Short description
DESCRIPTION :
Roads in ledges directly above granite cliffs, arches cut into the rock, desert plateaus crisscrossed with wild vegetation ... These few loops promise cyclists to cross untamed landscapes preserved from urbanisation.
The first 2 days begin with a winding road on a false flat in the direction of old Carros, begins to rise as it approaches Bouyon. After passing the rural villages of Bézaudun and Coursegoules, it ends with the rapid descent of the Col de Vence.
The next part of the tour take you through the famous pass in the uphill direction, then ventures out on low-traffic roads. After the Caussols plateau and the splendid hilltop village of Gourdon, the passage through the aquatic Gorges du Loup offers a little well-deserved freshness. The return to the starting point is via Tourrettes-sur-Loup and magnificent village of St. Paul de Vence.
The tours include stops in local BIO farms specialising in dairy production offering a local cheese & craft beer tasting.
The itinerary
DAY 1 : Vence, city of art and crafts (0 km)
Located at the foot of the baous (“rocky escarpments” in Provençal), this medieval city protects behind its ramparts small squares with many fountains.
Vence hosts many galleries, a large collection of modern and contemporary art and, in summer, a renowned world music festival.
DAY 2 : Col de Vence (55 km)
Over more than 600 meters of vertical drop, the ascent of this pass has become a privileged stage for cyclists.
Located at an altitude of 963 meters, the pass is regularly used at the beginning of March by the Paris-Nice, the first major international meeting.
Offering remarkable views of the city, it is the ideal place for walking, hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Local pic nic break
After the Col de Vence, on the Saint-Barnabé plateau, the farmers of the Coop des Baous offer seasonal and quality products. You will find: honey, cheese, organic eggs, jam, wine, meat, fruits and vegetables, organic cold cuts, organic flour on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DAY 3 : the National Parc of Pre-Alps of Azur (50 km)
We will start off and climb the same way we did descend yesterday. However the experience will be drastically different - we will enter the territory of the Pre-Alps National Park and if lucky enough we shall spot some bisons. Magnificent descent includes a stop to admire the Loup Cascades. After this change of scene we will be slowly reaching back the civilisation with a refreshing stop and visit at local brewery.
DAY 4 : The High-perched Azur Villages (50 km)
Marrying a craggy terrain at an altitude of 760 meters, the city of Gourdon and its beautiful castle stand on an impressive wall, overlooking the foreland and its coastline. The medieval village of Gourdon has become a major tourist spot classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Then we will continue to the city of St. Paul de Vence - a true gem (similarly to Vence it’s also known for its artsy heritage).
DAY 5 : The departure day
After check-out you will have a chance to explore further French Riviera on your own and buy some very much needed Provencal souvenirs.
Key information
- Highlights
- Vence
- St. Paul de Vence
- Tourettes sur Loup
- Col de Vence
- Diary farms with local products tastings
- Craft beer Tasting
- Gourdon
