Suggested Week s Cycling Itinerary with us. Day 1 - Tour of La Chabre Your week starts with a gentle spin along the valley before climbing through the picturesque villages of Eygalayes and Izonla-Bruisse to reach Col de Muze and then onto Col St Jean at 1158m. After a sweeping descent to Laborel the route takes in an optional Col, Col de Pierre Vescue to make the most of the quiet roads. You will then descend to the village of Orpierre and its stunning rock faces which are popular with climbers from all over the world. It is well worth passing through the narrow streets of the village and stopping for a well earned coffee or lunch. From Orpierre you continue descending past the many apple orchards to reach the main Buech Valley. Your route now takes you through the dramatic Gorges de la Meouge, where the river weaves its way under, around and even through the steep cliffs. A geologists paradise. If you have energy left in the legs there is an option to climb Montagne de Chabre, our local test piece! The top of this hill is very popular with parapenters and affords a fantastic 360 degree view of most of the days ride. Distance 71km (Excluding the climb of La Chabre) Climbing 1363m (Excluding the climb of La Chabre) 1 www.serredesormes.co.uk
Day 2 - Montagne du Lure A brilliant warm up to the week s main challenge, this route takes you to the summit of Montagne du Lure, Mont Ventoux s sister mountain. After loading the bikes into our van, we will make the short drive to Noyers-Sur-Jabron where the ride begins. From here you will start the long gradual climb along the quiet tree lined road to Col du Pas de la Graille (1597m) and then over Montagne de Lure (1736m). The final section of the climb opens up to give magnificent views of the Sommet de Lure, surrounding valleys and beyond to the Alps. The descent is one to remember and the climb is quickly forgotten on quiet, well-surfaced roads passing through an abandoned ski station. Eventually the village of St-Etienne-Les-Orgues is reached where a stop for a coffee and crêpe is well worthwhile. From here your route takes you through the town of Banon, where you can stop for lunch in one of the numerous cafes or climb through the narrow streets to explore the old village. From Banon the route continues to gently climb to Col de Negron before descending through Sederon and back to Serre Des Ormes. Distance 115 km Climbing 2398 m Day 3 - Tour of Drome A challenging day in the Drome region of Provence under the gaze of Mont Ventoux. Warm up the legs with an easy pedal along the valley road to Sederon before climbing to Col de Macuegne at 1068m. From here, the road descends to Montbrun- Les-Bains, with magnificent views of Mont Ventoux. Montbrun-Les-Bains is a popular tourist town, known for its thermal spas and has numerous cafes and boulangeries for a morning coffee and Pain au Chocolat! From Montbrun you will head out under the slopes of Mont Ventoux via Col des Aires and Col de Fontaube to reach the bustling town of Buis-Les- Baronnies. A frequent destination for Le Tour there are plenty of options for lunch. After Buis you will be back on quieter roads, passing rock faces popular with climbers and river pools in the Gorges d Ubrieux. You could always stop off for a quick dip. From here you gradually climb before turning off the main road at St-Auban-sur-l Ouveze and turning your attention to Col de Perty. The climb never gets too steep, although it is long! At the summit you will be rewarded with stunning views over to the Ecrin National Park. From the Col you descend to the village of Laborel before the final sting in 2 www.serredesormes.co.uk
the tail of Col St Jean. From here, you descend through Ballons (take it easy on the descent as it is steep in parts) and back to Salerans for a well earned piece of cake! Distance123km Climbing 2325m For those after a shorter day there is the option from Montbrun to head along the very pleasant Le Toulourenc river to reach the Chateau village of Aulan. From here we rejoin the longer route at St-Auban to climb Col de Perty. Distance 97km Climbing 2082m Day 4 - Rest Day! A well earned rest day! Perhaps enjoy a walk in the surrounding hills, or relax by the pool or if you are keen to ride we will be happy to suggest other routes in the area. Day 5 - Mont Ventoux Today s ride is the highlight of the week and takes in the famous summit of Mont Ventoux. The ride begins with a gentle spin along the valley road to Sederon before climbing to Col de l homme Mort and then descending through Ferrassières to the village of Sault. Enjoy a coffee and croissant before the big climb of the day. From Sault, you will climb the easiest but longest of the three ascents up Mont Ventoux. The route begins by gradually climbing through the trees to reach Le Chalet Reynard. The view then opens up and you leave the shelter of the trees for the final 6.5km past the Tom Simpson memorial to the summit of this famous climb at 1910m. After posing for the obligatory summit photo and perhaps stocking up on supplies at the numerous stalls or even an ice cream at the cafe we retrace our steps back to Sault, perhaps stopping for lunch at Chalet Reynard. 3 www.serredesormes.co.uk
From Sault descend to the thermal Spa town of Montbrun-Les-Bains before the final climb of the day. A cracking climb, with views back to Mont Ventoux, your legs will be grateful that the gradient never gets too steep. One you reach Col de Macuegene at 1068m you can relax in the knowledge that it s all downhill from here back home. Distance 137km Climbing 2808m Day 6 - Tour of Le Buech A more relaxing end to the week but plenty of options to extend or shorten your day. Meander your way down the valley through the stunning Gorges de la Meouge to the Buech Valley before reaching Sisteron. Known as the Porte de Provence (Gateway to Provence), it is well worth exploring the streets of this impressive Citadel town. From Sisteron, you will explor e some of the quieter roads in the Buech valley and pass through the picturesque villages of Valernes, Vaumeilh, Sigoyer, Claret and Ventavon before reaching the lively market town of Laragne. Retrace our steps through the Meouge Gorge, perhaps stopping for a dip in one of the many inviting pools in the gorge. Distance 96km Climbing 1290m 4 www.serredesormes.co.uk
Please contact us for more information or bookings. By email: info@serredesormes.co.uk On the website: www.serredesormes.co.uk Or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serredesormes/ Paul & Kate 5 www.serredesormes.co.uk