Journal

Staying with GravelUp: check in to our 8 base camps!

Here at GravelUp cycling, adventure and being in nature are super important… but don’t worry you won’t be left to sleep out in the wild. Our 8 superb base camps are waiting to welcome you, and be your home from home! They are all tucked away in exceptional surroundings and are super comfy, meaning you can rest and recover from the day’s action. The ideal place for you to spend time and relive your adventure.

Our base camps are not just places to rest. They are carefully chosen to be the best starting point for our gravel trips. With a variety of routes right from the door, all the mod cons and of course a warm welcome, you'll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.

1. Corsica

Tribu - welcome to the Corsican maquis.

Tucked away in the maquis (scrub) just outside Sartene in the south of Corsica, this converted eco farmstead is spread across all the old buildings. What better place to be immersed in the Corsican culture and try local specialities than be welcomed by Cyril to his family’s farm. Every room has a pared back and authentic style, in an idyllic setting, for the ultimate total getaway. What’s more, the location in the Tizzano valley means there’s miles of trails just waiting to be explored on your gravel bike.

After a full days riding, you can relax (or recover!) by the pool, enjoying the warm welcome of Cyril and his family, and feast on his local knowledge and experience.

Find out more about our gravel trips on Corsica.

2. Andalusia

The Dehesa de Don Pedro - for a 100% Spanish experience.

The Dehesa de Don Pedro is an extraordinarily beautiful boutique hotel in a peaceful setting. The rooms are comfy and authentic, with loads of space and a heavenly pool overlooking the Sierra Morena mountains.

It’s a 19th century farmhouse that has been loving restored up to modern standards yet in-keeping with the all-important original features. And of course our hosts are always on hand to share their local knowledge, routes and hidden gems. It’s the perfect place to start your gravel adventure from, and to experience the warmest of Andalusian welcomes.

Find out more about our gravel trips in Andalusia.

3. The Vosges

The Couaroge - a chalet deep in the Vosgian forest.

Just a stones throw from Bresse, you’ll find a traditionally built log cabin, and your home from home in the Vosges. Think large chalet rather than cabin, the rooms are comfy and arranged around an enormous living area and outdoor space - the perfect place to share post ride drinks and enjoy beautiful evening views across the surrounding hills.

Time seems to stand still here and life is simple. The Vosges is wonderfully authentic, and often overlooked when compared to the neighbouring Alps and Jura mountains. All the more reason to visit, as you’ll find pristine nature and landscapes, with forests, lakes, mountains, and great gravel just for you.

Find out more about our gravel trips in the Vosges.

4. Norway

The Scandic - an emblematic hotel in the Norwegian capital.

Situated in the heights of Oslo with impressive views across the surrounding fjords, the Scandic Holmenkollen Park will be your base in Norway. Full of charm and history, you’ll find exceptional comfort and a Scandi-style warm welcome here. Just what you want after a days riding.

It feels a privilege to call the Scandic home during our trips in this exceptional part of Northern Europe, and it’s a unique place to stay during our Scandinavian adventures.

Find out more about our gravel trips to Norway.

5. Les Grands Causses

Domaine de St Esteve - in the heart of an exceptional area.

In the sunny South of France is the department of Aveyron and the Grands Causses Natural Regional Park, that’s been recently classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our basecamp is on the edge of Millau and is made up of comfy chalets under the cliff bands of the Causse Noir, where you’ll find kms and kms of dream gravel trails in the officially recognised and renowned “Terre de Gravel”.

The world renowned Millau viaduct can be seen from St Esteve, hundreds of metres above the Tarn river, and there’s Causses (limestone plateaus) in each direction you ride, each with their own landscape and feel. That makes for an enormous amount of gravel to ride right from the front door of our Basecamp and an incredible back garden to explore.

Find out more about our gravel trips in the Grands Causses.

6. Ventoux

The Nesk - an institution at the foot of the Giant of Provence.

In the heart of Provence and nestled in lavender fields is the village of Sault where you’ll find The Nesk, your pied-a-terre in Provence. Housed in a historical 18th century building, this cyclist’s mecca is decorated with bikes that were once ridden by icons of the sport - an inspiring place for riding AND relaxing.

The Nesk is perfect for a gravel getaway with superb gravel trails from the doorstep, taking you through the surrounding lavender fields to the slopes and eventually the summit of the mighty Mt Ventoux.

Find out more about our gravel trips to Mont Ventoux.

7. The Morvan

The Domaine du Taureau - the ideal place to recharge.

Tucked away in Saint-Brisson, at the heart of the Morvan Natural Park is the Domaine du Taureau, a real hidden gem. Surrounded by green hills and dense forests typical of the area, it has a real sense of calm and rustic charm.

It’s also ideally placed to access the best the Morvan has to offer, meaning our gravel riders will find themselves straight on the trails, exploring the beautifully varied landscapes in all directions. Staying at the Domaine means bring at the heart of nature, far from any sense of over-tourism - ideal for a tranquil getaway or an active break.

Find out more about our gravel trips in the heart of the Morvan.

8. Cote d’Azur

The Saint-Paul - breathtaking sea views.

Situated in Nice, the Saint-Paul combines all the charm and elegance that goes with the Cote d’Azur. This prestigious hotel is known not only for it’s impeccable service and refined atmosphere, but also the sweeping sea views from its large terrace and rooms.

All our gravel trips in the Cote d’Azur start from the hotel, and the surrounding hillsides make for a perfect gravel playground. You’ll find winding roads and gravel tracks with jaw dropping views in all directions, with the Saint-Paul providing a luxurious space to relax after a days riding.

Find out more about our gravel trips to Nice.

To find out more about any of our destinations, download our Trip Directory here or head to our Trip Calendar page to see all our upcoming departures.

Journal

Our TOP 3 destinations for riding gravel this Autumn!

To all gravel bike enthusiasts, we've found the 3 best destinations for riding in the fall! GravelUp takes you on a journey to discover hidden gems in France and Europe, where you can ride under the sun, guided by our local experts.

meilleures destinations gravel
Exploring Girona by gravel bike - an off-road adventure in the heart of Catalonia

Welcome to a cyclist’s paradise! Girona, a small Catalan city nestled in the north-east of Spain, has become a top destination for cyclists in search of nature and adventure. Ideally situated between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the shores of the Mediterranean, you’ll find the perfect combo of small winding roads, steep trails and varied landscapes for gravel biking and hiking. Girona is the perfect playground with plenty of treats in store. Read on for an overview of this renowned cycling destination!

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