From Paris to the Mediterranean
Oh, là, là … a real dream trip on the bike through France! We start in the metropolis of Paris. In Burgundy we taste the good wines and cycle along the Yonne and the Nivernais canal. In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region we are captivated by the deep gorges of the Gorges de l’Ardèche before cycling down to the Provence after a magnificent view from the Mont Ventoux. There lies the wild Gorge du Verdon with turquoise water of the river at the bottom. Our “Tour de France” ends on the beaches of Nice – where the sun always shines!
Day 1
Bienvenue in Paris!
Arrival to Paris and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2
Bike ride in Paris and drive to Auxerre, 25 km cycling
In the morning we explore Paris by bike. In the afternoon we take the train to Auxerre in Burgundy.
Day 3
To Clamecy, 62 km cycling
We start our first bike ride from the hotel along the Canals du Nivernais. In the afternoon we arrive at Châtel-Censoir and finally reach Clamecy, famous in the past for the rafters moving timber on the canal.
Day 4
To St.-Honoré-les-Bains, 93 km cycling
We continue cycling through the lower valley de Yonne. Worth seeing are the 16 canal locks at Sardy -les-Épiry. At Châtillon-en-Bazois we are leaving the canal and ride to the spa town St.-Honoré-les-Bains on the edge of the Morvan Natural Park.
Day 5
To Vichy, 44 km cycling
In the morning we cycle once more along the canal of Nivernais until reaching Decize, located at the lower Loire. After a break we take the bus to the famous French spa town Vichy. In the afternoon there is time to relax or explore the place on foot.
Day 6
To Vals-les-Bains, 32 km cycling
Transfer to Saint-Etienne-de Fontbellon, where we start cycling through the heart of the Ardeche Natural Park, across wooded hills and along the Ardèche river itself. Overnight in the area of Vals-les-Bains.
Day 7
To Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, 72 km cycling
Today we explore one of the most impressive natural monuments, the Gorges de l’Ardéche. We spend the night in the small village of Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. Depending on the season, we can have a refreshing dip into the river.
Day 8
Mont Ventoux and exhilarating downhill into the Luberon, 60 km cycling
We drive up to 1.912 m high Mont Ventoux, one of the most spectacular destinations of the Tour de France. After enjoying the views of the Provence we get on the bikes and a long downhill takes us into the Luberon, passing through some quaint villages. Overnight amidst lavender fields in Gargas. (1 night)
Day 9
Gorge du Verdon, 49 km cycling
Today is another day of rest, e.g. for a leisurely stroll through Concarneau or an optional cycling tour out to the old artists’ village of Pont-Aven, where Paul Gauguin once lived parts of his live within a thriving community of other artists.
Day 10
Free day in Nice
Discover the old town of Nice and enjoy the town’s beaches. Also a visit to the nearby Monaco is possible
Day 11
Au revoir Nice
End of the tour and transfer to the airport.
Tour facts
Grading: moderate
Recommended airports: In: Paris, out: Nice
Highlights: Paris, Burgundy, Gorges de l’Ardèche, downhill ride from Mont Ventoux, Luberon Natural Park, Gorge du Verdon, Nice
Best time to go: May-June and September-October
More info about this tour
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