French Wine Tour
discover a hidden cycling heaven in the south of france
Everyone has heard of Girona as a haven for cycling. Largely due to its popularity with pros, the city in north east Spain has gained a reputation as the place to go to ride in early season. What fewer people know (and why follow the herd?) is that just across the border in France, less than an hour’s drive away lies a small town which provides an equally attractive base for cyclists to test their legs particularly in spring, early summer and autumn. Unlike Girona, Céret does not have a large resident population of pros but it also does not have the major roads that make getting out of the Catalan city - particularly to the north - something to be endured rather than enjoyed.
““I’ve been on Dyll’s camps many times in Mallorca but [this time] tried his home town Céret, France. Fantastic homely comfort with lovely Cathy making us beautiful food going well and above all expectations. As usual Dyll organised all rides with great tour guides helping out a couple of days .” ”
Canigou, the Sacred Catalan mountain dominates the landscape in the area.
A ‘Depart’ town for stage 15 of the 2021 Tour de France and situated between the Pyrennean mountains and the Mediterranean sea, Céret is perfectly positioned. Its hills offer plenty of challenge. From the Col de la Brousse which snakes out of the town itself for some 10 kilometres at an average gradient of 7% to the gentler slopes rising up to the villages of Taillet, Oms and Llauro. A little further afield there is the 13 kilometre ascent of the Col d’Ares. The Massif des Albères lies eastward towards the sea. But it’s not all about climbing! A visit to the charming seaside town of Collioure for an ice-cream can’t be beaten and for those who are interested in the local wines there is the option of visiting two or three wineries for tastings or even a visit to Banyuls where the famous fortified wines are made. The French Wine Tour is designed to be all things to as many people as possible! If you want to ride for three or four days visting a few wineries and then wander aound the fantastic modern art gallery and take a bite of lunch at Céret’s Michelin starred restaurant that is fine - you can. Or you can spend your time climbing over 6,000 metres via Dyll’s ‘12 Cols of Ceret’ route. Or anything in between. The choice is yours.
A few pedal strokes away lies Spain. The Col de Coustouges is just one gateway to it.
what you get
- 7 nights Comfortable B&B accommodation in a local hotel in the centre of Céret
- Fully guided rides for all abilities with our great ride leader to client ratios
- Wine tastings arranged with local wineries
- Itineraries specifically tailored to suit you and your group
- Van support as required
- GPX files on request
- Return transfers from Barcelona airport*
*Transfers from other airports are available on application.
prices
£750 - £825 (depending on size and position of hotel room)
Single Occupancy - £250 -£300 (depending on room)
Please note that all prices quoted above are based on current estimate of costs, contain a 10% contingency and are without early adopter discount. The final price paid will depend on the number of participants and the confirmation of prices with suppliers. This means the final price paid will almost certainly be lower.
More information
Our Céret base is the comfortable two star Hotel Le Cerétan situated in the centre of the town where a wide range of bars, restaurants and shops can be found along with a magnificent modern art museum celebrating the town’s artistic heritage. Accommodation is on a twin occupancy basis with each room priced individually according to size so there should be something for every budget. Breakfasts are included. There is secure bike storage of course!
Itinerary
As with all VVCC's fixed based trips there is no set itinerary. A tailored made plan will be developed in conjunction with the participants on the trip. As an example of the wide range of route options though please click below.
And this is just scratching the surface of what is possible.
The typically French Catalan Place de Neuf Jets (named after its central fountain)