Mountain bike France

A 12th century monastery-based trip to discover this authentic regionRef CY2W

Routes without technical difficulty, designed exclusively for E-MTBs, in the heart of the Drome provençale and at the gateway to the Diois. A region that we are delighted to help you discover, for its authenticity, its landscapes between the mountains and Provence, the quality of its paths, its varied, succulent and committed gastronomy... We have put together all these ingredients in a single tour. To make our stay unique, nights are spent in an accommodation of character in the image of this region: a 12th century monastery. A place full of history, whose old stones give us a few snippets... Sharing and conviviality will be the order of the day! Are you ready for this joyful adventure?

Guided version: from 515€ - DetailsSelf-guided version: from 215€ - Details Duration : 3 or 4 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
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+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
Book this tour
Technical level :   Physical level (E-Bike) :  
This tour is designed exclusively for E-MTB’s

Highlights

  • The soul of an old monastery converted into accommodation: unique!
  • A circuit specially designed for E-MTBs
  • A centre-based tour for an in-depth discovery of the secret Provence
  • Numerous possibilities for extra-cycling activities

Description


Mindset of this trip

Mindset of this trip

About this trip

Beautiful E-MTB loops to discover the beautiful Drôme provençale and the Diois. An authentic and little-visited region, nestled at the foot of the Vercors cliffs. Electrically-assisted bikes designed for those who are looking for rolling routes with descents on wide tracks (no single-track trails), for less experienced novices, but also for those who simply want to discover a place, a region.

We have found for you a place that is unique in its environment and philosophy; a nine-century old monastery, with more than 2 hectares of botanical gardens and a panoramic view of the Drôme valley. The place provides an immense sense of tranquillity and creates a sense of connection and sharing through the various workshops and shows on offer. A few days in the monastery is the promise of a break in your daily life, a breath of fresh air for a (long) weekend!

Required level

If possible, we offer two variations per day. A shorter stage so that you can enjoy the extra-bike activities at the monastery, or for any other good reason. And a longer loop when possible, this variant does not change the technicality of the route, only the length. We have chosen to describe below the shortest loops.  When you register, we can send you the two variants for each day.

The entire circuit has been designed for E-MTBs.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: The Quint valley

Itinerary start: We will meet you directly at the monastery of Sainte-Croix, at 2 pm. It is possible to park at the entrance of the village, or in front of the monastery.

After settling in at the monastery, we take the EMTBs for a first warm-up, starting the loop along the Sure, a tributary of the Drôme, which we soon reach. We start with a nice track between Scots pine and black pine trees typical of the Diois. Around us, a few vineyards and lavender fields, there is no doubt that we are at the beginning of the secret Provence. We cross the village of Ponet-et-St Alban, before climbing up some nice twists and turns to reach the Dionens pass. Soon we see the Sainte Croix, the botanical garden and the monastery. We can take advantage of the evening to stroll through the garden, or enjoy a glass of Clairette.

Distance and altitude gain : approx 20km and 650m

Day 2: Between the Gervanne and the Quint valley

We set off towards the downstream part of the Drôme river. We can take advantage of the climb to admire the landscape and then with the first descent of the day, we are faced with a beautiful panorama on the river with the vineyards dominating the valley. This downhill path takes us directly to the village of Pontaix. Although the day has only just begun, we can take advantage of the Aiguebelle waterfall, just below the castle of the same name, for a little Drôme foot bath. We set off again for an ascent between tracks and country roads in very peacefull places. We are at the junction between the Gervanne and Quint valleys. From the Col de Fonteuse, we leave the tracks for a narrower path that allows a superb descent into the Quint valley, a timeless place where many goat and sheep breeders have settled, as well as farmers. Many of the products cooked in the monastery come from there. We ride from hamlet to hamlet, alternating tracks and small lost roads. The kilometres go by and we are already at the last village of the day: Vachères en Quint, a village on a hill which allows us to enjoy the panorama before the last descent which is done on a beautiful gravelled track.

Distance and altitude gain : approx 40km and 1300m

Day 3: Discovering the Vercors

Today we change sector and head for the Vercors plateau! This large limestone massif between the Isère and the Drôme region. It is by a long climb without difficulty, mainly on tracks and country roads that we reach the plateau. On the way up we cross some vineyards and discover the hilly terrain in the middle of the forests. As the kilometres go by we have a panoramic view of the whole Diois and the valley of the river Drôme. In front of us, we can make out the great cliffs that so well represent the Vercors plateau. The landscape becomes more and more rocky, we approach Font d'Urle, the northern domain of the plateau. The panorama is breathtaking! We ride on the plateau between forests and clearings to get around the Ambel mountain. After a last exceptional panorama, it's time to go back down to our valley on a track with some nice twists and turns. Back in Sainte Croix, we quickly let ourselves be tempted by a massage in the heart of the botanical garden.

