Compare Country Walks In Provence by Alpine Interface vs Provence, Les Plus Beaux Villages Cycling Tour by Tourissimo
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,540 | $ 4,195 |
| Price Per Day | $ 443 | $ 524 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Whether you’re in search of the perfect family hiking trip or a self-guided walking tour, sun-drenched Provence offers French charm in abundance. This is one of our most popular hiking adventure vacations. Discover a place of immense beauty that has attracted painters, poets, and writers from all over the world. Our European walking tours center around Mont Ventoux, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. We combine half-day walks and daily visits to local markets, museums, and archeological sites. The walking is moderate and offers incredible views from the fortified towns, jagged limestone peaks and ancient villages. Stroll through vineyards, meet the locals and enjoy “la belle vie” of southern France. |
We have partnered with the organization that presents the hallowed title of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’ (‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’). Thus far there are 157 villages spread across 21 regions that can lay claim to this prestigious title and with a number of them – for good reason – situated in the enchanting region of Provence. Notwithstanding that Provence is Ride and Seek's own back yard – their operations base is here – we were also drawn to running our inaugural ‘most beautiful tour’ here because no other region so firmly embodies the essence of the organization. This prestigious classification is not just based on aesthetics but also embraces a way of life. We still visit a number of the classic destinations such as St Remy de Provence and the Vaucluse but our itinerary incorporates so much more besides. From Les Baux to Venasque, Les Alpilles to Glanum our tour offers a broader perspective of Provence than the more regular fare. With a rich Roman heritage we also visit some of the best preserved remnants of this great empire on our journey. Interlacing this are cultural and historical highlights from our more recent past as well as insights into more distant eras. Cycling through landscapes painted by Cezanne and Van Gogh it soon becomes clear why so many of the most distinguished poets and painters chose to make Provence home. Along the way we will sample some fantastic vintages from the Côtes du Rhône region which complement a cuisine renown both for its flair and freshness. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients the Provencal gastronomy provides the final piece of what can only be described as the ultimate bike tour jigsaw. Our Provence itinerary is one of our Local Plus tours which are designed for the discerning cyclist who wishes to explore a region in depth without too many hotel changes. By their nature these tours provide scope for participants to ride as little or as much as they would like. As such this tour is suitable for non-riders since there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. It also provides scope for more experienced riders to push themselves on our extra loops which include the ‘giant’ of Provence – Mont Ventoux. This is optional of course! |
Day 1: Avignon
Transfer from Avignon TGV ( High Speed Train) to our hotel in Avigon. If time permits, a guided visit of the Papal Palace is planned.
Day 2: Avignon-Carpentras-Vaison-la-Romaine
Our day begins with a short drive to Carpentras, in order to explore one of the more vibrant and authentic markets in all of Provence. Buying our own lunches, we can sit under the shade of one of many majestic Plane trees and enjoy local delicacies such as taponade or olive paste, local cheeses and the many different kids of red, white and rose wines produced in the Cotes du Rhone region of Provence. After lunch, a short drive brings us to Vaison-la-Romaine, an ancient, well-preserved Roman town on the banks of the River Ouvezes.
Day 3: Gigondas
Our hike takes us around the Dentelles de Montmirail, a fin of limestone jutting up from the vineyards. Along the way, a wine tasting has been arranged with Yves and Edmond Gras, a father and son team of local vintners producing high quality red and white wines.
Day 4: Sault – Beaumes de Venise
Our day begins with a van transfer to the village of Sault where we begin the long hike into the Gorges de la Nesque, a spectacular canyon walk below towering limestone cliffs. Our night will be spent in Baumes-de-Venise, known for its sweet, syrupy wines taken as a cocktail in France.
Day 5: Mont Ventoux
The “Giant of Provence” is our goal today. Also know as the Mt Ventoux, this nearly 2000m high mountain allows for a spectacular hike along the north face, shaded from the sun as we meander in and out of the forests.
Day 6: St. Remy de Provence
St Remy de Provence is our destination today. Painted by Van Gogh, this bustling town is surrounded by excellent hiking trails allowing for half-day hikes in order to explore this very photogenic part of southern France. Market and guided visit of the cloister where Van Gogh lived.
Day 7: Les Baux de Provence
Leaving from our hotel, we make our way to the fortified town of Les Baux de Provence, known for its tiny streets, shops selling hand painted works of art and excellent restaurants. This easy hikes leads us to one of the more charming villages in all of France.
