Best Restaurants in Provence
Posted: 16/03/21
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 moreExperience a classic Softies destination as part of a guided group. Limited to small parties of up to 8 guests per trip, you can experience the wonders of Provence. You'll have support from an expert cycling guide, allowing you to relax and enjoy the trip to its fullest potential.
The route for this tour takes in all our favourite parts of Provence from over 35 years of cycling experience here. You'll go from the charming streets of St Remy de Provence, through the Luberon Valley and its famous hilltop towns, over to the foot of Mont Ventoux before finishing in the heart of the Cotes du Rhone wine country.
Along the way we'll show you the most beautiful sights that Provence, and indeed France, can offer. Expect stunning vistas of blooming lavender fields and rolling vineyards lying beneath ancient towns.
We love
The spectacular views as we ride between the hilltop towns of the Luberon Valley, culminating with the stunning Ochre cliffs of Roussillon.
What’s Included
Day 1 | Arrive in St-Remy-de-Provence
The group will meet at the first hotel in St-Remy-de-Provence for introductions and a short welcome meeting. You'll then have your bikes fitted before heading off for a delicious dinner together in our favourite restaurant in town.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 | Optional Round Trip: Les-Baux-de-Provence | Distance: 42km/26 miles
After a relaxed breakfast we'll head off on our first ride and what a way to start! The route takes us out of St-Remy to the charming villages of Fontvieille and Mausanne-les-Alpilles. The showstopper of the day comes as we ride up to the spectacular hilltop village of Les-Baux-de-Provence. Here you'll find a charming maze of cobbled streets with spectacular views. After some exploring, we'll then roll down a lovely, twisting descent and freewheel all the way to the hotel for a night in the town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 | Cycle St-Remy-de-Provence to Lagnes | Distance : 55km/34 miles
Waving goodbye to St-Remy, we move on to our next stop, entering the the stunning Luberon Valley. After a steady ride out to Cavaillon on the banks of the river Durance, we turn up towards the Venice of Provence, l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. After soaking up the beautiful atmosphere here, it is then a short ride out to the stunning Fontaine-de-Vaucluse which spans a sparkling river spouting from the largest freshwater spring in Europe. Relaxing here for a time, it's then a short ride to our charming hotel of choice in Lagnes for a dinner beneath the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 | Cycle Lagnes to Roussillon | Distance: 41km/25 miles
Today we'll explore the Luberon valley and visit some of its most famous hilltop towns. This is 'A Year In Provence' country, for anyone that has read the Peter Mayle book. We'll be calling in on Menerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste and Oppede along the way. These small medieval villages offer stunning views and a glimpse into the idyllic, slow-paced Provencal lifestyle. From Bonnieux we drop to the valley floor, crossing at the Roman bridge, Pont Julien, before approaching the iconic ochre cliffs of Roussillon. We'll cycle past gorgeous lavender fields before heading into the town, where dinner in our preferred local restaurant awaits.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 | Cycle Roussillon to Mazan | Distance: 38km/23 miles
Our short stay in Roussillon ends after breakfast as we head out again into Provence. We start by dropping back into the valley, passing more lavender fields, before a small hill takes us up to the famous hilltop village of Gordes. A little further along the road lies the world famous Abbaye de Senanque, one of the most iconic and photogenic points in all of Provence. Afterwards, we'll continue on to the charming town of Venasque, before winding our way into Mazan, before a lovely dinner in our next hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 | Optional Round Trip: Bedoin | Distance: 25km/15 miles
Some guests may enjoy a day by the pool today in the lovely garden at our hotel, but for those looking to cycle we will head out on a lovely round trip to the foot of Mont Ventoux. The destination is Bedoin, which has become something of a pilgrimage for keen cyclists as it marks the beginning of the famous Tour de France climb of Mont Ventoux. Don't worry, we wont be heading up the mountain, instead we'll be enjoying the buzzing atmosphere before returning to Mazan through the countryside for a free evening in the town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 | Cycle Mazan to Chateauneuf-du-Pape | Distance : 51km/31 miles
The last leg of the tour takes us into the heart of the Cotes-du-Rhone wine country. We'll start the ride with a visit to Carpentras, a market town with beautiful architecture, where we pick up the Via Venassia cycle path for an easy, traffic-free cycle all the way to Jonquieres. A short ride on takes us into the Roman city of Orange, where we will stop for a guided tour of the theatre and museum (included in your tour price). After the tour we have a 15km ride to our final hotel, passing through some of the region's finest vineyards along the way. We'll then arrive at Chateauneuf-du-Pape in time for a wine tasting with a local sommelier (also included in your tour price) before a final delicious dinner of the week.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 | Departure
We say au revoir after one last breakfast together.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Not to be missed
The Stunning Ochre Hills
Beautiful hilltop villages
The Provencal cuisine and all its delights
Your stay whilst in Mazan, the Château de Mazan sits at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. Boasting a rustic elegance, this beautiful hotel has gorgeous grounds that invite you to soak in the Provencal atmosphere. Built in the 18th century, this Château is a journey into the past. Relax in the hotel's refreshing pool, your reward for a day's cycling.
