Pedaling Provence
Date: October 6 to October 14
Price: $4,295
Terrain: Hilly | Daily Miles : 40 - 60
Difficulty Level : 2
The air is scented by fragrant lavender fields and pungent herbs. First discovered and named Provencia by the Romans, Provence was later immortalized in masterpieces painted by Cézanne and Van Gogh. Marvel at the monumental Pont-du-Gard bridge, Roman arches and amphitheaters, many of which are still in use today. Visit the hilltop villages of the Lubéron and ride to the wine towns of the Côte du Rhone. From the heights of famed Mt. Ventoux, to the surreal beauty of the marshlands of the Camargue, Provence is truly a feast for the senses. Delight in the famous French Provencal cuisine that features the flavors of the Mediterranean, heightened by local olive oils, complemented by legendary wines and exquisite desserts. Like so many Impressionist painters attracted by the clear, magical light, you too will be enchanted by the abundant charms of Provence.
Stage One • Aix-en-Provence. 40 miles - 3050 feet. Mont St. Victoire loop. Arrive in Aix and stroll down the shady boulevard, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with inviting cafes. Check out the local bike shop, the chic boutiques and the historic old center. A loop ride around Mont St. Victoire, a favorite of Cézanne, followed by a dip in the pool, is the perfect start to your tour. Enjoy a gourmet, four-course dinner; cuisine for which the French are so well known.
Stage Two • Aix-en-Provence to Gordes. 46 miles - 3018 feet. Enter the tranquil countryside and visit the sun-soaked hill towns of the Lubéron, including Bonnieux, LaCoste and Menerbes, on our ride to Gordes, a cluster of honey-colored stone buildings tumbling down the hillside. Try a glass of the local Gigondas wine at our hotel’s poolside terrace as you wind down with the perfume of jasmine trees wafting through the air.
Stage Three • Gordes to Vaison-la-Romaine. 50 miles - 3625 feet. Ride to the ancient Abbeye de Senanque, surrounded by fragrant lavender fields. As the monks chant, church bells ring out and sunlight streams through narrow spaces in the thick stone walls, as it has for centuries. Cycle on the route of the Tour de France, along the "Route de Vin", following the gently flowing river to a stone bridge built by the Romans. We spend two nights in the old quarter of Vaison, at an antique-filled, welcoming hotel with an acclaimed restaurant.
Stage Four • Vaison-la-Romaine Mt. Ventoux ride. 45 mile optional loop - 5900 feet. Rise to the challenging climb made famous in the Tour de France and ascend Mt. Ventoux. Near the top, the landscape seems almost lunar. From the observatory you can see from the Mediterranean to the Alps. Stretch out under the sun at our hotel’s gorgeous pool or explore the weekly market and go wine tasting in Vaison.
Stage Five • Vaison-la-Romaine to Avignon. 51 miles - 1312 feet. From the heart of Côte du Rhone wine country, follow a road under the triumphal Roman arch, the gateway to Orange. St-Rémy was a frequent subject of Van Gogh. The wines of Châteauneuf du Pape have long been celebrated. Pick up a few bottles to savor later. Arrive in Avignon and tour the Papal Palace, admiring its many treasures or take part in the cafe life in the artists' quarters before dinner under the stars.
Stage Six • Avignon. A great rural route takes us to the 2000-year-old Pont-du-Gard aqueduct. You can ride your bike over the top. Or spend the day in Avignon, once home to the Popes, and explore the Papal Palace, now a museum, and then head off to do some shopping. Avignon is an exciting city with lots to do and see.
Stage Seven • Avignon to Arles. 50 miles - 900 feet. We picnic under the soaring church towers of an old abbey. A quiet ride through fruit orchards and farmlands leads to St. Rémy. A winding climb brings us fantastic views of the old town of Les Baux. Rolling down the other side, it's a flat spin into Arles, a city whose bull ring, many paella restaurants, and distinctive native dress will remind you of Spain. Enjoy a cold Orangina in the plaza before dinner.
Stage Eight • Arles. Today Arles is a lively center for the arts. Sip a cool Pastis at a café in the delightful plaza before exploring the carvings on the nearby church of St. Trophime. Take a jeep ride or do our optional loop ride into the Camargue. The landscape ranges from salt flats to lagoons; castles surrounded by ramparts to cattle ranches with herds of bulls; rice patties and wheat fields, and Mediterranean beach resorts.
Stage Nine • Arles to Aix-en-Provence. 60 miles - 1804 feet. The stunning landscape of wide-open fields filled with acres of yellow sunflowers is familiar from the paintings of Van Gogh. Our ride takes us through the stark, limestone beauty of the Alpille hills. Back in Aix, our farewell dinner celebrates an adventure filled with incredible riding, new friends, delicious flavors and many fond memories.
Stage Ten • Aix-en-Provence. 40 mile loop - 3050 feet. Before leaving, we take our final farewell loop into the countryside. We follow the route favored by the locals on their traditional Sunday club rides. One last piping hot pain au chocolat before packing our bikes. Aix is a short way from Marseilles where you can catch the high-speed TGV trains to Paris.
Sign up for ANY La Corsa Tour and you can buy a Garmin GPS-Enabled Cycle Computer for $299.
Celebrating our 15th Year!
