Geneva sightseeing

This is the day of arrival. Some will be travelling further than others and those who arrive earliest can spend the day sightseeing in Geneva. Take a bot trip on Lake geneva, see the famous Jet d'Eau fountain and flower clock, stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the Palace of Nations or the UN or for the more technically minded CERN.

You will simply not run out of things to do in and around Geneva in a week let alone a day so plan your route well to see as much as possible in the available time. Anything you missed you can probably catch when we return hear at the end of the tour.

Our hotel is rated 4 star and is just on the outskirts of the city making it ideal for parking whilst being within easy reach of all Geneva has to offer.

Geneva to Gap (200 miles)

As we begin our journey to the south of France you will get some terrific view of the Mt Blanc on and off from when we leave Lake Geneva all the way to our first stop at village of Flumet which lies to the west to Mt Blanc. Flumet is at the centre of the High Val d’Arly Mont Blanc ski area and a busy plae over the winter months. In summer it is a sleepy village but a lovely spot for our first stop of the day.

We continue our journey on alpire roads to the village of Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines which is at the entrance to the very attractive Vallée des Villards and the Glandon pass which you will find to the right of the railway station where we stop for our lunch break.

Our southerly route through the Hautes-Alps continues to the town Briançon which at 1326 meters above sea level is the highest town in Europe. The ancient town was heavily fortified and much of the wall and buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is an ideal stop for our afternoon refreshment break

The final section of this journey takes us over Lake Serre-Pancon and ends the journey in Gap which is the largest settlement of the Hautes-Alpes department. We are still in high ground (750M) making Gap the highest department capital in France. We stop overnight in Gap in a three star hotel a short distance from the town center.

This day will involve about 6 hours in the saddle riding generally twisty and at times technically challenging roads.

Gap to Aix en Provence (160 miles)

We depart Gap heading south to Curbans where the Durance river is very wide and almost lake like. Here we leave the Hautes-Alps to enter Haute-Provence. We follow the course of la Durance for a while to Sisteron a quite dramatic and picturesque town before altering course to the westpassing through Laragne-Monteglin where we join the twistier D942 and pass through many charming villages.before stopping for our first break of the day at Brantes.

Brantes is built on a steep hillside facing towards Mont-Ventoux. There is a medieval castle and some nice boutiques in the town but the steep cobbles streets can be challenging on a bike especially in wet conditions so take care. We shall park in a safe spot close to the cafe where we shall enjoy a light refreshment before getting back on the road.

We continue our route to the west passing through more villages of which Seguret is most notable because it is claimed to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. Lying at the foot of a hill below a chateau. We shall therefore stop briefly for a stroll through the cobbled streets to admire the architecture, scenery and charm.

Our journey now travels south passing through the vineyards around Suzette and through the town of Carpentras before arriving at Venasque where we take our second break. Vanasque is perched on top of a rocky outcrop and commands the most fantastic views across the countryside. It is also among the prettiest villages in France. We park and climb some steps up to the ruined fortress and through to the resturant where we stop for lunch overlooking a small square with fountain.

The final leg of this route takes us down some terriffic windy roads to end the day at Aix en Provence which will be our base for the next few days whilst we tour the region. Aix is the capital of Provence, has many magnificent buildings and is sourended by lovley counntryside.

Aix, Arles, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Cavaillon (155 miles)

We beging this day trip heading west from Aix to Lake Berre then onwat=rds to our first stop of the day is in the city of Arles which in terms of surface area is the largest city in France. it is an ancient city with Gaul, Roman, and Christian influences in abundance.

After morning coffee we head north the the Pont du Gard Roman aquaduct before deviating to the east to Avingnon where we break for lunch.

As we leave Avingnon we pass through Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue river that gushes out of the ground, before reaching Cavaillon. The market is where we will head for our final break today because among other things is famed for its mellons.

The final leg of this route brings us back to Aix having spent about 5 hours in the saddle. However, those preferring a longer run can take an additional circuit from Aix to Marseille and follow the coast towards Toulon before heading back to Aix. The short section of costal road from Cassis to La Ciotat is particularly good. This circuit is about 75 miles and makes a great 3 hour evening run.

Aix en Provence, Barjols, Verdon, Entrevaux, Monte Carlo (200 miles)

Today we leave Aix en Provence heading east to Monaco. Our first stop of the day is at the charming village of Barjols a village of about 3,000 population but with over 40 fountains.

The next section travels to the French Grand canyon of Verdon where we break for lunch at Les Salles Sur Verzdon before following the narror road around the rim of the gorge. (Those with vertigo can sit out this section because we travel in a circle and can so thy can rejoin the group after the circuit). The gorge is 25km long and 700 metres deep and the water has a very dsitinctive green colour.

We continue our journey along the higher tracks to reach Entrevaux which among other points of interest is the home to a motorcycle museum. It has at least 50 bikes on display, mostly european, ranging from 1900 to about the 60's.

The final section of this route takes us down to the coast and along to coast through nice and Monte Carlo to arrive at our destination. Our hotel has ocean views and is on the outskirts of Monaco. A great day with lots of interesting stops and about 6 hours in the saddle.

Monaco, Gourdon, St Tropez, Cannes, Nice (190 miles)

We begin this day trip heading north from the Med high into the mountains to Gourdon. Gourdon is a most dramatic village being situated on top of a rock, overlooking the Vallee du Loup. The views of the valley run all the way to the Mediterranean.

The route through Grasse to Lake St Cassien is very scenic as it the descent back to the coast. We break for lunch at St Maxime with is on the north side of the bay of St Tropez. Those wishing to do so can take a quick trip around the bay to St Tropez whilst the others take a break.

After lunch we take a relaxing journey hugging the coast and passing through all the coastal towns and villages including Cannes where we take another refreshment break then onwards through Nice and Monte Carlo to return to the hotel.

Menton, St Martin Vesubie, Barcelonnette, Gap (160 miles)

Today we leave the Med to make our way back towards Geneva making our first stop of the day at Saint Martin Visubie a popular Ski resort perched 1000 meters up into the mountains.

After our morning coffee break we continue our alpine route traveling close to the French/Italian border to reach Barcelonnette in time for lunch. This high alpine town has medieval origins together with a more interesting recent history. Look for the large mansions we shall pass on Av de la Liberation built by Frenchmen who made their fortune in Mexico!

The final stretch of this journey takes us past lake Serre Pancon to Gap where we stop overnight.

This route involves about 5 hours in the saddle

Gap to Geneva (165 Miles)

We depart Gap continuing our journey north with the Alp’s towering over us to the right and at times lakes and rivers to our left en route to our first stop of the day at the city of Grenoble.

We leave Grenoble and head through the Reserve Naturalle des Hauts de Chartreuse to Lake Bourget where we break for lunch.

The final stretch of this rout brings us back to Geneva to end the tour. We return the bikes and stay overnight before making our way home or to onward destinations.