This morning we travel south to Provence and to our hotel in the small town of Nyons in an area known as Drôme-Provencale, also known for it's landscape of vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and picture book villages.
Explore Provence Villages This morning we travel south to Provence and to our hotel in the small town of Nyons in an area known as Drôme-Provençale. This is typical Provence with a landscape of vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and picture book villages. We have the luxury of a 3 night stay in our traditional …
Explore Provence Villages
This morning we travel south to Provence and to our hotel in the small town of Nyons in an area known as Drôme-Provençale. This is typical Provence with a landscape of vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and picture book villages. We have the luxury of a 3 night stay in our traditional hotel situated in the heart of the town.
Before arriving at our hotel, we’ll explore on the bike or in the van the spectacular Provençal villages. Our ride route will generally follow along the Dentelles de Montmirail. As “dente” suggests they have a distinctive jagged outline, like teeth. Their ruggedness is accentuated by the Côtes du Rhône vineyards below and the softness of the scrub on the lower slopes.
Many thousands of artists and visitors come every year for the natural beauty, typical Provençal charm and medieval character. A church dominates the profile for most of the villages. Often the forecourt of each church offers a panoramic view of the vine-blanketed countryside, extending all the way to the Cévennes. It’s not solely churches though, Vacqueyras is most widely known for its excellent wines.
Imagine, picturesque shady lanes that are constantly adorned with flowers. Covered passageways with centuries-old exposed wooden beams. Pretty fountains and charming houses huddled around the medieval churches. Some villages are listed amongst France’s “most beautiful villages”. The jewel of Roman Provence, as its name indicates, Vaison-la-Romaine is a “must-see” for visitors to the region.
After a spectacular ride, we will arrive at our hotel, among the black olive groves with time to explore Nyons. Each evening we’ll enjoy an authentic Provençal dinner on our terrace, prepared with the freshest of local ingredients.
TODAY IN THE RACE
Stage 15: Limoux to Foix Prat d’Albis, Mountain, 185 kmAerial pictures will capture the amazing Cathar castles during today’s stage. Riders, however will be captivated by the challenging ascents. None more than the difficult 18% slopes of Mur de Péguère before descending into Foix, which is 12 km from the final summit finish. Nearly 5,000m of vertical ascent in today’s stage.