Sunday, July 5th: Arrival in Digne-les-Bains
Arrive at the train station in the Spa town of Digne-les-Bains, which is conveniently serviced by regular trains and coaches from Marseille and Nice international airports. If possible, try to take the spectacular “Train des Pignes” from Nice to Digne-les-Bains for a truly memorable journey.

We will then transfer you to your hotel. Prior to dinner, you will meet our local representative to go over the tour itinerary and receive related material and rental equipment.

Dinner and overnight will be at Villa Gaia (www.hotelvillagaia.fr). An antique and carefully restored villa set amidst giant park-like grounds, complete with Roman bath, tennis court and fountains.

Monday, July 6th: Digne – Moustiers Sainte Marie
Two Options: 82km (53 miles) via Valensole or 56km (35 miles) via Puimoisson*
Leaving Digne-les-Bains behind, you will ride on small roads through magnificent lavender and sunflower fields on your way to the "Plateau de Valensole”. The so-called Lavender Plateau, or “Plateau des Lavandes”, is a picturesque and colourful terrain, especially in the summer when the lavender fields are in bloom. You’ll then cycle through the Roman town of Riez before reaching Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a hill-top village world famous for its faïence, the hand-painted earthenware typical of Provence.

Overnight at Les Restanques de Moustiers (www.hotel-les-restanques.com), a 3-star property located at the foot of the village.

*Please note that the shorter option does not take you through the Valensole Plateau.

Tuesday, July 7th: Moustiers Sainte Marie - Day of Many Options
A day to relax. We invite you to take a stroll through town to discover Moustiers, a charming town in a magnificent natural setting. At an altitude of 630 meters (2,067 ft), the town is surrounded by two rocky peaks which overlook the city. The so-called “capital of ceramics” has many workshops producing faïence, and nearly 30 shops highlighting local goods.

You may also use the day to ride a short loop to discover the Gorges of Verdon and admire the fabulous views of the cliffs. The village of La Palud is the start of the “Route des Crêtes” (Crest Road) which has many lookout points, including an exceptionally beautiful stop among castle ruins at the foot of the village of Rougon, looking over Point Sublime.

Wednesday, July 8th: Moustiers Sainte Marie – Forcalquier - 66.3 km (39.5 miles)
Today you will begin the day riding along the shores of vast Lac Sainte Croix, taking in the splendorous color of the calm water. You will proceed on minor roads through quaint villages, such as Allemagne-en-Provence with its 13thcentury castle, the Spa town of Gréoux-Les-Bains, and the medieval citadel of Manosque, which has been celebrated by one of the greatest French writers of the 20th century, Jean Giono. Manosque offers several lunch options, as well as an opportunity to visit the l’Occitane Factory, a tour of which includes demos on the use of essential oils.

On your way to the market town of Fourcalquier, you’ll take a stunning route via the « Col de La Mort d’Imbert” which passes through dramatic, ever-changing scenery. The clean, clear skies offer a choice location for the nearby Haute Provence Observatory.

Dinner and overnight at le Colombier (www.le-colombier.com), an authentic 18th Century Provençal farmhouse, which has a lovely shaded terrace and swimming pool. The house was an old relay post for Louis XV’s Royal Guard, earning it the name, "Le Mas des Dragons" or “House of the Dragons”. Dinner will be at the hotel, with a menu featuring fresh goods from the market.

Thursday, July 9th: Forcalquier – Digne : 67.5 km or 42 miles
The ride to Digne is on a pretty little road, with only a gentle slope, along the banks of the River Asse - ideal for resting your cycling muscles. For Tour buffs out there, you might recall that this is the very same route from the 2008 Tour de France stage from Nimes.

You'll be cycling through typical, peaceful Provençal villages located on a branch of the river Asse, such as Bras d'Asse, a one-street community overlooked by ruins of the original village, and Estoublon, with its clock tower listed as a historical monument. From Estoublon, you may choose to cycle to the hidden entrance of the Gorge de Trévans... But don't leave without buying essence of lavender, the local speciality!
Dinner and overnight at the Tonic Hotel (www.hotel-tonic-digne.com) - located next to the Thermal Baths.

This is the unofficial last day of the tour; there is an option to experience a few more guided rides around Digne as well as to book extra nights in Digne for you to relax.

Friday, July 10th: Departure Day
After a leisurely breakfast, feel free to depart Digne at the time of your choice.

*You can opt to extend your stay in Digne-les-Bains, by adding another night or two and enjoying the town and environs.
“Comfort after effort”. Time to reap the rewards for your cycling efforts and take advantage of what this town is known for. Your hotel is located only 800 meters from the Thermal Baths! People have been coming to Digne-les-Bains to “take the waters” since antiquity and the Thermal Baths are renowned for their therapeutic and beneficial effects. Take some time during your stay to enjoy the Spa and its many relaxing options with essential oils. Another option is to visit the back-country village of Thoard and its lavender distillery – it’s a nice ride on a beautiful road that winds through some picturesque hills and valleys.

Pricing: From 1020 euros per person in double occupancy.

This price includes:

• 5 nights/6 days (3 nights in 3-star properties, 2 nights in 2-star properties)
• Daily breakfast
• 3 dinners (drinks are not included)
• Meeting with our local representative on arrival day
• Detailed maps and/or cue sheets
• Tourist information
• Luggage transfers
• Chauffeur-driven support vehicle
• Water stops (snacks, fruits, water, etc...)
• All tax and service charges

This price does not include:

• Expenses of personal nature
• Travel insurance
• Rental bikes. Hybrids are available at the rate of 80 euros per bike. Racing bikes are available at the rate of 145 euros per bike.

Notes:

• We can arrange extra nights before or after your trip in Digne-les-Bains