Welcome to Gastrobiking 2010

Discover the Vercors

Gastrobiking holidays are based in and around the Vercors National Park, between the Alps and Provence in the south-east of France. The area offers a variety of terrain from easy valley rides to challenging climbs through the spectacular gorges of the Vercors.

The cycling season runs from mid-March to the end of October and there are several organised 'Randonnees' and 'Cyclosportives' held in the area throughout the year.

Meet Phil, your host

Phil is the man, or should we say stomach, behind Gastrobiking. Having spent almost 25 years in the area, cycling, mountain biking and skiing he knows the place better than many of the locals. So whether it's a leg burning 160km marathon or a scenic tour between cafés and bakeries, or a bit of everything, Phil knows just the thing.

Accommodation

You can stay in Phil's historical house, parts of which date back to the middle ages. A former Priory, Mairie and, allegedly, a 'Safe House' for the French Resistance during World War Two, it's now a refuge for cyclists an fiur cats. Alternatively, there's the Hotel Rome across the road.

St.Nazaire-en-Royans

St.Nazaire is a small village with an impressive aqueduct built during the Napoleonic times. It has all the ingredients for a cycling base: a bakery, two bars, three restaurants, a pizzeria. Of course it's ideally situated for exploring the area.

Jet Set Weekends

Cycling in the Vercors and the surrounding area is just the thing at the weekend. Climb a hill, have lunch and chill-out or climb a few hills, have an energy gel, then chill-out. From the UK, Ryanair fly to Grenoble and Easyjet and BA to Lyon. Jump on the train in London and within six hours you can be on your bike before relaxing with a beer before dinner. More>

Centre based holidays

The Bakery Tours are our successful blend of the 3 c's : cycling, cakes and chilling-out. Ride your bike and enjoy eating as much as you like. You won't feel guilty. If you're not a super fit cyclist and you're looking for a suitable place to cycle, or have lunch, we'll take you to the right places. And we'll make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that you can dig your teeth into, you won't be disappointed either. More>

Cyclosportives

Once again we're organising weeks around the increasingly popular cyclosportives. At one extreme, the Ardechoise is the ultimate in French Bikechic where a range of circuits are suitable for everyone. In contrast, the Marmotte is the ultimate ride from hell, there's just one circuit which is unsuitable for 99% of the participants. More>

Alpe d'Huez

For many cyclists, the mention of Alpe d'Huez provokes images of cyclists fighting their way through crowds of cheering supporters on the Tour. It's a challanging climb and a popular day trip. More>

Dual centre holidays

For a longer holiday you may prefer a multi-centre tour and there are several places we can recommend. We work in close relationship with Veloventoux, who are based near Mont Ventoux. Contact us with your ideas and we can advise accordingly.

Travel

Easyjet fly from Gatwick, Stansted and Edinburgh to Lyon St.Exupery.
Ryanair fly Dublin to Grenoble.
Train services run from London to Valence TGV.
European Bike Express from the UK.
For those who prefer to drive we're a ten hour drive on motorway from Calais.
For more information see the Travel pages.

Bike rental

If you don't want the hassle of travelling with your bike have a small fleet of bikes available for rental. More>