Food and Drink

One of the reasons for cycling in France is the reward of the food and drink. In the Royans-Vercors the local gastronomy has quite a strong Italian influence so if you're partial to a bit of pasta you won't be disappointed. Raviole is the local speciality which is small parcels of pasta filled with a blend of cheeses and herbs; ideal for cyclists. Another famous dish is Gratin Dauphinoise which is thinly sliced potatoes cooked in fresh cream; not so good for cyclists but worth living dangerously for. These dishes are served with fresh river trout from the Vercors, chicken or a juicy steak. Then you can treat yourself to fromage blanc (local fromage frais), honey, walnuts and mushrooms.

As you would expect, over the centuries the locals have perfected the art of producing liquid refreshments worthy of accompanying such dishes. Of note are the wines of the Rhone Valley. The nearest vineyards are at Tain Hermitage where famous names such as Jaboulet are located. Further south the Diois produces Clairette de Die (pronounced Dee) which is like champagne and gaining a good reputation. There are also many other local vineyards producing good quality wines that you won't find in the UK.

A day out on the bike is never complete without bakery stops or lunch, well certainly not with Gastrobiking. If you have a weak spot for cakes there are bakers in most villages who produce the most tempting gateaux and fruit tarts that have been the downfall of many a conscientious cyclist.