Compare Tour of the Vanoise by Distant Journeys vs Provence, Les Plus Beaux Villages Cycling Tour by Tourissimo

Day 1:

Early afternoon group transfer from the Geneva Airport to our hotel in Pralognan-la-Vanoise, headquater’s of the Vanoise National Park. A There will be time to explore the village before our area orientation meeting and welcome dinner.

Day 2: Pralognan-la-Vanoise to Col de la Vanoise

A gentle day ascending to the Col de la Vanoise (8,255’) from Pralognan-la-Vanoise along the ancient trading route; the “Route du Sel et de la Fromage”. Walking through the village from the hotel we start climbing slowly between old stone houses. To our right is the waterfall of the “Cascade de la Fraiche” thundering between steep rocky walls. At the Barmettes we cross a stream that tumbles down the steep walled valley. As we hike into the heart of the Vanoise National Park, our route is bordered by low, dry stone walls. The “shark’s fin” of the Aiguille de la Vanoise rises to our right.

Soon we reach the very shallow Lac des Vaches. After crossing the long stretch of stepping stones we arrive at an idyllic picnic spot and a lunch of fresh bread, local cheese and meats. Continuing into the high mountains, glacial moraines bear testimony to the glaciers that shaped this awe-inspiring landscape.

Passing the moraine below the Grande Casse and the shores of Lac Long we soon arrive at the broad Col de la Vanoise and the refuge Felix Faure, named after the 7th French president. The col is a magnificent, breathtaking place. For those with energy to spare there’s a chance to explore the area around the col and may be spot ibex, chamois or find the emblematic edelweiss. Elevation gain: 3,608′, Distance: 5 miles, Time: 4 – 5 hours. Bunkrooms and shared facilities; breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 3: Col de la Vanoise to Refuge de l’Arpont

Early morning light accompanies us as we descend gently past small lakes. Immense scree slopes rise up to our left to the Grande Casse as we pass Lac Bond and the Lac du Col de la Vanoise. To our left the Pointe de la Rechasse marks the eastern extremity of the Glacier de la Vanoise. Ahead lies the entrance to the Vallee de la Leisse and the Vallon de la Rocheure. The ground steepens and we pass an ancient fortification guarding this strategic point. Steps, hewn from the solid rock, bring us to a junction in the path. We traverse around the rocky hillside still above 7,550’ and reach the Lacs des Lozieres. The Glacier du Pelve moraines provide a change of scenery and we cross a torrent issuing from its snout. Above us now the Dome de Chasseforet (11,765’) and below a deep cut gorge that leads down to the village of Termignon in the Maurienne valley. Turning a corner in the path we come across the Refuge de l’Arpont (7,575’) and a welcome from Valerie, the guardian. Elevation gain: 820, Elevation loss: 1,475’ Distance: 8 miles, Time: 5 hours. Bunkrooms and shared facilities; breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 4: Refuge de l’Arpont to Refuge de la Dent Parrachee

Today’s walking is dominated by La Dent Parrachee (12,129’) while opposite us we look across the valley of the Haute Maurienne and the Italian frontier. In summer the Col du Mont Cenis provides a road crossing into Italy and the town of Susa. AS we traverse the flanks of the Dent Parrachee, passing old shepherd’s huts, we are apt to come across large flocks of sheep. These flocks, watched over by their shepherd, are brought up into the mountains for the summer months before descending in the late autumn to warmer climes.

