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.
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.
D2
From Marsanne to St-Férréol-Trente-Pas
54,5 km 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.
D3
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.
D4
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.
D5
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.
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Cycling from place to place, unaccompanied.
Daily stages: 35 - 64 kilometres, from 3hrs30 to 5hrs cycling at your own pace.
Total daily uphill from 250 to 917m.
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.
Accommodation is in either 2 or 3 "épis" guest houses chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
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
4.5
Safran offer cyclists routes that use quiet roads in excellent condition, that take you into the quietest and prettiest places in rural France. The E-bike I used was comfortable and the battery was very durable. Safran's roadbook was detailled and their online support was appreciated !
Globalement satisfaits de l'organisation et des parcours sur des routes tranquilles. A refaire...
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…
A cycling holiday created especially for families. It's great fun to follow the river and its affluents along minor country roads and paths with very little traffic. Far off the cliffs of the Vercors Nature Park add a touch of grandeur to the already…