Provence Chef on Wheels Bike Tour
A Place at the Table with Culinary Characters, Provençal Artists, and More
Tour Highlights
- Unpack once and make your home at La Maison Papillions, a lovingly renovated family-run farmhouse
- Experience Provence as only an insider can, thanks to the personal connections of our local chef: visit the marché with Chef Katia, meet olive oil producers, visit a ceramicist, dine with a winemaker, and more
- Discover the region’s natural phenomena as you hike the Gorges de l’Ardèche—the “Grand Canyon of Europe”—and marvel at 36,000-year-old cave paintings
- Take a deep dive into wines of the Côtes du Rhône at exclusive visits and playful tastings
- Learn to prepare traditional Provençal dishes during a cooking class with our Chef on Wheels
Eat
Tapenade, brandade de morue (a Mediterranean spread of salt cod), saucisson de l’Ardeche, Pélardon goat cheese and Tomme de Brebis sheep cheese, roasted lamb, eggplant gratin, indulgent crème de marron (chestnut spread)
Drink
Local red Grenache and white Viognier from the Côtes du Vivarais appellation, AOC wines from Gigondas and Vacqueyras, pastis (a traditional anise-flavored apéritif), and Perrier from the source in Gard
As featured in:
Itinerary
Print Itinerary- Day 1
Bienvenue en Provence
Your guides will meet you in Avignon for a transfer to Monteil, the hamlet where we are welcomed by DuVine guide Olivier, owner of La Maison Papillons. Surrounded by Provence’s verdant hills, this once-abandoned farmhouse was given a new life by Olivier and his wife Caroline. Together, they transformed the property into a rustic and intimate guesthouse of stone and rough-hewn wood, with terraces, gardens, and a pool for enjoying the Provençal sun. After a bike fitting and a safety briefing, begin riding through the undulating countryside punctuated by villages dating as far back as the 12th century. Stop at a small family-owned olive mill for a picnic of local produce complemented by the fresh-pressed oil, then ride back to La Maison Papillons. Tonight, we meet Katia, our Chef on Wheels for a first family-style dinner, inspired by the flavors of her childhood.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Orgnac l’Aven, Malataverne, Laval-Saint-Roman, Le Garn, Monteil
Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 1,295 feet / 395 meters
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 2
The Cèze Valley
Today’s ride follows the Cèze river along a rolling route through farmlands, vineyards, and lavender fields. Our first stop is the village of Lussan, recognized as one of the most beautiful in France. Admire its medieval ramparts, narrow lanes lined with fanciful homes, and three mills—a testament to the town’s silk-making past. A thrilling descent brings us to Verfeuil where we’ll meet a talented local ceramicist at her atelier while Chef Katia prepares a sumptuous picnic lunch. End with a leisurely ride back to La Masion Papillons where you can relax by the pool with a glass of rosé or visit Olivier’s onsite studio where he creates contemporary landscape art. Tonight, transfer to Saint-Ambroix to meet Katia’s favorite local winemaker, Mathieu. Get to know his wines with a tasting, then enjoy them once again during a dinner at his vineyard.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Méjannes-les-Clap, Lussan, Verfeuil, Goudargues, Monteil
Accomplished: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 2,496 feet / 761 meters
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 3
Bon Vin and Beaulieu
This morning we’ll cycle through the Ardèche and foothills of the Cévennes mountains. For your efforts in conquering the steep climbs, you’ll be rewarded with an exclusive visit to a renowned winery, Château de la Selve. Originally a 13th-century fortress, the château became the hunting lodge of a wealthy family before its transformation into a prestigious domaine. The tasting of their organic wines is playful: sip from an opaque glass to determine if you’re drinking white or red; guess the cépage (variety) and millésime (vintage); see if you can determine whether wine is barrel- or amphora-aged. Lunch today is at our friend’s restaurant in the charming hamlet of Pléoux. Spin home through Mediterranean brushlands known as garrigues, passing through the villages of Beaulieu, Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzières, and Barjac. This evening, regather for an evening of filled with fresh Provençal flavors during a cooking class taught by Chef Katia.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Grospierres, Beaulieu, Barjac
Accomplished: 41 miles / 66 km, elevation gain: 3,215 feet / 980 meters
Shorter Option: 21 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 1,778 feet / 542 meters
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 4
The Chef, the Farmer, the Cheesemaker
