Nice to annecy & the tdf ‘22 tour wrap
15 days, 934kms and 20,476m altitude (for those that conquered all the cols)… we conquered the epic climbs of the french alps, saw 2 tour de france stages, lots of marmottes, 3 of the ‘plus beaux villages de france’…
there were also swims in rivers, lakes and pools, cable car rides… not to mention plenty of pressions, 272 croissants, 45 bottles of rosé, multiple long-lunches, and a random indian dinner…!
It’s a little belated but … better late than never, to share the wonderful photos and tales from our inaugural Nice to Annecy tour - a bit of a blend of our ever-popular Nice-Alpe d’Huez route combined with some favourite destinations from our Bordeaux - Alps route and a new finish destination in spectacular Annecy!
The tour kicked off in Nice at the wonderful Service Course - a cycling cafe and concept store with private welcome aperitifs for the group of 15 amongst the narrow streets of Nice’s old town. Our riding began with a roll along Promenade des Anglais cycle path - flanked by the sparkling blue waters of the Med!! We climbed to the hills behind Nice - medieval villages, sunshine, a Provençal lunch, a stunning descent down the Col du Vence and our first dinner in the medieval village of Tourettes sur Loup. Just don’t mention the tar…!
Over the first few days, we cycled inland, climbing to the Plateau de Caussols, visiting perched villages, riding past stunning sunflower and lavender fields (we visited Valensole and the largest lavender field in Provence!). A favourite day was the ride along stunning Gorges du Verdon - its emerald waters and deep stunning cliffs. We enjoyed the spectacular Provençal cuisine - bursting with colours and flavours - tomatoes, anchovies, capsicums, melons, cheeses and olives … and don’t forget the wine! Gastronomy certainly a highlight of any WOR tour!
It was rolling riding through quintessential Provence. We enjoyed a WOR long lunch in a secret hidden restaurant down a gravel road, tucked beneath cliffs in the Luberon mountains - regional dishes of daube Provencal and freshly caught trout featured on the menu. We cycled through Bonnieux and Menerbes (made famous by Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence… and more recently the film with Russell Crowe) for a final ‘sting in the tail’ to the pretty as a picture perched village of Gordes.
Rest day was spent in Gordes - the campground pool a popular hangout spot, with views to the Luberon and surrounding mountains a spectacular backdrop.
Rest day in Gordes
Mont Ventoux day arrived… there was certainly nervous energy around the camp that morning! Perfect conditions - clear, no mistral blowing, sun shining - and not too warm as we approached Bedoin for morning tea (plenty of pastries, coffee and orangina!) before tackling the 21kms!! The 9km at 9% through the forest were tough but as we reached Chalet Reynard we were rewarded with stunning views as we zig-zagged our way to the bald summit!! Well done everyone on an incredible ride - conquering the “Giant of Provence”! We celebrated with a wonderful group meal in Malaucene. An extra congrats to Max and Brendan who became members of the “Club des Cinglés” - crazy? Mais oui!!!
The riding became a little more mountains as we cycled in the department of the Drôme - a well placed apricot tree delighted us at the top of the Col de la Croix Rouge! (Although Frank was disappointed his ‘apricot lady’ wasn’t there…!). The Col du Menée was voted a “crowd favourite” Col of the tour - a pleasant 5% gradient, spectacular views, rural countryside and barely a vehicle to be seen!
We had some impressive camp-ground meals - a huge thanks to Jean-Claude for his famous Tartiflette au feu de bois! And Marie-Noel for the accompanying salads and desserts! I think Tartiflette night is a night of WOR history, legend…. and cheesy indulgence!
As we climbed the Col du Premol, we were lucky to pass through La Motte Chalancon on market day - many of us enjoyed the Paella and other treats! Emma our wonderful crew member did some great shopping for a 5 star afternoon tea - always a feature of our WOR tours.
We finally arrived in the heart of the Alps - climbing the pretty Col d’Ornon to visit the cyclist’s “Mecca” of Bourg d’Oisans. After refuelling we rode the famous 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez! The road flanked with supporters awaiting arrival of the Tour de France - we enjoyed the atmosphere as we tackled the climb - to celebrate at the top and arrive in the ski-village and our wonderful hotel Castillan.
We enjoyed 3 nights in the heart of the Alps to see the Tour de France arrive on Alpe d’Huez! We watched the action and atmosphere 1km from the finish line from our well-placed hotel balcony - spritzes and beers as we awaited the Caravan and riders - such a stunning day and an incredible race. Chapeau to Tom Pidcock on a gutsy victory on les 21 virages!
A few days to relax in our chalet, go on cable car rides, mountain walks (and catch up on washing!) was wonderful - and luckily enough being at altitude we avoided the worst of the European heat wave.
The final few days were a climbers dream - Col de la Croix de Fer, Lacets du Montvernier and Col de la Madeleine . The Madeleine a tough consistent 8% for the duration of the climb tested our legs - the sweeping descent made it worthwhile as we rolled in to Albertville via the medieval village of Conflans (for ice creams!!!).
Our final climb was the steep and punchy (super tough!) Col de la Forclaz (a few opted for the flat option around the lake… not a bad idea indeed!)… On the Col, many of us enjoyed a beautiful lunch overlooking the lake before descending to arrive in stunning Annecy!!! What an incredible finish for an incredible 2 weeks!
Well done to all our riders and many thanks to our crew - Emma and Max. And also Pepe - for supporting WOR by looking after little Max and Leo while I kept WOR rolling… ! Can’t wait for our next French tour… see you in 2023, and if you’d like more photos, check out our Instagram page and Instagram Europe 2022 Highlights Story.