Distance and altitude gain : approx 60km and 1700m

Day 4: In the heart of Justin's state forest

We start the day along the Drôme, which we quickly cross, to begin a beautiful climb on paths, in the middle of the forest to reach the Solaure plateau. We pass the Col de Barsac before entering the state forest of Justin. Without any great difficulty, we follow the passes (Col du Lion, Col de Beaufayn), before arriving at the Pas du Loup, the highest point of the day. The view is superb with the mountains of the South Vercors in front of us. And if the weather permits, we can see the Ecrins mountains, the Ventoux and the Massif Central in the distance. A beautiful and long descent awaits us. The forests give way to the Clairette vineyards, we cross many wine estates, and we ride along the beautiful Drôme to head back to the monastery...

Distance and altitude gain : approx 60km and 1400m

Itinerary end: Separation at the end of the tour is at the monastery. On request we can book the following nights accommodation for you in yh monastery.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Dates and price

Dates
Please, contact us.

Costs and services guided tour

What is included:
  • Fully qualified English-speaking mountain bike guide 
  • 2 or 3 nights in the monastery
  • 2 or 3 breakfasts
  • 3 or 4 picnic lunches
  • 2 or 3 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
What is not included:
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites not covered by the programme
  • Additional travel related to change in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under “what is included".

Supplementary services:

Supplementary services (prices per person):
  • Single-room supplement for 3 nights: 65 € (subject to availability)
  • Single-room supplement for 4 nights: 95 € (subject to availability)
  • E-mountain bike rental:
    • Front suspension: 180 € (3 days); 220 € (4 days)
    • Full suspension: 225 € (3 days); 280 € (4 days)

Activities at the monastery

In order to enhance your stay, you have the possibility to add a few options to your cycling days, and enjoy the magic of the place, either in the ethnobotanical garden or for a moment of relaxation.

  • You can prepare a wild aperitif and simple recipes from the plants gathered in the garden. Something to revive our taste buds after a day of sport. Duration 2h15
  • Preparation of a treatment or remedy according to your desires: balm, cream, syrup, herbal tea... A small souvenir to take home. Duration 2h15.
  • An Amma massage, in the middle of plants, a nice relaxing moment on an ergonomic chair. Duration: 30 minutes. Price: 30 €.
  • A Californian massage, with oil and long fluid and harmonious movements all over the body. Duration 1 hour. Price: 50€.

For these different acitivites, apart from the massages, you may be with other people.
In order to guarantee availability, we advise you to book these options when you register.

However, payment will be made on site, as it varies according to the number of people (maximum 12 people per workshop).

Maximum price to be divided by the number of people: 140 € for a 2h15 activities.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Supplementary services:

Supplementary services (prices per person):
  • Single-room supplement for 3 nights: 65 € (subject to availability)
  • Single-room supplement for 4 nights: 95 € (subject to availability)
  • E-mountain bike rental:
    • Front suspension: 180 € (3 days); 220 € (4 days)
    • Full suspension: 225 € (3 days); 280 € (4 days)

How to get to the meeting point

By plane:

Valence airport: https://www.valenceaeroport.fr/en/

Grenoble airport: https://www.grenoble-airport.com/en

Airport transfers are available on request. Please contact us for a quote.

By train: Die train station

SNCF: www.voyages.sncf.fr

By car:

Route planner: en.mappy.com

Parking: In the event that you travel by car to the meeting point, various parking options will be available.

Which e-mountain bike to choose for this trip?

This circuit has been specifically designed for electric mountain bikes. We have put the emphasis on the variety and playfulness of the route: forest and fire tracks, easy singletrack trails and small rural roads. We have limited hike-a-bike sections to the minimum. Taking maximum pleasure on our tours requires appropriate equipment.

We recommend
  • Crank motors
  • Battery capacity of 500 Wh minimum
  • Pedal assist
We do not recommend
  • Hub motors
  • Battery capacity lower than 500 Wh
  • Throttle assist
Battery management

There are many factors that affect battery use. Elevation gain, technical difficulty of the route, type of terrain, weight of the mountain bike + biker combination, ability to ride in "eco" mode, engine power, etc. You should take into account distances and elevation gains indicated in our detailed tour programmes, your data and your experience in order to decide whether it is necessary for you to carry a spare battery in your rucksack.

For information purposes, a 500 Wh battery allows an average weight rider in the "eco" mode (limiting the use of other modes to only a few, particularly steep sections) to ride about 50 km and 1500 m of cumulative elevation gain on a route with a mix of terrains: road, forest tracks and singletrack. Just like on a normal mountain bike, make sure to use low gear ratios (higher pedaling frequency) in the steep parts, rather than using a high gear ratio and compensating with a higher level of electric assistance.

