Mediterranean Provence Bike Tour
- Region: France
- Destination: Provence
- Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Level: Active Rider
- Price From: $4995
- Single Supplement: $ 900
| limited space | ||
| May 26 - May 31, 2013 | $5195 | Call to book |
| limited space | ||
| Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2013 | $5195 | Call to book |
| Jul 28 - Aug 2, 2013 | $5195 | Book Now |
| Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2013 | $4995 | Book Now |
| Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2014 | $5295 | Book Now |
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Pedal through seaside villages and hilltop towns with the Mediterranean breeze in your hair. Marvel at the striking fjords in Cassis known as les Calanques. Wander the markets of Aix-en-Provence, collecting fragrant herbs, spices, and soaps along the way. Develop a taste for the famed Bandol, learning from some of the best producers in the world. This delightful bike tour in the Mediterranean region of Provence brings us from artistic muses like Montagne Sainte-Victoire to natural wonderlands like Massif Ste. Baume. Experience the pinnacle of luxury in five-star resorts overlooking the Mediterranean, contemplating a glass of perfectly aged Bandol over a gourmet meal every night.
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Tour by Day
Day One: Welcome to the Mediterranean
Your guides will greet you at the Marseille airport and whisk you away to the lovely Hostellerie Berard & Spa. We’ll toast our arrival before a quick bike fitting. Enjoy a light lunch before our first amazing ride, cycling through villages perched above the sea and famous Bandol vineyards on our way to the Mediterranean. Get to know the mourvedre grape with a tasting in the medieval village of La Cadière d’Azur. Wander the streets of this beautiful place before returning to the hotel (or opt for a lift in the van). Welcome the evening with a glass of Bandol rosé before dinner in the hotel’s outstanding Michelin-starred restaurant.
Meals: Light Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: la Cadière d’Azur, Bandol
Accomplished: 23 miles / 36 km
Day Two: Quality Time in Cassis
Start your morning off by cycling through the beautiful garrigue to the arid landscape overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Ride along the Route des Cretes, meandering up from the sea and offering breathtaking views. Arrive in the charming harbor town of Cassis, and marvel at the white cliffs that make the perfect setting for our picnic lunch. Go sea kayaking or explore Cassis for some shopping before our transfer back to the hotel. Relax or wander the streets of Cadiere d'Azur before dinner in the charming Provençal town of Le Castellet.
Meals: Breakfast / Picnic lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Cassis, Le Castellet
Accomplished: 23 miles / 36 km + Sea Kayaking (optional additional ride of 36 km)
Day Three: Hiking the Massif de Ste. Baume
Today we’ll have an extra special treat of joining Michelin-starred chef René for a tour of his impressive herb and vegetable garden before a very special cooking class followed by lunch. Then you'll leave the coast behind and head for the hills! After a short transfer to the trailhead in the Massif Ste. Baume, we’ll hike through the rugged natural park. We’re likely to spot wild boar, deer, foxes, weasels, and rare eagles of Bonelli. We’ll cross small canyons and admire the shocking view from above and then descend the northern face of the plateau toward our next hotel, the deluxe Domaine Chateauneuf, located in the heart of the Massif of St. Baume. Relax for the afternoon before a decadent meal in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Massif de la Ste. Baume, Nans les Pins
Accomplished: 4 miles / 6 km hike, 6 miles / 10 km ride (optional additional ride of 20 km)
Day Four: Biking Through Cézanne’s Canvas
Leaving the Ste. Baume Plateau this morning, we’ll arrive at the scene made famous by Paul Cézanne: Mont Sainte-Victoire. Cycle past vineyards and charming Provençal villages. Enjoy a picnic lunch with the locals in the center of Puyloubier and taste the classic tapenade and ratatouille. Here we'll have a nice opportunity to learn and excel at the game of petanque. We’ll end our ride in beautiful Aix-en-Provence, rich with Roman architecture, medieval cathedrals, and Renaissance mansions. Our final destination, Villa Gallici, is without a doubt the greatest hotel in the city. It sits just a short walk away from the city center for easy access to outstanding shopping, quaint brasseries, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: St. Zacharie, Trets, Puyloubier, Aix en Provence
Accomplished: 34 miles / 55 km
Day Five: Provençal Markets and Picasso’s Inspiration
Visit Aix’s bustling market this morning, filled with colorful fabrics, fragrant natural soaps, and delicate olive oils. After a short transfer we’ll ride today in the stunning northern landscape of the Montagne Ste. Victoire, once home to Pablo Picasso. Cycle past his former home and studio, Château de Vauvenargues, where he is now buried. Continue into the Gorges de l’Infernet, where we'll enjoy lunch at a winery in the village of Rians before we bicycle back to Aix-en-Provence. One last culinary delight awaits us tonight at the intimate Le Clos de la Violette, another Michelin-starred restaurant. Bon appétit!
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Aix’s market, Vauvenargues, Jouques, Meyrargues
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km (optional additional ride of 20 km)
Day Six: Au Revoir à la Belle Provence?
After breakfast, you'll have one final chance to visit the little shops in the bustling town of Aix or go on an early morning 40 km ride. Your guides will then see you off at the Aix train station or Marseille airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Aix or Marseille
Accomplished: (optional ride of 40 km)
