Welcome to another featured bike trip which in our opinion firmly deserves some limelight, cycling the Villages and Landscapes of Provence.

In a Nutshell

Distance: 179km Grade: Moderate 179 km of everything wonderful about Provence by bike.

Where is it?

Provence epitomises the French countryside of your dreams, from the cypress and olive grove dotted plains of Saint Rémy, to the Luberon that inspired Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. Marseille or Avignon are the closest travel-to points to get to St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus, where the route begins to wind through South East France. Finish in the riverside town of Isle sur la Sorgue, with its picture perfect waterfront cafes and relaxed vibe, perfect to unwind after your cycling adventure. [caption id="attachment_16635" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Isle sur la Sorgue[/caption]

Why Cycle Provence?

The question should be "Why not?"! The landscapes have inspired great artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries with fields of sunflower and lavender and picture perfect villages, plus of course the bountiful produce of the region is to die for. Fruity local wines, fresh foods bursting with flavour, and shopping paradise for those who love artisan local crafts. Oh and of course, the cycling! The quiet country roads of Provence are a dream to pedal.

Planning to Cycle in Provence

Head to Provence in summer to enjoy the sun-drenched beauty, but avoid mid-July and August unless you are happy to pedal in pretty intense heat! Late June or early July is ideal for seeing the Lavendar in bloom, and Autumn is a wonderful season as the crowds begin to disperse and things take on a relaxed vibe (or should that be "even more relaxed"). Our 5 night villages and landscapes of Provence itinerary is a popular 5 night tour which includes accommodation, breakfasts, baggage transfers from hotel to hotel, and full information and route notes. Visit http://www.macsbike.com/cycling-770/provence-villages-landscapes-self-guided-cycling-tour or contact David or Andy on info@macsadventure.com for advice or inspiration on exploring the world by bike.