Day 8: Departure Day
The trip ends after breakfast. Transfers possible to the TGV station in Avignon.
Day 1: St Remy de Provence
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas de l’Oulivié
Terrain: Rolling
Ride: 9 mi or 15 km
A gentle but rolling start to the tour as we ride a loop from our home at the Mas de l’Oulivie for the first couple of nights through the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles. This ride is primarily to ensure our bikes are fit and ready for travel but it is a beautiful little circuit. In the afternoon we explore the atmospheric town of St Remy de Provence, previously home to Van Gogh and Nostradamus, and renowned for its art and culture.
Day 2: Les Baux-de-Provence
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas de l’Oulivié
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 24/37 mi or 38/59 km
We head deeper into the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles today on a rolling loop ride that meanders through vineyards and olive groves. With an astonishing array of aromas and colours this arid area is characterized by limestone peaks which give the impression of being taller than they really are – who’s to know the difference between conquering the Alpilles and the Alps! Today we visit the iconic fortified town of Les Baux-de-Provence and give you the option to investigate Roman Glanum. For those of you wanting to cycle more and visit another Roman ruin we offer the opportunity to ride to the Pont du Gard’s younger brother the Pont du Barbegal.
Day 3: Les Baux-de-Provence to Gordes
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 32/46 mi or 51/73 km
We head east into the Vaucluse region of Provence towards our base for the next couple of days Gordes. After bridging the Durance we head past some of the quieter but best villages of Provence. Oppede le Vieux is one such village whose medieval ghost town is a must wander after lunch. Menerbes is another and offers so much more than just being the setting for the Peter Mayle book. Our destination is Gordes which clings to the side of the Vaucluse plateau. The houses are arranged in tiers around an imposing Renaissance castle and so it is easy to appreciate why the village is considered a jewel of Provence.
Day 4: Gordes loop to Roussillon
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Ride: 30/57 mi or 48/92 km
Gordes great location gives us great access to some spectacular riding. Today we enjoy a short loop to the villages of Saint Saturnin-les-Apt and Roussillon. Roussillon is known as the ocre-red village which contrasts fantastically with the deep green pine forests we cycle through on route. The optional extra loop takes us deep into the Provincial hinterland as we head towards more of our local favorites - Viens and Saint Martin de Castillon.
Day 5: Gordes loop to Bonnieux and Lourmarin
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mas des Rosmarins
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 32/48 mi or 52/77 km
Once again we find a series of quiet and picturesque routes as we continue our discovery of Provence’s most beautiful villages. We ride first to the village of Lacoste for a coffee and a great view of the surrounding area. From here we climb up to Bonnieux before descending into Lourmarin for lunch under its Chateau. The cycling is again spectacular and the villages we pass through embody the essence of what this part of Provence is all about.
Day 6: Gordes to Mazan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Chateau de Mazan
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Ride: 26/47 mi or 42/75 km
We leave Gordes and head north, cruising past the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senaque on our way to Venasque. After enjoying fantastic countryside riders can choose to head directly north to Mazan or take the longer meander over the Col de Murs. Today’s options are a little shorter considering the optional challenge tomorrow of Mont Ventoux! Tonight we stay in the Chateau Mazan, once home to the Marquis de Sade! Don’t worry he no longer has any involvement in the running of the hotel!
Day 7: Mazan loop to Gorges de la Nesque or Mount Ventoux
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Chateau de Mazan
Terrain: Mountains
Ride: 20/39/43 mi or 32/63/70 km
Our final day on the bike takes us towards the monolith known as Mont Ventoux as we head north towards Bedoin. For the foolhardy and the brave this iconic Tour de France climb is an option. For those of you looking for a more relaxing end to the tour we will skirt around the mountain known to the locals as ‘the Giant of Provence’ and up one of the best cycling roads in France - the Gorges de la Nesque. Here we will picnic overlooking the spectacular ravine before re-joining the hill climbers and returning to our Chateau in Mazan for a final delectable dinner.
Day 8: Avignon
Meals: Breakfast
Terrain: Departure
Ride: None
After a leisurely breakfast, we organize a shuttle to the TGV train station on the outskirts of Avignon from where fast trains can be caught to a number of European cities.
