If you've got an irresistible urge to get away from it all, the Drôme is here to offer you a complete change of scenery. The tour starts and finishes in the Drôme valley.
It will take you along the quiet little roads of the Bourdeaux region, heading south to discover the colours and scents of the Drôme Provençale.
Take a deep breath and you'll be able to set off on an unforgettable journey into the Vercors Natural Park, where nature offers a landscape of forests and limestone cliffs.
Your stay begins in Marsanne, a hilltop village full of character. The village square, shaded by plane trees, is the hub of local life.
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming 3-star hotel.
D2
Around Marsanne
45km stage with total uphill 765 metres. Duration about 3hrs30
The first day will be a warm-up, taking you from the plain of Montélimar to Mirmande, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. The nearby village of Cliousclat is also well worth a visit for the charm of its narrow streets and traditional pottery workshops. Back in the saddle to ride through the magnificent Marsanne forest on a shady, sporty road.
Dinner and night in a charming 3* hotel.
D3
From Marsanne to St-Férréol-Trente-Pas
54,5km stage with total uphill 990 m. Duration about 4hrs30
You leave the gentle valleys and plunge into the pre-Alps of the Drôme. You'll pass through some lovely villages, Pont de Barret and Rochebaudin, and further upstream on the Roubion, you'll come across the hamlets of Crupies and Bouvières.
On the other side of the Col de la Sausse (790m), you enter the mountains of Provence. Cicadas and lavender fields in bloom from May to July, and already the soft green of the olive trees cover the less steep slopes of these arid hillsides.
Dinner and overnight in a charming inn.
D4
Around St-Férréol-Trente-Pas
57km stage with total uphill 645m. Duration about 4hrsThe day begins with a climb to the Col de Valouse (735 m altitude), the highest point of the day. The route takes you southwards towards the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, through lavender farms and apricot orchards. A visit to Nyons, a small Provençal town and the capital of olive oil, will be one of the highlights of the day.
Dinner and overnight in a charming inn.
D5
From St-Férréol-Trente-Pas to La Motte Chalancon
35km stage with total uphill 850 m. Duration about 3hrs30
A grandiose stage with striking contrasts: depending on altitude and orientation, you will pass successively from the Mediterranean atmosphere of the Eygues gorges to the Alpine world of the Col de la Pertie. The olive groves and cicadas will give way to the beech forests of Ubac d'Angèle. You're in the heart of the Provençal Baronnies, a unique place where chamois can be spotted in the olive groves, where the concentration of royal eagles is one of the highest in France and on one of the main Griffon vulture nesting sites.
Dinner and overnight in a 2-star hotel in the heart of the hamlet of La Motte Chalancon.
D6
From La Motte Chalancon to Die
53,5 km stage with total uphill 693 m. Duration about 4hrs
A superb transition between the Drôme Provençale and the Diois, begins with the ascent of the Col de Prémol.
The long descent that follows takes you to the banks of the River Drôme. When the weather is fine, it might be worth taking a dip in its crystal-clear waters. The second part of your day is spent at the foot of the Vercors cliffs. The little streets of Die will delight you.
Dinner on your own and overnight in a 2-star hotel in Die.
D7
From Die to Marsanne
62 km stage with total uphill 540 metres. Duration about 4hrs30
Today you'll descend along the Drôme river, at the foothill of the Vercors mountains. You will discover the vineyards of the famous Clairette de Die. Today again, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the turquoise waters of the river. A cycling greenway will take you to the medieval town of Crest, dominated by the highest donjon in France. A visit to the old streets of Crest is a must before heading off over hill and dale to Marsanne.
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming 3-star hotel.
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 195 €
What's not included?
Dinner of day 6
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Cycling from place to place, unaccompanied.
Daily stages: 35 - 62 kilometres, from 3hrs30 to 5hrs cycling at your own pace.
Total daily uphill from 540 to 990m.
Narrow country roads.
Suitable for road and trail/country bikes.
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. Your luggage is transported between lodgings and a roadbook will guide you from beginning to end. We also provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take your time and relax...
Accommodation is in either 2 or 3 "épis" guest houses chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
Holiday includes half board.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
Highway A7, exit Loriol - 15 km
By air
Marseille-Provence airport or Lyon St-Exupéry airport
By train
Crest railway station then by bus or taxi to the accommodation in Chabrillan
Comments
Global note
4.9
A great stay in the Drôme region, with an excellent welcome in every accommodation. (translated from french)
Lovely route, magnificent scenery! (translated by french)
Agréable séjour bien conçu que je recommande.
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans la Drôme. Les paysages sont variés et d'une beauté qui méritent les efforts faits en vélos. Très belle organisation de Safrantours.
Très bel itinéraire, logement correct, restauration également. Très bon accueil.
Paysages magnifiques, ressourçants, circuits bien équilibrés hors de la circulation, aubergistes très sympathiques, que de bons souvenirs vécus en famille. Une seule envie, renouveler l'expérience.
Séjour vélo de qualité, nous avons apprécié l'accueil dans les gîtes ou maison d'hôtes ou hôtels.
Très beau parcours, routes très tranquilles , niveau conforme a la difficulté, paysages superbes, hébergements dans l'ensemble bien choisis et menus tous excellents! Je recommande grandement !
If you really want to get away from it all, the Drôme department provides a genuine change of scene.
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