A small plateau leads to a switch-back descent among spare pines. Eventually we arrive above the village of Aussois and two lakes, the Lac d’Amont and Lac d’Aval. There are several refuges in this area but our preferred is the Refuge de la Dent Parrachee (8,260’). Franck, the guardian, is the master of ceremonies and presides over his hut ably assisted by Kapitan, a Nepali Sherpa. The refuge is the stepping off point for mountaineers climbing the higher peaks and glaciers including the Dent Parrachee. The terrace in front of the refuge has a wonderful panorama for a pre-dinner drink. Elevation gain: 1,315, Elevation loss: 656’ Distance: 12 miles, Time: 7 hours. Bunkrooms and shared facilities; breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 5: Refuge de la Dent Parrachee to Refuge de l’Aiguille Doran

Today we have a choice of either the “normal” route via the Col du Barbier or the high route via the Col de la Masse (9,590’). Either way the scenery is stunning. Dropping down from the “eagle’s nest” of the Dent Parrachee we reach the parting of the ways a short way above the Plan d’Amont. Onwards via the Col du Barbier we share the path with the GR5 long distance path heading for the Mediterranean. Soon, for the first time since leaving Pralognan we pass below the tree line. Birds, may be a Casse-noix moucheté (Spotted nutcracker) that feeds on the pine nuts, flit amongst the trees. Once more we smell the aroma of pine resin. Finally, we come out into a clearing and the welcoming Refuge de l’Aiguille Doran. You can expect to be delighted with Fabienne’s cooking that would do justice to any restaurant. At 1860m this is the lowest point on the trek before the final days walk to Pralognan (4,652’). Elevation gain: 492’, Elevation loss: 1,970’ Distance: 6.5 miles, Time: 5 hours. Bunkrooms and shared facilities; breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 6: Refuge de l’Orgere to col de Chaviere to Refuge Peclet-Polset

We turn our backs to the south and the Maurienne as we climb uphill. Again, we have two options today, either passing by the hamlet of Polset or passing the refuge de l’Orgere. If we pass the refuge de l’Orgere we pass through hayfields in the valley de l’Orgere, so-called as oats were once grown in this sheltered valley in days gone by. We cross the only tarmac that we will encounter until our final day before a zig-zag path gains height steadily through open woods. Clearing the woodline the path describes a rising traverse with the Aiguille Doran’s (9,980’) spiky summit above us. The ground flattens among large erratic boulders. Here we may stop by the shores of the Lac de la Partie to enjoy our picnic and for the brave, the possibility of a quick, very quick, dip in its waters!

Ahead lies the Col de Chaviere marking the watershed with the river of the Doran de Chaviere the other side. The col despite its altitude is easily attained although late winter neves sometimes linger. From the col you can see Mont Blanc on a clear day. A short, steep descent on less stable ground brings us to an undulating chaos of moraines. Sometimes we may venture off route to see if we can find the preferred haunts of the ibex.

The refuge Peclet-Polset is large and modern since the old one burned down in a fire. For those interested, we can make a little extra excursion to see the turquoise waters of the Lac Blanc below the Col du Soufre and the Dome du Polset (10,920’). Elevation gain: 2,955′, Elevation loss: 1,066’ Distance: 6.5 miles, Time: 6 hours. Bunkrooms and shared facilities; breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 7: Refuge Peclet Polset to Pralognan la Vanoise

Our final day is a long gentle descent alongside the tumbling waters of the Doran. The valley provides pastures for several herds of cows and a farm where there’s a chance to see cheese making in progress. Leaving the farm, we pass the luxurious Refuge du Roc de la Peche, complete with Jacuzzi. Here, if we wish, we can take the path for the Cirque des Nants, or carry on down the bottom of the valley. We reach the hamlet of Prioux and a small road, shut in winter. We take a track on the opposite side of the valley before crossing a bridge to follow a track through pine woods that brings us out right in Pralognan itself. The Hotel Grand Bec welcomes us once more and there’s a chance to relax in the pool or enjoy a well-earned drink on the terrace. Elevation loss: 1,640’ Distance: 7.5 miles, Time: 5 hours. Bunkrooms and shared facilities; breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 8:

The trip will end after breakfast with a group transfer back to the Geneva Airport, arriving around 10am.

Day 1: St Remy de Provence

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mas de l’Oulivié

Terrain: Rolling

Ride: 9 mi or 15 km

A gentle but rolling start to the tour as we ride a loop from our home at the Mas de l’Oulivie for the first couple of nights through the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles. This ride is primarily to ensure our bikes are fit and ready for travel but it is a beautiful little circuit. In the afternoon we explore the atmospheric town of St Remy de Provence, previously home to Van Gogh and Nostradamus, and renowned for its art and culture.

