The Great French Tour

by Cycle Retreats
Region
Provence
Duration
14 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
Difficult
D-Score™
D3 - Advanced

Overview

Our North to South tour is truly an epic challenge, spanning approximately 1550 km and taking in around 19000m of elevation. This adventure is comparable in distance to the famous LEJOG route (Land's End to John o' Groats) but with the added benefit of predominantly nicer weather. The route crosses the most beautiful and idyllic scenery, initially heading south before crossing into the rolling landscape and natural beauty of the Dordogne Valley. The route then turns eastwards, and the terrain becomes more mountainous as we head across to the stunning Rhone Valley where it intersects with the iconic giant Mont Ventoux framed by the beautiful rolling lavender fields. After taking in some of the most wonderful gorges and balcony roads, we wave goodbye to the Provence region and push on in an easterly direction. The route then meanders down to a beautiful end to the adventure and the vibrant capital of the French riviera Nice nestled in the Mediterranean coastline a fitting end to an epic challenge. Cycle Retreats will take care of everything for you from perfectly located lunch stops to a support car waiting at the top of a climb to ensure you have everything you need for your day in the saddle.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Arrival day

Arrival day

Day 2: Caen – La Ferté Macé

94 km 1150 m

D2

Caen – La Ferté Macé

Day 3: Ferte Mace – Fléche

128 km 1400 m

D3

Ferte Mace – Fléche

Day 4: Fléche – Chatellerault

138 km 1071 m

D3

Fléche – Chatellerault

Day 5: Chatellerault – Confolens

111 km 1150 m

D3

Chatellerault – Confolens

Day 6: Confolens – Thiviers

91 km 1250 m

D2

Confolens – Thiviers

Day 7: Thiviers – Argentat-sur-Dordogne

112 km 1650 m

D3

Thiviers – Argentat-sur-Dordogne

Day 8: Argentat-sur-Dordogne – Entraygues-sur-Truyer

116 km 2000 m

D3

Argentat-sur-Dordogne – Entraygues-sur-Truyer

Day 9: Entraygues-sur-Truyer – Mende

121 km 2300 m

D3

Entraygues-sur-Truyer – Mende

Day 10: Mende – Vallon Pont d’Arc Distance

113 km 1800 m

D3

Mende – Vallon Pont d’Arc Distance

Day 11: Vallon Pont d’Arc – Malaucene

117 km 1800 m

D3

Vallon Pont d’Arc – Malaucene

Day 12: Malaucene – Mane

99 km 2200 m

D3

Malaucene – Mane

Day 13: Mane – Castellane

95 km 1600 m

D3

Mane – Castellane

Day 14: Castellane – Nice

99 km 1300 m

D3

Castellane – Nice

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

N/A

What's Included

Airport transfers
Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the Provence

Read full regional guide