basis. Near the Roman town of
Riez we have found a delightful 3* hotel with a pool where we stay on a half board basis.
Terrain
This is a hilly region where cycling requires a degree of stamina for the climbs but the scenery is superb.
Sherpa
Notes
Bike Hire
The cost of bike hire is included in the trip price. 21 speed V.T.C. bicycles equipped with a tool kit,
front and rear panniers, bottle holder and helmets. We advise you to take your own helmets
(no reduction).
Accommodation and
Meals
Accommodation is in comfortable hotels, with ensuite facilities. Dinner, bed & breakfast on 4 nights and on the other 3 nights bed and breakfast is included leaving you to choose your own restaurant for your evening meal.
Start and End of Tour
Nearest airport is Marseille. Then by train to Manosque (2 hours).
The tour ends in Manosque. Train to Marseille.
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vacations
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