Rapha Randonnée Weekend - Southern Alps
10 May — 14 May 2012
SOLD OUT.
After flying into Nice Airport you’ll be riding in the peace and
tranquillity of the Southern Alps before you know it. The landscape of
the hills overlooking Nice and Cannes offers fabulous riding terrain
through silent pine forest and aromatic garrigue. Day One features a
rolling ride through olive groves and vineyards en route to the
spectacular Gorges du Verdon. Day Two takes you on a lap of the spectacular Gorges du Verdon and Day Three returns to St Paul de Vence via some of the undiscovered cols of the Alpes Maritime.
Like Catalonia, the area also plays host to it’s own community of pros
who take advantage of the deserted roads and taxing climbs to hone their
form in the pre-season.
Distance: 340km
Total climbing: 6250m
Day One - St Paul de Vence to La Martre - 100km - 2500m
Day Two - La Martre to La Martre - 130km - 2250m
Day Three - La Martre to St Paul de Vence - 110km - 1500m
Click on the itinerary tab for more details
What’s Included?
Four nights half board accommodation
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotel and restaurants
Lunches on riding days (picnic or cafe / restaurant as appropriate)
Airport transfer at specified times
Experienced guides and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary Energy Drink and Bars
La Fuga Welcome Pack
What’s Not?
Flights
Travel Insurance
Drinks with evening meals
Incidental Expenses
Tips and gratuities

The Knowledge
- Group Size: 12 riders max.
- Airport: Nice
- Accommodation: 4 nights at 4* hotels
- Price: £1500 (single occupancy)
Rapha Randonnée Weekend - Southern Alps
10 May — 14 May 2012
Day One - St Paul de Vence to La Martre
Distance: 100km
Total climbing: 2500m
Featured climbs: Plateau de Caussols, Col de Ferrier (1039m), Col de la Leque (695m), Col de Val Ferriere (1169m)
Starting
from the medival town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, our route heads west, first
climbing gently along the Loup River, before reaching up to the spectacular
views of the Plateau de Caussols. The
plateau gives way to a long descent of sweeping turns and stunning scenery,
followed by the day's big climb - the Col de Val Ferriere will allow our
riders a good test and have them wondering how we're only just over 1000m. Our hotel for the next two nights is the palatial 18th Chateau
Taulane. Set in it's own expansive grounds including a golf course, it offers
leisure facilities including hammam, sauna and swimming pool to soothe tired
legs. We'll also enjoy superb cusine at the hotel's respected La Marquise de
Lisle restaurant.

Day Two - La Martre to La Martre
Distance: 130km
Total climbing: 2250m
Featured climbs: Gorges de Verdon - Col de Siron, Collet d'Ampon, Clue de Carejuan, Col d'Ayens (1032m), Col de l'Olivier(711m), Col d'Illoire (964m), Col de Vaumale (1201m), Col de Clavel (1060m)
Day 2
travels through the peaceful countryside of the Var & Alpes de Haute
Provence, circling around the spectacular Gorges de Verdon. Riders will first navigate around the Col
d'Ayens & Col de l'Olivier on the eastern side before
crossing to the western side of the Gorge at the head of Lac de Sainte
Croix. A challenging climb through the
Col d'Illoire and Col de Vaumale restores the magnificent views atop the
Gorge before winding our way back to the Chateau. We enjoy
another night at the Chateau Taulane.

Day Three - La Martre to St Paul de Vence
Distance: 110km
Total climbing: 1500m
Featured climbs: Col des Lattes (1174m), Col Saint-Marc (725m), Col de la Peire Plantade, Clue de la Bouisse, Clue de la Peguiere, Col des Ferres (610m), Col de Vence (963m)
Our final
day begins with a very gentle climb to the top of the Col des Lattes, which
gives way to peaceful rolling roads and magnificent landscape, as riders pass
the many limestone canyons north of the Montagne de Charamel. The last
ascent of the trip is steady and manageable, with inspiring scenery
throughout and the rewarding view of the Mediteranian, as riders pass through
the Col de Vence and make their way back towards the sea.

Rapha Randonnée Weekend - Southern Alps
10 May — 14 May 2012