Day 2: Les Baux-de-Provence

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Mas de l’Oulivié

Terrain: Hilly

Ride: 24/37 mi or 38/59 km

We head deeper into the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles today on a rolling loop ride that meanders through vineyards and olive groves. With an astonishing array of aromas and colours this arid area is characterized by limestone peaks which give the impression of being taller than they really are – who’s to know the difference between conquering the Alpilles and the Alps! Today we visit the iconic fortified town of Les Baux-de-Provence and give you the option to investigate Roman Glanum. For those of you wanting to cycle more and visit another Roman ruin we offer the opportunity to ride to the Pont du Gard’s younger brother the Pont du Barbegal.

Day 3: Les Baux-de-Provence to Gordes

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins

Terrain: Hilly

Ride: 32/46 mi or 51/73 km

We head east into the Vaucluse region of Provence towards our base for the next couple of days Gordes. After bridging the Durance we head past some of the quieter but best villages of Provence. Oppede le Vieux is one such village whose medieval ghost town is a must wander after lunch. Menerbes is another and offers so much more than just being the setting for the Peter Mayle book. Our destination is Gordes which clings to the side of the Vaucluse plateau. The houses are arranged in tiers around an imposing Renaissance castle and so it is easy to appreciate why the village is considered a jewel of Provence.

Day 4: Gordes loop to Roussillon

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins

Terrain: Rolling Hills

Ride: 30/57 mi or 48/92 km

Gordes great location gives us great access to some spectacular riding. Today we enjoy a short loop to the villages of Saint Saturnin-les-Apt and Roussillon. Roussillon is known as the ocre-red village which contrasts fantastically with the deep green pine forests we cycle through on route. The optional extra loop takes us deep into the Provincial hinterland as we head towards more of our local favorites - Viens and Saint Martin de Castillon.

Day 5: Gordes loop to Bonnieux and Lourmarin

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins

Terrain: Hilly

Ride: 32/48 mi or 52/77 km

Once again we find a series of quiet and picturesque routes as we continue our discovery of Provence’s most beautiful villages. We ride first to the village of Lacoste for a coffee and a great view of the surrounding area. From here we climb up to Bonnieux before descending into Lourmarin for lunch under its Chateau. The cycling is again spectacular and the villages we pass through embody the essence of what this part of Provence is all about.

Day 6: Gordes to Mazan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Chateau de Mazan

Terrain: Rolling Hills

Ride: 26/47 mi or 42/75 km

We leave Gordes and head north, cruising past the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senaque on our way to Venasque. After enjoying fantastic countryside riders can choose to head directly north to Mazan or take the longer meander over the Col de Murs. Today’s options are a little shorter considering the optional challenge tomorrow of Mont Ventoux! Tonight we stay in the Chateau Mazan, once home to the Marquis de Sade! Don’t worry he no longer has any involvement in the running of the hotel!

Day 7: Mazan loop to Gorges de la Nesque or Mount Ventoux

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Chateau de Mazan

Terrain: Mountains

Ride:  20/39/43 mi or 32/63/70 km

Our final day on the bike takes us towards the monolith known as Mont Ventoux as we head north towards Bedoin. For the foolhardy and the brave this iconic Tour de France climb is an option. For those of you looking for a more relaxing end to the tour we will skirt around the mountain known to the locals as ‘the Giant of Provence’ and up one of the best cycling roads in France - the Gorges de la Nesque. Here we will picnic overlooking the spectacular ravine before re-joining the hill climbers and returning to our Chateau in Mazan for a final delectable dinner.

Day 8: Avignon

Meals: Breakfast

Terrain: Departure

Ride: None

After a leisurely breakfast, we organize a shuttle to the TGV train station on the outskirts of Avignon from where fast trains can be caught to a number of European cities.