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 moreProvence Bike Tours
What to expect when biking in Provence?
Cycling 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 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.
Insider tips:
- Follow in Van Gogh's steps in St Rémy
- Delve into Provençal cuisine
- Visit in June and July for the lavender
- Taste wine at Château du Fine Roches
- Pause for coffee in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
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.
Provençal cuisine
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.
Lavender fields
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.
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![Indulgence | Around the Alpilles | Self Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Indulgence | Around the Alpilles | Self Guided
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...
- Château hotels
- E-bikes
- Wine tasting available
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,425ppEaseDuration4 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![E-Bike | Provençal Discovery | Self Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
E-Bike | Provençal Discovery | Self Guided
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...
- E-Bike
- New for 2020
- Views of the Rhone valley
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,125ppEaseDuration4 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![Indulgence | Côtes du Rhône Vineyards | Self-Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Indulgence | Côtes du Rhône Vineyards | Self-Guided
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...
- Chateaux hotels
- Historic towns and chateaux
- Fine wines
From£895ppEaseDuration3 or 6 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![Classic | Avignon & Cotes du Rhone| Self-Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Classic | Avignon & Cotes du Rhone| Self-Guided
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...
- Historic towns
- Fine wines
- New for 2020
- Château hotels
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£865ppEaseDuration4 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![Classic | Côtes du Rhône Vineyards | Self-Guided]()
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Classic | Côtes du Rhône Vineyards | Self-Guided
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...
- Vineyards
- Historic towns
- New for 2020
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£965ppEaseDuration4 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![Indulgence | Starry Nights in Provence]()
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Indulgence | Starry Nights in Provence
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,...
- Soaking up the atmosphere of Arles from one of its charming cafes.
- The hilltop haven of Baux-de-Provence, with its vast panoramas.
- Flamingo spotting in the Camargue nature reserve.
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,815ppEaseDuration5 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
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Cycling Holidays in Provence
Classic | Starry Nights in Provence | Self Guided
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.
- For food and wine lovers
- Short break available
- Stunning vineyards
- Chateau hotels
Offer available
Book early for 2021 to claim a £150 John Lewis voucher
From£1,065ppEaseDuration5 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now View DetailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![Bike & Boat | Provence & Camargue]()
Bike & Boat Holiday in Provence
Bike & Boat | Provence & Camargue
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.
- Wildlife of the Camargue regional nature park
- Picture-perfect villages Provencal villages
- Spectacular Pont du Gard aqueduct
From£1,040ppEaseDuration7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available -
![Classic | Picture Postcard Provence | Self Guided]()
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Cycling in Provence and Luberon
Classic | Picture Postcard Provence | Self Guided
It’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty and glamour of Provence. On your cycling holiday take in the best that this glorious region has to offer.
- The charming streets of St Remy, brimming with culture and class
- The lavender fields and ochre cliffs around Roussillon
- The emerald green water of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
From£955ppEaseDuration4 or 7 NightsAvailableApril, May, June, July, August, September, OctoberEnquire Now view detailsTravelEco-friendly options available
From our blog
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![Best restaurants in Provence]()
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![Our most popular tour in Provence]()
Our most popular tour in Provence
Posted: 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 more -
![What to do on your stay in Saint Rémy on our Provence tour]()
What to do on your stay in Saint Rémy on our Provence tour
Posted: 14/11/16
Under the azure Provençal skies, encircled by ribbons of lavender fields and vineyards, the cobbled streets and squares of Saint-Rém...
Read more
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