Best restaurants in Provence
Posted: 16/03/19
Eating out in a nice restaurant is practically the essence of a good French holiday. Our blog post explores the three best restaurants in Provence.
Read moreCycling for Softies has been operating cycling holidays in Provence for many years. It's one of our clients' favourite destinations to explore by bike.
The south-eastern French region of Provence borders Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Once part of the Roman Gaul, there are numerous monuments, buildings and vineyards that date back two thousand years. St Rémy de Provence is a prime example of Roman architecture, here you can visit the ruins at the Glanum archaeological site that sit at the foot of the Alpilles mountains.
The beauty of cycling Provence is that you can veer off the well-trodden path, taking scenic country roads and be privy to the beautiful landscapes. Don’t leave your camera behind, as you will cycle alongside photogenic views of lavender fields (between June and August), maquis-covered hills, olive groves, vineyards and pine forests.
Want to find out more about how it all works when you get to Provence? Read our FAQs here.
Harvey, Head of Cycling
Provence is a beautiful region, especially during the lavender bloom. We have curated our cycling tours so that Softies clients can explore it to the full. Opting for an e-bike is a great way to see more without too much exertion.
The people of Provence are extremely proud of their region, with their Provençal dialect and Mediterranean cuisine. In Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence, sourcing the best seasonal products is part and parcel of daily life, whether it's gathering cherries and truffles, buying olive oil or the grape harvest.
Provençal cuisine is centred around fresh, locally grown produce, native herbs, olive oil and garlic. Park up your bike for aïoli garni with boiled vegetables, cod or even snails. Additionally, there’s olive tapenade, fish bouillabaisse and vegetable ratatouille.
The lavender in the Luberon tends to be in bloom in June and July with the harvest in August, exact dates vary due to the season. Cycling through the region is absolutely stunning, especially when the lavender and sunflower fields meet.
Our experts recommend visiting the lavender fields at the end of June, when crowds are fewer and temperatures are milder. We can tailor-make your cycling holiday so you can cycle earlier in the day during the warmer months, while seeing everything you’d like to.
Take a tour of the garrigue, olive groves and vineyards that cover this gorgeous corner of Provence and stay in our selection of the area's finest 4 and 5 star hotels. We...
Provence is famed as one of Europe’s most iconic destinations thanks to its mix of spectacular scenery, rich history, vibrant cultural identity and exquisite food and...
Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most highly rated hotels. Cycle between...
Explore the Cotes du Rhone by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most delectable wines. The highlights of this tour...
As generations of film stars and artists have discovered, it’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty and glamour of Provence. From ancient villages scattered with...
This pocket of Provencal perfection inspired Vincent van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with the beauty of the region, both natural and cultural,...
Our route will let you experience your own starry nights in St-Remy-de-Provence, soak up the colours and culture of Arles and explore the glorious Provençal countryside.
A weeks cruise to explore the beautiful rivers and vineyards of Provence and Camargue. The MS Caprice and MS L'Estello are 2-star to 3-star vessels.
It’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty and glamour of cycling Provence. On your cycling holiday take in the best that this glorious region has to offer.
Posted: 16/03/19
Eating out in a nice restaurant is practically the essence of a good French holiday. Our blog post explores the three best restaurants in Provence.
Read morePosted: 01/04/20
Discover why Starry Nights in Provence is one of our most popular tours. Each of our luxury cycling holidays has something special and unique to offer.
Read morePosted: 14/11/16
Under the azure Provençal skies, encircled by ribbons of lavender fields and vineyards, the cobbled streets and squares of Saint-Rém...
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