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 Charlotte, meet olive oil producers, visit organic winemakers, dine on a picturesque farm, 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 Aiguèze. This fortified medieval village set on a cliff above the Ardèche River has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in France. After lunch in the town’s sun-dappled main square, we’ll get fitted to our bikes and set out on a ride through undulating countryside punctuated by villages that date back as far as the 12th century. Our destination is Monteil, the hamlet where our guide Olivier welcomes us to our home for the week: 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. Settle in and relax with an après velo cocktail or glass of wine. Tonight, we meet Charlotte, our Chef on Wheels, for a family-style dinner inspired by the flavors of her childhood.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Aiguèze, Laval-Saint-Roman, Le Garn, Orgnac-l’Aven, Monteil
Accomplished: 12 miles / 19 km, elevation gain: 1,003 feet / 306 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 Issirac, where we’ll meet our friend Franca at her organic farm and sample her seasonal produce. From there, pedal over rolling terrain to Goudargues, known as the Venice of Provence for its charming canals, then continue cycling to Monclus. We’ll pause for lunch, taking some time afterwards to wander the town’s medieval streets. Energized, push up the hill to the petite hamlet of Massargue, stopping to visit a family-owned olive oil estate and taste their fruity, organic oils. End the day 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, we’ll enjoy a beautiful meal featuring the traditional cuisine of Gard Provençal prepared by Chef Charlotte.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Issirac, Goudargues, Montclus, Orgnac-l’Aven, Monteil
Accomplished: 31 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 2,388 feet / 728 meters
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 3
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, Chef Charlotte’s culinary imagination remains anchored in Provence. Will she treat us to aioli or bouillabaisse?
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 4
Market Day With the Chef
Wednesday means market day in Provence. Our day begins with a transfer to the medieval town of Uzès, where will browse the colorful weekly market with Chef Charlotte, meeting her preferred local producers and choosing the ripest seasonal ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Shopping complete, take a stroll through Uzès, admiring its cobbled lanes and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. After lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, choose to cycle back to our hotel along scenic country roads or hop in the van for a lift. This evening we’ll roll up our sleeves, transforming our market produce into a delightful Provençal meal during a cooking class taught by Chef Charlotte.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Uzès, Monteil
Accomplished: 26 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 2,014 feet / 614 meters
Accommodations: La Maison Papillons - Day 5
Banne and Bon Vin
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 lunch in the picturesque village of Banne, famous for its 12th-century church as well as for being a stronghold for the French resistance during WWII. From here it’s just a few miles to Château des Lèbres, a 16th-century manor house surrounded by organic vineyards in the foothills of the Cévennes. There we’ll meet Sébastien—the winemaker whose family has owned the estate for two centuries—for a tasting of his award-winning wines and an introduction to his biodynamic approach to viticulture. Spin home through Mediterranean brushlands known as garrigues, passing through the villages of Beaulieu, Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzières, and Barjac or hop in the van. Tonight, regather and transfer to Le Mouton Noir in Issirac for a seasonal dinner made with the freshest, local ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Barjac, Bessas, Bannes, Monteil
Accomplished: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 2,391 feet / 729 meters
Longer Option: 55 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 4,189 feet / 1,277 meters 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 Pick-Up Time: 10:30 am
Departure Details
Airport City: Marseille or Paris, France Drop-Off Location: Avignon Train Station 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: Charlotte Ducruet
Charlotte Ducruet is a private chef based in the South of France, where she creates seasonal cuisine inspired by the region’s landscapes and traditions. She began her hospitality career as a maître d’hôtel, spending four years in a Michelin-starred restaurant—an experience that shaped her attention to detail, sense of service, and understanding of high-end dining.
Drawn to the energy of the kitchen, Charlotte moved behind the scenes, learning through observation and practice. She later became co-owner of L’Auberge d’Ailhon, a countryside inn in Ardèche, managing the property for several years. The auberge featured a Le Fooding–recognized restaurant, guest rooms, and a kitchen garden. There, she developed a cuisine rooted in seasonality and local products, alongside a wine list focused on regional producers.
For the past two years, Charlotte has been cooking at Maison Papillons, designing intimate dinners that showcase the richness of Provençal and Ardèche terroirs. Her approach—inspired by family traditions and Southern French cuisine—centers on simplicity, seasonality, and close relationships with local farmers and artisans.
Dates + Availability
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
