Compare Coquillade Village,Road Bike & Mountain Bike tour in Provence by Ride and More Travel vs Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,425 | $ 3,375 |
| Price Per Day | $ 738 | $ 375 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
If you’re both passionate about road bike and mountain bike, our concept, Rocks & Roads is made for you. When you arrive at the top, the Ride & More team will be there to exchange the road bikes for mountain bikes where the adventure will continue into the more hidden and wild parts of the Provence. During your stay you will have the opportunity to climb and descend the famous Mont-Ventoux twice, following the same itinerary as the Tour de France. Live both your passions and Provencal way of life! The holiday is kept to small groups, starting at 4 people with our qualified guide to ensure you enjoy his vast local knowledge and discover “la Provence”, its gastronomy and secrets. |
Enjoy the sights and smells of France during this 8-day guided tour. Travel to Normandy and stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc, overlooking the beaches where soldiers fought in World War II — and walk with a Local Expert through the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach, where Allied Forces landed on D-Day. Drive through the Loire Valley to the glorious fragrant gardens of Château de Villandry, stopping to smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs grown in its gardens. You’ll remember those scents at a celebration dinner featuring a farm-to-table feast and sparkling wine. See Paris’ top attractions, from the glistening pyramids of the Louvre to the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, then watch as the City of Light illuminates at dark. |
Day 1: Welcome at Coquillade Village, Provence cycling Paradise
When you arrive on Sunday morning we will accompany you to the Coquillade Village, first stage of the holiday. Your guide will ensure you receive the correct bike and equipment and help with the necessary tasks of setting up the bike for you. During lunch, the Ride & More team will be there to fully explain how the week will function including safety aspects. After then, your guide will take you for a ride in the hills behind the hotel where the unspoilt countryside of olive trees and lavender await you. When we get back to the hotel the cellar master will be waiting to propose a tasting of wines from grapes grown on the property. The evening of your arrival, the Bistro restaurant will be expecting you with a menu “bistronomique”.
Day 2: Luberon’s hillside villages
The morning will be a departure on road bike from the hotel with your guide taking you through some renowned villages. After a visit to the Maison de la Truffe in Menerbes and lunch, then the route continues to the cedar forest in Bonnieux. Our team will be waiting with refreshments and a change of bike. Leaving from the heights of the Luberon, face to face with Mont Ventoux, you will be able to enjoy the trails winding back down to Coquillade Village through orchards and vineyards.
Back at the hotel you can refresh and prepare for a convivial evening commencing with a “bowls” tournament or an “atelier” of oenology.
The evening meal will be at the Coquillade Village’s highly reputed bistrot.
Day 3: Mont Ventoux I South Face – 1912m
Our minibus will take you to the departure point on Mont Ventoux where you can climb a part of the legendary Tour de France route,the experience will take you to the summit of the mountain at 1912m.
The team will be there to celebrate your arrival. After lunch we will exchange the road bikes for mountain bikes and your guide will accompany you down contrasting trails, through the breathtaking scenery of the Géant de Provence.
The evening will be a dinner and cookery course rolled into one with the chef.
Day 4: Easy ride and relaxing day
In the morning the circuit on road bike will take you through two villages listed as “the most beautiful in France”. Rousillon with its hues of flaming red covering all the houses throughout the village, then on to Gordes situated on the very edge of the rocky Vauclusian hillside. For the more courageous you can leave the dry stone beauty of Gordes to visit the ancient, yet still functional, Abbaye de Senanque surrounded by its lavendar fields.
After lunch with a view, on one of the regions popular restaurant terraces, the afternoon leaves you free to relax and enjoy the hotel and it’s facilities. The team will be at your disposition for all matter of advice or simply reserving a restaurant, in the evening, for you and your friends or family.
Day 5: Mont Ventoux act II – the North Face / Thursday
You will climb and descent by the less well known North Face. This one will give up its spectacular panoramas as you climb to the summit. The team will once again be ready with refreshments picnic and a change of bike. The North face and its vertiginous singles will give you a stunning view of the Alps, all the way down to the charming village of Aurel.
The evening dinner will be inspired by the abundant local produce, chosen by Coquillade Village’s chef and served in the hotels main gastronomic restaurant, Le Gourmet.
Day 6: The mini Colorado Provencal / Friday
For the last day of your stay we propose a moment of recuperation with a relaxing ride through the ochre’s to the mines of Gargas and the Colorado Provencal, or simply a visit to the local market.
After lunch the Ride & More team will ensure your transfer to the TGV train station in Avignon.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner at Rural, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville
Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.
Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Breakfast
Day 3: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings
Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.
Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
Journey through Bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town - it's one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?
Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo.
Breakfast
Day 5: Villandry Experience
Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil which has been grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings.
Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Breakfast
Day 6: Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley
Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.
Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light
Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to all the fabulous sights, including the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the immense facades of the Louvre. Behold the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, then travel down the Champs Élysées to Napoléon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.
Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.
Breakfast
Day 8: Au Revoir Paris
Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.
Breakfast