Wednesday means market day in Provence. Our day begins with a ride on quiet country roads past tiny villages where time appears to stand still. After a rewarding descent through lush forest we’ll arrive in Goudargues, known as the Venice of Provence for its charming canals. There, we’ll reunite with Chef Katia to shop the colorful weekly market, meeting her preferred local producers and choosing the ripest seasonal ingredients for tonight’s dinner. After lunch at a waterside restaurant, continue cycling to the Cèze valley, with its impressive limestone cliffs. Back at La Maison Papillons, get ready to see how Katia has transformed this afternoon’s market produce.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Issirac, Saint-Christol-de-Rodières, Goudargues, Monteil
Accomplished: 24 miles / 39 km, elevation gain: 1,663 feet / 507 meters
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 5
Cliffs, Canyons, and Cave Paintings
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast in the garden before our adventure on foot today. A short drive brings us to the starting point of our hike: the famous Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” the gorge is one of the greatest natural wonders in all of France. Our three-hour hike will reveal awe-inspiring views of the towering limestone cliffs, ultimately ending on a pristine beach of the Ardèche river (where the brave among us might venture a quick dip). On the return, enjoy the shade of oak trees and look up for Bonelli’s eagles as we loop back up the gorge. After a well-earned picnic lunch, transfer to the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave, a 36,000-year-old dwelling where frescoes and prehistoric drawings will entice your imagination. Spend the afternoon sprawled by the pool or mastering the Provençal art of the nap. Tonight is a celebration not only of our week together, but also of Chef Katia’s culinary imagination thoughtfully paired with her favorite wines.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Labastide-de-Virac, Gorges de l’Ardèche, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Monteil
Accomplished: 5 miles / 8 km hiking
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 6
Au Revoir!
Before the journey home, take a morning stroll or devote some extra time to savoring a beautiful breakfast at La Maison Papillons. Your guides transfer you to the Avignon train station and bid you à bientôt!
Meals: Breakfast
Destination: Avignon
DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.
Arrival Details
Airport City: Marseille or Paris, France Pick-Up Location: Avignon Train Station or Avignon, France Pick-Up Time: 10:30 am
Departure Details
Airport City: Marseille or Paris, France Drop-Off Location: Avignon Train Station or Avignon, France Drop-Off Time: 12:00 pm
Arrival and departure details for alternate itineraries and future year departures may be subject to change.
Meet the Chef: Katia Madelbaum
After earning a culinary degree (and winning a few pastry competitions), Katia Madelbaum began a career in luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur, including a stint at the Michelin-starred Hôtel Martinez under Christian Sinicropi. She then shifted into Parisian nightlife, launching Silencio under the artistic direction of David Lynch, reopening the legendary Les Bains Douche, and running the Mama Shelter group.
Deciding to leave nightlife behind, Katia returned to the Loire Valley to work at her family farm—growing vegetables using permaculture, making goat cheeses in the traditional method, and designing her signature zero-waste cooking classes.
When she found her way to the Provençal village of Lussan in 2023, Katia opened Chez Rosette: an auberge and restaurant in the classic French bistro style. Named for the grandmother who inspired Katia’s love of cooking, Chez Rosette was recognized in the French Le Fooding guide within one year of opening, and is praised for using only local and organic products while working hand-in-hand with regional farmers.
Dates + Availability
- DatesPriceSpecial Events
- Oct 5 – 10$6,995
Departing soon. To reserve call +1 888 396 5383
Inclusions + Details
Accommodations
- Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
- Luggage transfers
Meals
- Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
- 5 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
- Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal
Activities
- Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
- Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
Gear
- Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
- Bike helmet
- Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
- GPS in most destinations
Support
- Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
- Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
- Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
- Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
