With its sun-drenched lavender fields, picturesque vineyards, awe-inspiring Roman ruins, and charming medieval villages, Provence is one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. Situated in southeast France, this region is on many travelers’ bucket lists—and for good reason.
One of the best ways to experience this idyllic place? On two wheels. Provence cycling tours offer a chance to slow down and truly immerse yourself in the region—the smells of lavender and croissants, the sights of quaint villages and vineyards, the tastes of exquisite French wine and cuisine, the touch of rain, and the joyful sounds of fellow cyclists.
I recently returned from a Provence cycling tour hosted by leading active travel company Backroads. The luxury trip was the perfect blend of warm hospitality, upscale accommodations, active adventures, meticulously planned routes, decadent cuisine and refreshments, and breathtaking scenery. If you love to stay active while on vacation and you have always dreamed of exploring Provence in style, I highly recommend booking this Backroads bike trip. Here is a snapshot of what this 5-star experience was like.
Why Provence Cycling Tour with Backroads?
I have traveled with Backroads before—most recently, on a tour of upstate New York. But I was curious to learn more about the company and experience their service levels in Europe. As an active person who loves cycling, I was also interested in experiencing the region’s challenging cycling terrain. Throw in delicious French wine and cuisine—and I knew I had found the perfect combination.
Cycling, Wine Tasting, Local Markets, and Luxury Accomodations on Backroads Cycling Tours
As with other Backroads bike trips, this itinerary involved cycling for much of the day, then checking into luxurious hotels each night—including a beautiful 16th-century castle! Throughout the 6-day, 5-night trip, we also enjoyed gourmet picnic lunches prepared by our chef Oscar, wine tastings at local wineries, shopping at outdoor markets, and other activities. We cycled between 22 and 51 miles per day, with the elevation gain ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 feet.
Stellar Guides Who Go Above and Beyond
Throughout the entire Backroad bike trip, our guides worked hard to make the trip extra special—and they quickly and seamlessly pivoted when necessary. For example, one day, Mother Nature simply would not cooperate and a torrential downpour threatened to ruin our good time. We still managed to cycle 22 miles, and the Backroads team ensured we still had a fabulous time by coordinating visits to the farmers market in Roussillon and a coffee and shopping stop at the picturesque village of Gordes. They pampered us every step of the way.
Tailored to All Ability Levels
Each day’s ride on this trip was perfectly organized to accommodate riders of all ability levels, allowing us to explore at our own pace while still enjoying each other’s company. On our trip, we had three guides and two support vans for 11 travelers—which gave us plenty of flexibility along the way. The roads and bike paths of Provence also felt safe and secure, so even if you are a beginner cyclist, you will feel comfortable on here.
Couples, Solo Travelers, Friends, and Multi-Generational Families Will Love This Backroads Bike Trip
A Backroads cycling tour of Provence is more than just a luxurious vacation. It is an active and adventurous celebration of the beauty, history, and culture of one of the world’s most captivating regions. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just someone who’s looking for a unique way to explore Provence, this unforgettable France cycling tour is a great option.
Provence cycling tours with Backroads are ideal for couples, solo travelers, friend groups, and multi-generational families. In short, this trip is perfect for any traveler who loves cycling and being pampered at the same time.
Ready to Set out on a Luxury France Cycling Tour Vacation?
If you would like to explore Backroads bike tours in more detail, please contact me. With over 34 years of experience in the travel industry, I am a Backroads travel specialist and an avid cyclist myself. I also offer a complimentary consultation to discuss the more than 5,000 Backroads trips around the world.
Start by completing a vacation request or call 303.694.8786.