FRENCH RIVIERA AND THE GRAND ALPS

Leaving Calais we have a short auto route blast to take us south to Cambrai before heading off on some rural “D” roads as we head to our first stop – Troyes,  famous for it’s half timbered old quarter.  Now it’s home to a favourite hotel of ours and some super restaurants. From here we are heading south through central france stopping at Puy. This ride avoids the main roads wherever possible in favour of the quiet D roads so you can experience real France with its small shuttered villages and towns.

After another night on the road heading south we arrive in Arles on the Riviera.  Staying here two nights in the heart of this charming town you have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO listed Roman Amphitheatre.  This amazing almost complete monument dominates the centre of the city but is also surrounded by a number of other Romanesque ruins.

From Arles you have a short ride along the coast to Menton where we have two nights in a beautiful seafront hotel on the Cote d’Azur.  Menton, known as the ‘Pearl of France’, is a haven just five miles from the harbours and beaches of Monaco. The warm climate lends itself to citrus fruit and the town is famous for its lemons, so why not try a G&T on the balcony with ice and a local slice? Your days here can be spent on or off the bikes. Your 4-star hotel sits on the beach front of this picturesque town. Quieter than some of the more famous Cote d’Azur resorts this beautiful old town nestles around a warm Mediterranean harbour. There is ample time to explore, whether that’s yet more riding on the stunning roads, a glamorous night at the roulette tables in Monaco, enjoying the beaches and pool, the gourmet restaurants, or the incredible views from the hotel.

You will be heading up to the famous Route des Grandes Alpes with one mountain pass after another and the stunning Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved mountain road in the Alps. Many people think Alpine riding is the reserve of the Swiss, but these fantastic French Alps roads will convince anyone there is more to the Alps than Switzerland. Challenging twisty routes abound! Your route home takes in more great riding as we climb back into the mountains heading for the shores of Lac Leman bordering Switzerland. The following day we continue north into the Vosge Mountains and then through France and to the Belgian Ardennes as you head for a final night in Sedan. You are staying at the Chateau Fort Sedan, which as the title suggests is a converted fort and now 4-star hotel. You can enjoy our farewell dinner in the dining room in the old part of the fort before heading back towards Calais the following day.

With the mix of a relaxing Riviera break and spectacularly rewarding mountain riding, this tour has broad appeal.