For those who love French food and wine, the outdoors and a touch of exercise, Tour De Vines new tours to Provence should appeal. Catering for those who aren’t hard core cyclists, but love the social aspect of being outdoors, as well as those who enjoy their cycling, they have tours to suit every level of cyclist.
An Australian wine cycle tourism specialist, Tour de Vines will set you along the lavender scented paths of Provence, one of France’s most idyllic country villages. Travel through picture perfect rolling hills, dotted with vineyards as you experience the charm of the area. They have created three new cycling itineraries in Van Gogh’s romantic home, where you can visit medieval castles, dine in incredible restaurants and sample the famed Chateauneuf du Pape wines.
The Provence tours adhere to the idea of discovering new routes and offering something a little different. Tour de Vines want to offer their guests a more authentic experience, and their three new Provence tours visit a number of the classic destinations such as St Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence, but the itinerary incorporates so much more of the areas that they feel give a better overall feel of this most enchanting of regions.
Sample the local food starting with a sweet Cavaillon melon or one of the classified goats’ cheeses accompanied with fresh figs, or order a selection of tapenades in this Spanish influenced district. There are truffles, bouillabaisse and the local daube (beef casserole) finished off with ambrosia of the gods made by Chocolatier Joel Durand in St Remy or the master Nougatier Boyer of Sault might provide a lighter option.
When exploring Provence, accommodation is in independent, privately run hotels that embody the charm and character of the region. All hotels are fully equipped with modern facilities and where possible, with swimming pools, as there is nothing quite like a dip after a day in the saddle. One of the benefits of keeping the group size small is that it enables you to stay in the smaller, family run establishments that add to the authenticity of the travel experience. Chain hotels are not included in the tour.
Tour de Vines’ three new programs, Provence Roman, Provence Luberon and Tour de Provence complement their popular Tour de Bordeaux and Tour de Loire Valley programs.
Every level of cyclist fitness, from easy to moderate and experienced, is catered for. There will be a tour to match your needs amongst the range of departures during May to October.
The Tour de Provence itineraries include all accommodation, bike hire and helmet, full breakfasts each day and gourmet dinners each night, fine wine and soft drink, two bilingual guides, entry fees to attractions and historical sites.
Sandra Tiltman