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Cycling in Drome-Provencal

NOTE: You can click on any of the small pictures below to see a larger version of that picture.


In July 2000 we did a self-guided bicycling trip in the South of France. A self-guided trip means that while a company (in this case, Randonnée Tours of Canada) set up the routes, hotels and rental bikes, and arranged for our luggage to be transported from one hotel to the next, we were otherwise on our own. No group, no leader, no sag wagon to pick you up if you were tired. We had done a self-guided trip the year before in the Czech Republic, and so we knew it worked well for us.

The trip we chose was in Haute Provence, a region referred to as Drome Provencal (see map right), as it borders on the region just to the north of Provence, called Drome. Here are all the charms of Provence, minus most of the tourists. Because it is at a higher altitude, this is where all the lavender grows, and we were lucky enough to be there in prime lavender-blooming time, which is mid-Jund to mid-July. It is also hillier than most of the rest of Provence, and so gave us a more challenging ride. Better to work off the calories from all the fantastic dinners!


Vaison-la-Romaine

Roman Ruins Roman Bridge
Roman Ruins
Roman Bridge
We began our trip in Vaison-la-Romaine, a charming town in the north of Provence. We stayed at the wonderful Hostellerie de Bellfoi in the medieval quarter. Vaison is well-known for its Roman ruins,
Medieval Quarter Medieval Quarter
Medieval Quarter
as it had been an outpost of the Roman Empire (as had been much of Provence), and a 12th Century Roman Bridge, which is not only still standing, it is a main thoroughfare between the new and medieval quarters. There was a modern sculpture show among the ruins that day. We actually favored walking around the narrow winding streets that climbed through the medieval section up to the ruins of a castle at the top. We met up with the Randonnée representative, Patrick, at our hotel in the late afternoon, and were fitted with our bikes. That evening we had the first of many evenings of dinner outside in the balmy Provencal weather.


Day 1 - Vaison-la-Romaine to Poet-Laval

Mark
Rona
The next morning we set out through Vaison heading north. Mostly we rode through beautiful countryside, surrounded by vineyards and an occasional castle in the distance. We climbed up through the village of Vinsobre, which has its own wine appellation. We were in the region of Nyons, famous for its olives and olive oil. It is the only olive in France to be granted an appellation like wine.
Vinyards Lavandin
Vineyards
Lavandin


We thought we saw our first view of lavender, but it turned out that it was "lavandin," the "cheap version." This is the stuff that's used in inexpensive bath oils, etc. to make it smell like lavender. The destination for the day, and where we would be staying for the next two nights, was the village of Le Poet-Laval.

Total kilometers for the day: 65

Le Poet-Laval

Poet Laval Poet Laval
Poet Laval
This is a MOST charming 12th century village that is one of "les plus beaux villages de France," an official accolade given by the government. It has recently been restored, and there is only one small hotel and not much else.
Poet Laval Poet Laval
The Restaurant
The Pool


The hotel, Les Hospitaliers, was an absolute delight, with a world class restaurant that is outside on the roof. Six course gourmet dinners were about $28 a person!

There was a wonderful pool built into a hillside terrace, and the whole place was as peaceful as you could possibly imagine.


Poet Laval Poet Laval
The Views

The views were extraordinary from everywhere.


Poet Laval Poet Laval
Organ Grinders
Wedding
When we arrived there was a "hand organ" festival going on, so we made our way to the top of this hill village (no mean feat) to the sound of organ grinders! There was a bit more excitement the first afternoon we were there as there was a wedding taking place in the beautiful church at the top of the hill.


Day 2 - Into Drome

Drome Vista
Drome Vista - Mountains
We rode up a monster hill for five or six kilometers in the intense sun, and finally came to the top of the Col de Pertuis ("col" means mountain pass), at which point the scenery changed distinctly.
Drome Vista
Drome Vista with Castle
The hills in the distance were bigger, and more jagged. These are the foothills of the Alps. We were out of Provence for the day and into Drome. We rode down the other side of the pass, and were treated to delightful vistas of rolling hills and castles.


Saou Saou
Saou



The highlight of the day was our stop in the lovely village of Saou, where dramatic crags towered over quaint stone buildings. We had a drink in a charming cafe called L'Oiseau Sur Sa Branche (The Bird in the Tree).

We did an extra loop at the end of the day, visiting the artist colony at Puygiron. We returned for another delightful evening and delicious dinner in Poet-Laval.

Total kilometers for the day: 83

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