If you really want to get away from it all, the Drôme department provides a genuine change of scene.
The circuit starts and finishes in the Valley of the Drôme. You'll enjoy cycling along the quiet little roads of the Bourdeaux area, and going south into Drôme Provençale with its gorgeous colours and scents.
Take a deep breath and then it’s off up to the Vercors Nature Park where the landscape of forest and limestone cliffs is simply unforgettable.
You'll love
the narrow roads with little traffic that wend their way through countryside of great beauty
going through the lovely Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park
exploring Mediaeval Crest and Roman Die...
cooling off in the turquoise waters of the river Drôme
Marsanne, a perched village of character. A beautiful village square in the shade of plane trees where your hotel is nestled.
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming hotel 3* with swimming pool.
D2
Around Marsanne
45km stage with total uphill 765 metres. Duration about 3hrs30
A first day of warm-up that will take you from the plain of Montélimar to Mirmande, classified as the most beautiful village in France. The nearby village of Cliousclat is also worth a visit for the charm of its narrow streets and its artisanal pottery factories. Back in the saddle to cross the magnificent Marsanne forest on a small, shady road.
Dinner and night in a charming hotel 3* with swimming pool.
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 pass through through some very pretty villages - Saou and Bourdeaux, then further up the river Roubion, you come to Crupies and Bouvières.
Beyond the Col (pass) de la Sausse (790 metres), you enter the mountains of Provence. An atmosphere soaked in the chirping of cicada and fields of Lavender, with the tender green of olive trees covering the gentler slopes of these dry hills.
Dinner and night.
D4
Around St-Férréol-Trente-Pas
57km stage with total uphill 645m. Duration about 4hrs
The day begins with a ride up to the Col de Valouse (alt 735m) the high point of today's ride. Then it's due south towards the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône through lavender fields and apricot orchards. Captivating visit to the small Provençal town of Nyons, jewel of the celebrated olive oil producing region.
Dinner and night.
D5
From St-Férréol-Trente-Pas to La Motte Chalancon
35km stage with total uphill 850 m. Duration about 3hrs30
Unquestionably this will be the most energetic day of your holiday. It’ll also be close to nature with narrow roads winding between arid marl outcrops and through tight valleys. Just as majestic as it is wild, the route will turn and then, suddenly, a hamlet perched atop a hill comes into sight, defying the immensity of solitude all around…
Dinner and night in a 2* hotel in the heart of la Motte Chalancon.
D6
From La Motte Chalancon to Die
53,5 km stage with total uphill 693 m. Duration about 4hrs
Beautiful transition between Drôme Provençale and Diois which will begin with the ascent of the pass of Prémol.
The long descent which follow drive you of the bank of the river Drôme.La longue descente qui suit vous conduira vers les rives de la rivière Drôme. A bathing in clear waters will not be impossible. You’ll spend the second part of the day at the cliffs of Vercors. Die will know how to hold you in its small alleys.
Dinner and night in a charming inn.
D7
From Die to Marsanne
62 km stage with total uphill 540 metres. Duration about 4hrs30
Today you will go down along the Drôme river, at the foot of the Vercors mountains. You will discover the vineyards of the famous Clairette de Die. You will have many opportunities to enjoy the turquoise waters of the river. A greenway will lead you to the medieval city of Crest, dominated by the highest keep in France. A visit to the narrow streets of Crest is a must before going on to Marsanne.
Dinner and night in a charming hotel 3* with swimming pool.
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 195 €
What's not included?
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
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 !
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