Château des Fines Roches in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a beautiful hotel and spa. This is where you'll be staying if you book the 28th May or 3rd September departures. A romantic hotel, the rooms gaze out onto the Château grounds, offering guests a cosy atmosphere in such a grand accommodation.
The Hotel Gounod is an eccentrically decorated hotel in St-Remy-de-Provence. If you book for the 28th May or 3rd September departure dates, then this is where you'll be staying. Expect decor flared with a touch of madness, in this stylish accommodation.
The Hotel l'Image in St-Remy-de-Provence is cinema glamour, with the establishment housing the former cinema of the town. The stylish decor really encapsulates that sleek Hollywood atmosphere of the hotel. This is where you'll be staying if you book for the 24th September departure date.
La Mère Germaine is where you'll be staying in Chateauneuf-du-Pape if you book for the 24th September departure. This hotel is well known for its delicious food at the restaurant, so expect a culinary delight.
An elegant hotel, Les Mas de Gres is our point of call in Lagnes. With simple decor and a homely atmosphere, you'll feel as comfortable here as if you were relaxing at home.
Les Sables d'Ocre sits in a lovely estate, offering guests a taste of Provencal charm. This is where you'll be staying in Roussillon, named after the stunning ochre hills seen in the region.
Tour date | Nights | Price per person | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
28th May 2022 | 7 | £2,445 | Unavailable |
3rd September 2022 | 7 | £2,475 | Available to book |
24th September 2022 | 7 | £2,475 | Available to book |
Single supplement: £695
e-Bike Supplement: £120 per person
Terms and restrictions
*Where tour pricing is displayed in your local currency, please note this is for indicative purposes and your final holiday will be confirmed and transacted at the time of booking with our team in Pound Sterling.
Posted: 16/03/21
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: 10/11/19
There's nowhere that captures the imagination quite like Provence . Artists from Picasso to Van Gogh, film stars like Bridget Bardot, and wri...
Read morePosted: 10/10/19
Every year thousands of people flock to go cycling in Provence - many of them with Cycling for Softies. It's easy to see the appeal: sultry da...
Read moreBritain's original ski travel agency and tailor-made ski tour operator, Ski Solutions has been arranging ski holidays for over 30 years across Europe and North America. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday.
Visit websiteThe ultimate collection of European Cycling Holidays. BSpoke's cycling experts can tailor-make your perfect holiday where you can travel at your own pace or in a group of like-minded individuals. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire.
Visit websiteWilderness Scotland offers an inspiring range of guided and customised adventure holidays, in the most remote and beautiful regions of Scotland. The Wilderness Scotland team know how to create enriching adventure holidays and know the wild places of Scotland better than anyone.
Visit websiteSpecialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Wilderness Ireland take their clients to the most remote and beautiful regions of Ireland, all while staying at the most welcoming accommodations and delivering outstanding customer service.
Visit websiteWilderness England creates incredible journeys into the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure.
Visit website