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.
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Your journey so far
Your Cycling Holiday in Provence
The Provençal Experience | Guided
Experience 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
- Delightful 3 & 4 star hotels as standard
- Bed & breakfast accommodation with 5 delicious evening meals
- Fully serviced touring bikes with panniers, water bottle and repair kit
- Guided cycling with support vehicle
- Riding snacks and drinks each day
- Entry fees/inclusions as per itinerary
- Luggage transferred between your hotels
- E-bike upgrades available on request
- 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL
Your Cycling Holidays in Provence
The Provençal Experience | Guided
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
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The Stunning Ochre Hills
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Beautiful hilltop villages
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The Provencal cuisine and all its delights
Your Cycling Holidays in Provence
The Provençal Experience | Guided
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Château de Mazan
4 Star
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.
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Château des Fines Roches
4 Star
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.
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Hotel Gounod
3 Star
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.
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Hotel l'Image
4 Star
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.
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La Mère Germaine
3 Star
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.
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Les Mas de Gres
3 Star
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.
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Les Sables d'Ocre
3 Star
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.
Your Cycling Holidays in Provence
The Provençal Experience | Guided
Tour Only Prices | 2022
| Tour date | Nights | Price per person | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28th May 2022 | 7 | £2,445 | Available to book |
| 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
- Subject to availability
- Trips require a minimum of 4 guests to operate
- Maximum group of 8 guests
*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.
Your Cycling Holidays in Provence
The Provençal Experience | Guided
Your Cycling Holidays in Provence
The Provençal Experience | Guided
Tour Summary
Highlights
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Vineyards
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Mountains and Lakes
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Historical Sights
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E-Bikes
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Chateau Hotels
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Arts and Culture
Offer available
Book any tour before 30th November 2021 and receive a bottle of champagne on us.
Start planning your holiday today
+1 877 967 9628
+1 877 967 9628
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