Provence for epicure
Provence Epicure
Arrival at Orange
Orange is a city with marvellous buildings dating back to the Romans. The spectacular theatre and the triumph arc are historic witnesses of this epoch. Accommodation is in a choice typical hotel in the centre. The old town breathes the charm of the Provence with its small shops and cafés.
After breakfast start to the first roundtrip to the world wide famous wine-growing town. Chateau-neuf-du-Pape. Here one of the most full bodied red wines of Provence is grown. The vineyards were cultivated by the popes, who had their second residence in the region. Via Courthezon (medieval fortress) today's tour leads back to Orange.
In full view of the mighty mountain Mont Ventoux you cycle through the vineyards of the Cote du Rhone to the historical town Vaison-la-Romaine, with many antiques. Especially worth visiting are the ruins of the old Roman town as well as the Roman church Notre Dame de Nazareth.
On Tuesday there is a wonderful market during the morning. Explore the market of Vaison-la-Romaine and enjoy the culinary variety of the region. In the afternoon you have enough time to cycle a short round trip to the typical small villages with medieval architecture.
You cycle to Sablet and Gigondas. Both villages are really well-known for the vine-culture. Afterwards you cycle to Carpentras – best-known for strawberries and Berlingots (sweet candy). Today you will see the famous spring Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, one of the most spectacular nature monuments of France. On small roads you cycle to the small town L´Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. For a long time the regional artisans used the water power of the small river Sorgue. Little water-wheels, the plane trees on the banks and numerous antique shops invite for a little stroll.
We follow the valley of the branching river Sorgue. On the way you have the opportunity to visit the grotto of Thouzon, the only public accessible stalactite cavern of the Provence. Along the Durance and on tranquil roads you reach the centre of Avignon. Take the opportunity of an idyllic stroll through the old town and visit the Popes palace.
On small roads along the Rhone you leave Avignon and you reach Orange around noon.
The route
The tours lead through the varying landscapes of Provence. The route is planned to lead almost always on side streets with low traffic. This is an easy and diverting tour with only short simple ascents. Therefore this tour is also suited for beginners or persons with low training level.
Included:
- 6 overnights in quality accommodation with private bathroom
- Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
- Half-board if booked: at least three-course-dinner or buffet (sometimes outside with voucher and not in the hotel)
- Personal welcome tour briefing (German, English)
- Detailed travel documents, route cards, route description, sight-seeing, telephone numbers (German, English, French)
- At best elaborated route
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- GPS-Tracks on request available
- Rental bike insurance
- 7-day-service-hotline
Not included:
- Arrival and departure
- Costs for parking
- City tax
- Transfers
- Optional sightseeings
- City maps
- Travel Insurance and costs of the private requirements
Arrival / parking / departure
Fly to Marseille. Take the train (TGV) from Marseille airport to the main train station in Orange. Good rail connection to Orange, Duration approx. 1,5 h.
Arrival by train to Orange (TGV station); the starting hotel is situated about 1 km from the train station.
Parking
Category A: Underground car park near your hotel, about € 10 per day. A reservation is not possible.
Category Deluxe: Parking in the hotel garage for € 10 per night.
Category A
During the trip you will be accommodated in typical hotels in a range of 2 and 3-star categories (French classification). All room are equipped with shower and EC or bath and WC.
Category Deluxe
During the trip you will be accommodated in superb Hotels in a range of 3 -star and 4-star categories. All rooms are equipped with shower and WC or bath and WC.(French classification).
