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Bike trip - The Grand Tour Desjardins
August 5 to 11, 2012 - Under the Covers • Price (taxes included) : starting from $1,290August 5 to 7, 2012 - Under the Stars Weekend • Price (taxes included) : starting from $445
August 5 to 11, 2012 - Under the Stars • Price (taxes included) : starting from $815
Trip length : 7 days / 6 nights > Level of difficulty : 4
Reservation from March 14 for the "Under the Covers" package
Reservation from March 14 for the "Under the Covers" package
Destination Itinerary and mapPackageMajor Cycling Trips
Gaspé Peninsula–Acadia: a magical mystery tour!The itinerary of the 2012 Grand Tour Desjardins is enchanting. At the start of this looped route of multiple attractions, coiled between sea and mountain, you set off on the panoramic Matane–Sainte-Anne-des-Monts highway. Succumb to the charms of the Parc national de la Gaspésie, along a smooth-paved route offering a magnificent view of the highest peaks in Quebec. Witness the unfolding, from every angle, of a mesmerizing sight: Chaleur Bay. Watch for the emergence of the Matapédia Valley, where nature and great art are synonymous. And since the warmth of Gaspesians is rivalled only by that of Acadians, let yourself be seduced by the sights and sounds of a friendly jaunt to New Brunswick. Two magic destinations not to be missed!
Opt for the tent rental serviceOnce again this year, so that you can focus solely on your vacation, the Grand Tour Desjardins is offering the tent rental service. It includes a tent that comfortably accommodates two people, pitching and dismantling each day that we change stopover towns, as well as delivery of your baggage inside your tent. Excluding sleeping bags and pads.
Price per tent (taxes included): $375 (includes a night stay in Matane the day before departure.)
Bus shuttleRound-trip (Saint-Lambert/Matane and Matane/Saint-Lambert): $250
One way (Saint-Lambert/Matane): $130
Return (Matane/Saint-Lambert), August 11 only: $130
Saturday, August 4, from Saint-Lambert (south shore of Montreal): departure between 8 and 9 a.m. Registration of participant and bicycle: between 7 and 8 a.m.
Saturday, August 11, from Matane: departure at 4 p.m.
The trip between Saint-Lambert and Matane takes 8 hours.
The departure of the weekend return shuttle, included in the package price, is scheduled for 4 p.m. in New Richmond (arrival in Matane: 7:30 p.m.).
Train shuttle with VIA Rail Canada From Montreal
One way (Montreal/Mont-Joli): $2901
Return (Mont-Joli/Montreal), August 11 only: $1902
Round-trip (Montreal/Mont-Joli and Mont-Joli/Montreal) : $4753
Friday, August 3, Montreal train station: departure at 6 :25 p.m. (arrival : 2:30 a.m.)
Saturday, August 11, Mont-Joli train station: departure at 0:54 a.m. (arrival: 9:05 a.m.)
From Lévis (Charny)
One way (Charny/Matane): $2651
Return (Matane/Charny), August 11 only: $1352
Round-trip (Charny/Mont-Joli and Mont-Joli/Charny) : $3953
Friday, August 3, Charny train station: departure at 9:55 p.m. (arrival: 2:30 a.m.)
Saturday, August 11, Mont-Joli train station: departure at 0:54 a.m. (arrival: 5:25 a.m.)
1) The one way packages include an Economy class train seat, baggage and bicycle transportation by train, transfer from the Mont-Joli train station to the hotel in Matane; 2 nights in a two- to four-star hotel, double occupancy (August 3 and 4); 2 breakfasts.
2) The return packages include an Economy class train seat, baggage and bicycle transportation by train, transfer from Matane to the hotel in Mont-Joli and also to the Mont-Joli train station; 1 evening in a three-star hotel, double occupancy (August 11).
3) The round-trip packages include all of the services comprising the one way and the return packages.
Opt for the tent rental serviceOnce again this year, so that you can focus solely on your vacation, the Grand Tour Desjardins is offering the tent rental service.
Get a rideTo make your participation in the Grand Tour Desjardins easier, take a shuttle by train with VIA Rail Canada or by bus.
Special Offer
Reserve a round-trip ticket with VIA Rail Canada and travel in Business Class for the same price as Economy Class. Departures available from Montréal and Québec City. Seats are limited. Reservation by phone only.
Reserve a round-trip ticket with VIA Rail Canada and travel in Business Class for the same price as Economy Class. Departures available from Montréal and Québec City. Seats are limited. Reservation by phone only.
All the highlights of the Grand Tour Desjardins
- Read the 2011 Special Christmas Edition of Le déchaîné
- Relive the 2011 Ontario Edition 2011 in Le déchaîné
- Watch Bruno Beauregard's report (Cogeco Saint-Hyacinthe)
Under the Stars package, from August 5 to 11
Price (taxes included)1:
$815 through June 16
$895 after June 16
17 years and Under: $570
Under the Stars Weekend, from August 5 to 7
Price (taxes included)2:
$445 through June 16
$495 after June 16
17 years and Under: $305
1The Under the Stars package includes: 6 nights at campsite and 1 optional night in Matane, the night before the start; 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 evening meals.
2 The Under the Stars Weekend package includes: 2 nights at campsite and 1 optional night in Matane, the night before the start; 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 evening meals (including one to go, on Day 3); New Richmond/Matane shuttle.
Under the Covers package, from August 5 to 11
Price (taxes included):
Under the Covers3: $1290
Under the Covers plus4: 1425
Option of one extra night on Saturday, August 4: $105
3The Under the Covers package includes: 6 nights in two-to three-star motels and hotels, double occupancy; 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches.
4The Under the Covers plus package included: all of the services comprising the Under the Covers package plus the 6 evening meals at the campsite.
5The option for one extra night includes: 1 nights in two-to three-star motel or hotel, double occupancy; 1 breakfast.
The "Under the Covers" package is only available in the 7 days/6 nights format.
Price (taxes included)1:
$815 through June 16
$895 after June 16
17 years and Under: $570
Under the Stars Weekend, from August 5 to 7
Price (taxes included)2:
$445 through June 16
$495 after June 16
17 years and Under: $305
1The Under the Stars package includes: 6 nights at campsite and 1 optional night in Matane, the night before the start; 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 evening meals.
2 The Under the Stars Weekend package includes: 2 nights at campsite and 1 optional night in Matane, the night before the start; 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 evening meals (including one to go, on Day 3); New Richmond/Matane shuttle.
Under the Covers package, from August 5 to 11
Price (taxes included):
Under the Covers3: $1290
Under the Covers plus4: 1425
Option of one extra night on Saturday, August 4: $105
3The Under the Covers package includes: 6 nights in two-to three-star motels and hotels, double occupancy; 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches.
4The Under the Covers plus package included: all of the services comprising the Under the Covers package plus the 6 evening meals at the campsite.
5The option for one extra night includes: 1 nights in two-to three-star motel or hotel, double occupancy; 1 breakfast.
The "Under the Covers" package is only available in the 7 days/6 nights format.
From day to day
Day 1 - Starting from Matane. Cycling via Sainte-Félicité, Grosses-Roches, Les Méchins, Cap-Chat, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. (88 or 100 km). Optional looped route via Saint-Adelme, Saint-Jean-de-Cherbourg.
Day 2 - Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Mont-Albert, Gaspésie National Park, Rivière Bonjour, Lac Cassault, Rivière Bonaventure, Cascapédia, Saint-Jules, New Richmond (143 km).
Day 3 - Free day or looped route via Caplan, Saint-Siméon, Bonaventure, New Carlisle (53 to 151 km).
Day 4 - New Richmond, Maria, Carleton, Nouvelle, Escuminac, Pointe-à-la-Croix, Campbellton (92 to 148 km).
Day 5 - Free day or looped route via Dalhousie, El River Crossing, Balmoral, Val-d’Amour, Atholville, Charlo (54 to 98 km).
Day 6 - Campbellton, Atholville, Tide Head, Matapédia, Saint-André-de-Restigouche, Routhierville, Sainte-Florence, Causapscal, Lac-au-Saumon, Saint-Alexis-de-Matapédia, Amqui (106 to 141 km).
Day 7 - Amqui, Sainte-Irène, Val-Brillant, Sayabec, Sainte-Paule, Saint-Léandre, Matane (76 to 115 km).
Itinerary subject to change.
Major Cycling Trips Formula
Our major cycling trips have become must-attend events! The routes change from year to year, but the pleasure remains the same. Collective and contagious. Thousands of people combine cycling, camaraderie, exploration, celebration and camping. At the end of each stage of these bicycle-tourism outings, the participants arrive at a daily “village” with numerous activities and services, where a genuine joie de vivre reigns supreme. The extraordinary support services, developed over many years of experience, allow you to remain as independent as possible, while enjoying the many comforts and advantages of group travel. What we offer are real vacations!
The Petite Aventure Desjardins is three beautiful days of bicycle bliss. Attracting 1,700 participants of all ages, this trip is always extremely popular.
The Grand Tour Desjardins, which has become a veritable bicycle-tourism institution in Quebec, brings together an impressive pack of 1,800 cyclists, who cover approximately 600 km at their own pace over seven days.
The major cycling trips include:
The Petite Aventure Desjardins is three beautiful days of bicycle bliss. Attracting 1,700 participants of all ages, this trip is always extremely popular.
The Grand Tour Desjardins, which has become a veritable bicycle-tourism institution in Quebec, brings together an impressive pack of 1,800 cyclists, who cover approximately 600 km at their own pace over seven days.
The major cycling trips include:
- meals (excluding alcoholic beverages);
- baggage transportation;
- support on the road;
- mechanical assistance;
- relief vehicles;
- activities at the village;
- a participant’s booklet with daily routes and tourist information.
The prices include taxes and the $3.50 contribution per $1,000 of services purchased to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents.
Personal equipment (tent, bicycle, etc.) is not included.
Cycling, after-cycling and vacation!
This summer, combine the pleasures of...
… cycling
This summer, combine the pleasures of...
… cycling
- Routes chosen for their beauty and their tourist attractions.
- Clear and precise markers.
- Outings that allow you to set your own pace.
- Lunchtime rest areas where you can relax and refuel.
- On-road support and efficient mechanical assistance.
- Relief vehicles to pick you up if you can’t complete your day of cycling.
- Pure bicycle bliss: ride to truly explore the regions visited!
… après-cycling
- Sites chosen for their modern facilities, to maximize your comfort no matter what the weather.
- A complete range of services and activities: massage therapy, yoga session, a variety of workshops, first aid, bicycle repairs, Internet access, movies, local specialties.
- A bustling bistro with live entertainment.
- An opportunity to spend more time in the great outdoors: stay close to nature by sleeping under the stars.
- Plenty of time to eat and drink well, to laugh and have fun.
… and vacation!
- The freedom to experience your day at your own pace.
- Your baggage transported for you from one stopover to the next.
- All meals carefully prepared by reputable caterers.
- A peerless organizational expertise so you can make the most of your trip.
- The friendly and relaxing atmosphere of our highly colourful villages.
- A break from work, routine and home: a plus for body and mind.
A typical day
Breakfast (between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.), lunch (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and supper (between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.). As for the rest, it’s up to you!
Take part in the various activities on offer at the village (between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.).
Take a stroll, have some fun or just relax. It’s your vacation!
Breakfast (between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.), lunch (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and supper (between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.). As for the rest, it’s up to you!
Take part in the various activities on offer at the village (between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.).
Take a stroll, have some fun or just relax. It’s your vacation!
On the road
All the routes are clearly marked. Just admire the countryside and follow the directions. One less thing to worry about! A definite advantage for absent-minded, contemplative or athletic cyclists, and for those who have no sense of direction whatsoever.
You will obviously embark on your cycling vacation with a bicycle that it is in perfect condition and suitable for the activity, but if minor mechanical problems crop up, our cycling escorts will come to your assistance. Unless a major repair is required, all basic services are free (parts extra). The relief vehicle can also come to the rescue of mechanics (or cyclists) who are too tired to go on!
All the routes are clearly marked. Just admire the countryside and follow the directions. One less thing to worry about! A definite advantage for absent-minded, contemplative or athletic cyclists, and for those who have no sense of direction whatsoever.
You will obviously embark on your cycling vacation with a bicycle that it is in perfect condition and suitable for the activity, but if minor mechanical problems crop up, our cycling escorts will come to your assistance. Unless a major repair is required, all basic services are free (parts extra). The relief vehicle can also come to the rescue of mechanics (or cyclists) who are too tired to go on!
Camping and Meals
The tent villages that the cyclists set up every day are generally located on the grounds of an educational institution and are equipped with complete washroom facilities. In addition to the “Festidouche”—a trailer equipped with showers supplied with hot water—the site boasts a massage therapy service, Internet access, a bicycle repair shop and a lively bistro!
Cyclists know better than anyone how a day of pedalling can whet the appetite for culinary delights! And Vélo Québec Voyages has long been renowned for the brilliance of its caterers, who expertly concoct generous meals and menus that are sure to please. If you’re a vegetarian, indicate your preference on the reservation form: meatless menus, which may include fish, eggs and dairy products, will be prepared for you.
The tent villages that the cyclists set up every day are generally located on the grounds of an educational institution and are equipped with complete washroom facilities. In addition to the “Festidouche”—a trailer equipped with showers supplied with hot water—the site boasts a massage therapy service, Internet access, a bicycle repair shop and a lively bistro!
Cyclists know better than anyone how a day of pedalling can whet the appetite for culinary delights! And Vélo Québec Voyages has long been renowned for the brilliance of its caterers, who expertly concoct generous meals and menus that are sure to please. If you’re a vegetarian, indicate your preference on the reservation form: meatless menus, which may include fish, eggs and dairy products, will be prepared for you.
Service de location de tentes
A venir
A venir
Forfait en hébergement disponible
A venir
A venir
Riding your bike
We understand the special relationship you have with your bike. Perfectly adjusted to your height and preferences, it gives you the comfort you need to fully appreciate the pleasures of travelling. We know that your bike is like an old friend, which is why all of our packages involving air flights and coach service include the transportation of your bicycle… your favourite travel companion!
We understand the special relationship you have with your bike. Perfectly adjusted to your height and preferences, it gives you the comfort you need to fully appreciate the pleasures of travelling. We know that your bike is like an old friend, which is why all of our packages involving air flights and coach service include the transportation of your bicycle… your favourite travel companion!
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Talk to a travel advisor:
514-521-8356 or
1-800-567-8356 [ext. 506]
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
General Conditions
Vélo Québec Voyages • Quebec Permit Holder • Crédits photos
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