France
ride info
mermaid ride / franceJuly 24th - 30th 2011 (7 days / 7 nights)Discover France by bike. The fully supported tour takes you from the beaches of Nice to the epic Alps and back. You'll experience the French countryside in the purest of forms as you pedal your way from the Mediterranean Sea to the challenging snow capped Alps. Along the way we'll stop at vineyards, ride past lavender covered hillsides and taste the local cuisine. The focus of the trip is to ride, soak in the views, eat, drink and have fun!Each day of riding will include your breakfast and lunch, a route sheet, bag transport and an adventure of a lifetime. You'll ride at your pace and have the option each day to ride as much or as little as you like. If you choose to shorten the ride for the day you'll be able to soak in the views from the comfort of the support van.Trip does not include dinners or bike rental.
register
mermaid ride / franceregistrationThe trip is limited to 10 individuals. To request a spot please email info_mermaidseries.com. A $500 deposit is required prior to May 1st in order to reserve your spot.
tour cost
mermaid ride / francetour cost$2,500 per person*Trip includes the following:- Fully supported ride with support van- Double occupancy in 2/3/4 star accommodations- Breakfast and lunch included on all riding days- Daily bag transport from start to finish of route- Optional Airport pick up on the 23th and drop off on the 30thThe trip is limited to 10 individuals. To request a spot please email info_mermaidseries.com. A $500 deposit is required prior to May 1st in order to reserve your spot.* Airfare not included. Dinner is on your own, thus allowing you freedom to explore the town and restaurants where we'll be staying.
itinerary
mermaid ride / franceitineraryLink to Google MapDay 1 / Night 1: Nice Tour orientation at the Hotel Universe, 6:00 p.m. The orientation will take approximately an hour and then you are free to explore the vibrant night life. (Optional pick-up at the Nice Airport for those arriving prior to 5:00 p.m.)Day 2 / Night 2: Nice to Saint Martin Vesubie (39 miles)Breakfast, bike check, group photo and then we're off! We head north and travel to Saint Martin Vesubie. The day features a few climbs as we warm up the legs. We'll pass through small hillside towns for a classic french countryside ride.Day 3 / Night 3: Saint Martin Vesubie - Isola (27 miles)We pass through expansive valleys as we follow the river, La Tinee up towards the Alps. The day features a morning climb up to the ski resort of La Colmaine before a long decent down to the river Tinee. We end the day in the town of Isola, just below the sight of the 2000 Winter Olympics. Ambitious riders can take an optional climb up to the ski resort and the top of Col de la Lombarda where the French and Italian borders meet.Day 4 / Night 4: Isola - Barcelonnette (44 miles)Bonjour les Alps!The most challenging day of the trip, we climb the world famous mountain pass, Col de la Bonette. Touted as the highest mountain pass in all of Europe we'll climb up to the clouds before an epic downhill that brings us into the town of Jausiers and eventually BarcelonnetteDay 5 / Night 5: Barcelonnett - Entraunes (28 miles)Another classic alpine climb as we summit Col de la Cayolle. The climb to Cayolle has been featured numerous times in the Tour de France. As we ride we'll travel through the Chausse du Mercantour National Park.Day 6 / Night 6: Entraunes - Entrevaux (27 miles)Headed downhill, we'll follow the banks of the River Var as it carves its way out of the Alps and towards the Mediterranean Sea. Our last night in the countryside places us in the medieval town of Entrevaux. You'll cross a cobble stone bridge and enter the town through the historic gate house.Day 7 / Night 7: Entrevaux - Nice (45 miles)Our last day on the bike as we complete the loop and return to Nice. With the afternoon free you can entertain yourself walking the streets and shopping or relaxing by the sea. For those leaving the next day we'll offer a free shuttle to the airport prior to 12:00 p.m. Hotel and airport arrangements for those wishing to stay additional nights are up to the individual.
air travel
mermaid ride / franceair travelAll air travel and reservations are the responsibility of the individual. Your destination airport is Nice, France (NCE).Arrival: Plan on being in Nice on July 24th prior to 6:00 p.m. for the orientation and dinner. For individuals coming in on the 24th we will be able to offer a free airport pickup provided you arrive prior to 5:00 p.m.Departure: We will be offering a free airport drop-off for those departing prior to the 31st at 12:00 p.m.
training
mermaid ride / francetrainingYou'll want to prepare for the trip as the better shape you're in the more you'll enjoy the days on the bike. The climbs in the Alps are very challenging, however we have the whole day to conquer them. The goal is to enjoy the biking and the sights. You're encouraged to ride at your pace!As always, you determine how many miles you want to ride. If you choose to shorten the day you can always soak in the sites from the support van.
hotels
mermaid ride / francehotelsAccommodations will be in 2/3 Star Hotels. All accommodations are based on double occupancy.Single occupancy accommodations available for an additional charge. Single occupancy requests must be made at the time you make your trip deposit.
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ride info
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register
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tour cost
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itinerary
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air travel
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training
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hotels
