Toujours Provence

Toujours Provence…

Honestly, there’s no better way to articulate it…Provence is always Provence…and that’s part of its inherent beauty. It’s a veritable smorgasbord for the senses….

The  landscape of classic Provence is definitely a sight to behold. From the Pont du Gard and the scattered remnants of Roman architecture, the endless rows of vineyards and olive groves, to the medieval village of Les Baux resting atop the rocky outcropping in the Apilles mountains.

Not only a feast for the eyes, but for the palate as well - as you can literally taste an explosion of flavors in Provence. Sample plump, briny olives and earthy truffles in the markets of St. Remy, indulge in the delicious goat cheeses with figs, spread your toasts with aioli or anchovy tapenade, and settle down with a bowl of pistou. And the perfect accompaniment to savor these flavors is a glass of Provencal wine.

You will certainly awaken your sense of smell as you cycle along the pungent fields of sage, rosemary and thyme and inhale the relaxing scent of the ubiquitous lavender.

And your ears will be abuzz with the sounds of Provence as you hear humming voices carrying through the markets, encouraging cheers from the petanque courts, and the subtle song of the cicadas lulling you to sleep.

Pont du Gard

You can even enhance your sense of touch [and perhaps your 'extra sensory perception'] when you explore the mind/body connection with daily yoga sessions on one of our Yoga Bike adventures in Provence.

This is the land of Peter Mayle, Van Gogh and Cezanne…a place where vestiges of ancient Roman architecture exist alongside vibrant villages filled with colorful fabrics and bustling markets.

Market day in St. Remy

Imagine riding with the scenic backdrop of the Pont du Gard aqueduct beside you and the panorama of sweeping views from atop Les Baux fortress in front of you. A visit to St. Remy on market day will have you sampling the world’s best olive oils, local produce and more before you head off to the Alpilles mountains to explore this rugged landscape of rock outcroppings and the vineyards of Mas de Gourgonnier.

Or head down to the Luberon and discover the essence of Provence. Crisscrossed by canals and home to antique markets and waterfront cafes, the charming town of l’Isle sur la Sorgue, the ‘little Venice’, epitomizes all things Provencal. The Luberon region is also home to Gordes, one of the most beautiful cities in  France, and is abundant with lavender fields that seem to go on forever. Here you can snack on goat cheese with local herbs and sip Cotes de Luberon wines, and perhaps, like Peter Mayle, might just be inspired to write your own version of the experience entitled “A Week in Provence”.

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