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Groupe size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided groups.

Accommodation

The authenticity of the place and the monastic spirit can be found in the rooms: sobriety is the rule in this place.
Each room (for one or two people) has its own sink but the sanitary facilities (shower and toilet) are shared. The sanitary facilities have been completely renovated, combining practicality and comfort.

In the monastery on the basis of two people per room (double room or twin room).

Depending on availability, we may be able to book rooms with three separate beds (in the case of a couple, you are not concerned by this information: you will systematically be accommodated in a double room).

Single room option: see relevant paragraph.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Cereal bars and dried fruit during the day
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

The meals

The meals are prepared with local products (more than 80%) and partly organic. The monastery is committed to promoting local products from the valley: Picodon goat cheese, Diois lamb, village nuts, flowers and plants from the garden, herbal teas, honeys, jams, bread, wine, Clairette... made by Diois producers. Depending on the size of your group, you can have meals around a large convivial table or on a more intimate table.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday. 

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Material provided by France Bike Trips (guided version only):
  • A group first aid kit
  • A repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Luggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof, extra clothing, sunglasses...

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

Please note: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg maximum (or less if stated in the dates & prices tab).

List of equipment to pack:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A mountain bike helmet (COMPULSORY).
For your upper body
  • Two cycling jerseys (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts with chamois
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit
  • Waterproof trousers (recommended for our alpine tours)
For your feet
  • Mountain bike shoes (“multi-activity / outdoor” type with grippy soles or clipless biking shoes)
  • Sports socks (+ warm wool socks for our alpine tours)
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice during breaks...).
For your mountain bike

If you rent your MTB from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • If you have tires with tubes: 2 spare tubes + puncture repair kit
  • If you have tubeless tires: sealant, a tube with presta valve (just in case), a spare tire
  • If you have V-brakes: 2 sets of replacement brake pads
  • If you have disc brakes: 2 sets of replacement pads
  • A rear derailleur cable + 1 rear brake cable
  • Chain lube
  • A pump
  • A high pressure pump for your suspension  (optional, your guide will have one).
  • VERY IMPORTANT: A spare derailleur hanger  (only if your rear derailleur is not integral to the frame).
Various
  • A pair of MTB gloves (+ warm waterproof gloves for our alpine tours)
  • A bike lock
  • A head torch with batteries
  • A pair of spare laces
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • Some plastic bags to protect your equipment
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Dates

Can be booked any time from beginning of April to end of October.

Costs and services self-guided tour

3 days tour :

Price per person for a group of:

Single-room supplement will be automatically charged in the case of odd-numbered groups.

What is included:
  • 2 or 3 nights in monastery
  • 2 or 3 breakfasts
  • 2 or 3 dinners (3 to 4 course menu)
  • Detailed travel documents, highlighted maps and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • Lunch meals
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites not covered by the programme
  • Additional travel related to change in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under “what is included"

GPS tracks

If you choose to book a self-guided tour, we provide the GPS tracks of the route. You will be able to download the GPX type files from your France Bike Trips user account once you receive our travel documents by email. They are compatible with all current GPS software applications and editors.

Accuracy

These tracks have been created using professional mapping software. There may be slight differences between the GPS track and the reality on the terrain. The GPS tracks should thus be considered a "plus" to help you find your way. However, they are by no means a substitute for orientation with the help of the highlighted map material.

The distances and altitude gain in the tour's programme remain the reference. Indeed, real-world altitude and mileages can be different and vary significantly from the data shown in GPS software applications.

Data privacy

We ask you not to publish these GPS tracks on any website, social network or anywhere else. Their elaboration required many hours of hard work, both to create the track in the field, but also in our software applications. The non-respect of this ethic would force us to remove these valuable tool from our offer.

Option analogue maps

We offer digital map material with highlighted tracks for our self-guided tours by default. These are printable (A4, pdf format).

On request, we can provide you with analogue maps containing the highlighted itinerary and route infos (official French maps at a scale of 1:25,000). Shipment will be made to the accommodation of your extra night before the tour.

Price of this option incl. shipping within France: see supplementary services

Please let us know in the booking form if you would like this option. Please also give us an accommodation address for shipping if you do not book an extra night through us before the tour.

Self-guided tour user guide

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

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A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


Phone number: +33 458 140 435

Contact us

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

Please type in your email address in order to access tour details and description

Your email will not be communicated to any third party or company outside France Bike Trips / Velorizons. You may receive occasional emails from France Bike Trips, with the possibility to unsubscribe at any time. CNIL (French National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties)