Provence

The South of France

In all of France, there are few regions as beautiful as Provence. Its countryside of stark red soil, plentiful vineyards, and olive groves has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Envision the bright landscapes in the famous paintings of Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne and you can catch a glimpse of the wonders of Provence.

We'll bike through a landscape of with red-roofed farmsteads, where life continues at an unhurried pace. History speaks out from the Roman ruins, scattered everywhere, including the impressive aqueduct at Pont du Gard and the mausoleum in St. Remy de Provence. As you bicycle the backroads of this very distinctive region, you have the opportunity to explore the cathedrals, lush vineyards, and medieval villages from a unique perspective.

Our dinners will feature the many Provencal specialties, wonderfully enhanced by the great vintages of the Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Luberon and the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines.

Plan to arrive in Avignon no later than Thursday.

Thursday, Avignon. After arrival in historic Avignon, we'll adjust the bikes and take a short ride along the shores of the Rhone River. On our afternoon walking tour we explore "the other Rome" – the Palais des Papes was the home of seven exiled popes between 1309 AD and 1377 AD.  Get-acquainted reception tonight, followed by a special welcome dinner.

Friday, Uzes. Today's cycling route takes us through vegetable gardens and fruit orchards to Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct, which was built in 19 BC to provide the city of Nimes with fresh water. Its impressive scale and setting make it one of the great wonders of antiquity. Our final stop for the day is Uzes, a charming little town with a well-preserved medieval town center.

Saturday, Saint Remy. Cycle along roads framed with poplars and plane trees on the way to the market town of St Remy de Provence. Take time to explore the nearby ruins and monuments of an ancient Roman settlement, where you will find fragments of a Mausoleum, dating from 30 bc, with stacked arches and columns adorned with hunting and battle scenes.

Sunday, Saint Remy. Take a day off the bike and visit L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue. Today is traditional market day and there is also a flea market. The narrow streets are busy with food stands and street musicians.

Monday, Saint Remy. This morning we ride to the ancient settlement of Les Baux de Provence, a beautifully preserved 13th century village, with charming houses and the ruins of a fortified castle built into the side of a limestone mountain.  A longer ride option takes you through Van Gogh's countryside to the charming town of Arles, his last home.

Tuesday, Gordes. We cycle through the Luberon region, where lavender fields, castles, fortresses and churches dominate some of France's most beautiful villages. This area was made famous by writer Peter Mayle's, A Year in Provence. Make sure to stop in Lacoste, which features the ruins of a chateau and other interesting medieval architecture.

Wednesday, Gordes. Wake up to sweeping panoramic views from the hilltop village of Gordes, which houses charming, narrow cobbled-streets, art galleries and colorful shops. Our ride takes us to Roussillon, a cluster of houses and buildings set into the red cliffs from which the stone was quarried.

Thursday, Mazan. Quiet back roads take us to Fontaine de Vaucluse, a mysterious spring that gushes from a deep underground source. Framed by towering cliffs, the water spews forth dramatically over massive rocks and down a gorge. We finish the day in Mazan, where our hotel for three nights is a small chateau that was once the home of the notorious Marquis de Sade.

Friday, Mazan. Today we climb the famous Mont Ventoux. The ride is often included in the Tour de France and has been the scene of some of the greatest action. Don't hesitate taking a short boost in the support vehicle. The road provides switchbacks through pine forests before emerging into a moonscape of baked limestone and granite.

Saturday, Mazan. Our last ride takes us to Orange, the "City of Princes." It is the home of Europe's best preserved Roman Theater, still used for concerts. After a walking tour of the town, you'll have time for last minute shopping. Farewell dinner this evening.

Sunday. Leisurely breakfast and transfer to the Avignon train station or airport for your flight home.

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 11 days/10 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,295 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 11, 2009.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts and six dinners.
What else is included in the tour price? 

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 31, 45 and 55 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides. 

To include the most scenic and interesting parts of the region in the tour, there will be two group transfers during the trip. In addition to the “sag wagon”, a small coach that can accommodate the entire group of tour participants will accompany the group on some days. The support vehicles transfer all luggage, offer mechanical assistance and limited spare parts, and provide a lift if a tour member should tire during the cycling day. The sag wagon comes equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the area.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $27 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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