Cycling the Ardeche
200 - 400kms ❖ 3000m - 5000m ❖ 5 nights/6 days ❖ from 2200€ pp.
The Northern Ardeche is really an unknown entity in the cycling world. The locals love it. The Tour de France rarely visits this area and when it does they ride through the touristy areas which are in the south. We, on the other hand, ride here a lot, and we know where to go to avoid the tourists. Trips during July and August should be avoided as the heat can be a bit much. Late May, June, September and early October are ideal. The areas that we ride in are remote, hence a sit-down lunch in a restaurant may not happen, so we must pack our lunches. Did we mention the heavy traffic? See top photo for confirmation.
Ardeche Ride Difficulty 5-7/10
The Ardeche Cycling week can be described as moderate to a little demanding, depending on you; where you normally ride and your training. The name of the area we are in is the Regional Parc Monts d’Ardeche. Nothing is flat here. Having said that, nothing is really that difficult either, as long as you like climbing gentle hills. The biggest climbs on average can be around 12 kms and gain only 500m (which the gradient is a comfortable ±4.2%). The biggest day has an (optional) 16k climb at 5.4%. Like we said, easy, (some of you may disagree with this last statement).
Ardeche Itinerary
Day 1. Les Ollièrs Loop 1
Meet your guide at the Valence TGV station at 11h00 (actual time tbd by you and your group) for the 60 minute transfer to your home for three nights in les Ollièrs-sur-Eyrieux (Northern Ardeche). Have a quick snack then head off for a loop ride. Options galore. 30 - 80kms
Day 2. Les Ollièrs Loop 2
Beautiful loop ride up a peaceful valley then down another stunner of a ridge, then ride to St. Sauveur de Montagut. Sample a glass (or 2) of the local grape before heading home to the Pool and Jacuzzi. Or … tack on another 30k?
45 - 85+kms
Day 3. Les Ollièrs Loop 3
We hate to sound repetitive, but today is yet another beautiful loop ride up another quiet valley. Then down another scenic ridge on what seems like a wide bike path, but it’s actually a road for 5 farmers. You will be lucky if you see them, or anyone else for that matter. Traffic-free-roads redefined!
40 - 80+ kms
Day 4.
Les Ollièrs to Vals les Bains
Today we ride from the Northern Ardeche into a remote part of the Southern Ardeche and the town of Vals les Bains. Up and over the Col de Sarasset (834m) and down the gorgeous road to Vals Les Bains, where we spend 2 nights. Vals les Bains has a famous ice cream factory btw; one of their flavours is Foie Gras!
60 - 90kms
Day 5. Vals les Bains Loop
Today can be the biggest day of the week or you can ride something easier if you wish. You can take on the Col de la Croix de Bauzon (1308m) or stay lower and ride our beautiful traffic-free roads again. Either way, you have another day in a biking paradise.
50 - 90kms
Day 6. Trip end, short rides available. (or keep riding?)
A short loop ride around Vals les Bains (then a 2 hour van transfer to Avignon departing at 11h00) or a 40km bike ride to Privas, (then a 90 minute van transfer to Avignon departing at 14hoo), where your Ardeche trip ends.
Those of you with the where-with-all may want to have a prolonged trip with TTT. We have at least another 5 days of riding here (including 3 more days from the first hotel and 3 more from the second!). We know that you will be wishing that you took this option when you signed up.
Discounts available. ;-)
Ardeche Bike Trip Details
Prices starting from 2200€ per person for a group of 6 riders in shared (double) accommodation for 5 nights.
What’s included?
All trip hotels and breakfasts.
All evening meals.
Pre-trip pick up in Valence. Post trip transfer to Avignon.
Carbon Fibre Road bike or Hybrid frame. (E-Bikes available at an extra cost)
Custom maps
Downloadable GPS routes for your Smartphone or Garmin.
Ride profiles
Guide.
Support Van.
Photo slideshow of your trip.
What’s not Included?
Drinks at dinner.
* Pre and post trip transfers. All transfers happen as a group and within a pre-determined time frame.
We can easily arrange a private transfer if you wish. Extra charges will apply.