"Thank you again for making it such an amazing trip. It was so much more than a cooking course - it was a sensory experience of note, with a cultural and history tour included - so much more than what I bargained for."
—Mary K.
Five Day Provence Artisan Bike Tour
Dates for 2010 : April 30 - May 5
With the world-reknowned mountain biker Christian Taillefer -- a man gifted in languages and delightful to work with -- I am now offering short bike tours for small groups of 4 to 8. My spring tour is in the Alpilles region of Provence, amidst the olive grove covered limestone hills, between the cities of Arles and Avignon. I've filled it full of visits to my dear artisans, wonderful meals, and great and unusual places to stay. Taking note of whispers sent my way, I've designed the tour to be filled with beautiful sights, special moments, and just the right balance of biking, beauty, visits and relaxation. With two guides, we can keep both the go-getters and the more leisurely folk amongst us content.
Day 1 - We'll begin in the city of Arles with a welcome meal of passionate Provencal chef Erick Vedel's specialties.
Day 2 - The next morning we'll participate in the wonderful folklore costume festival the 1st of May that Arles holds to honor the local cowboys/guardians of the Camargue.
From Arles we'll bike over to the home of our beekeeper, hidden amidst the hills, down a dirt road, for a marvelous feast of her honey-laden specialties.
After a short sieste to let our feast digest, we will head over to our bed and breakfast in Maillane. Total kilometers for the day: 30 (18 miles)
Day 3 - This morning we'll go by our 7th generation baker in Maillane. We'll enjoy coffee in the back shop, taste his many specialties, and
stock up on goodies for our picnic lunch. Then, we'll do our darndest to get to the top of Les Baux de Provence -- No doubt I'll do a bit
of walking on this trip, but hey, the views are spectacular even when pushing a bike! After admiring the view, we'll head over
to an oil mill for our picnic and to discover the lore of olives in the Valley des Baux. Then off to the bed and breakfast beside our
goat cheese farm. Total kilometers for the day: 27 (16.7 miles)
Day 4 - After milking some goats and flipping some cheeses, we'll head over to an organic winery down one of
the most beautiful winding roads of Provence. All three colors will be available for tasting -- fresh and lively whites and roses,
and three different reds. From here it is a short hop to St. Remy de Provence and our Roman lunch. Our chocolatier would love a visit,
before (or after) we settle into our luxurious hotel. Staying inside the city makes this evening perfect for a free dinner night. Total kilometers for the day 26 (16 miles)
Day 5 - From St. Remy it is an easy ride to Avignon, taking the smallest country roads. We'll take you straight to our b&b to get settled in,
and then back to the city to wander and explore. Our last dinner together will be tonight at the b&b. Total kilometers for the day: 25 (15.5 miles)
Day 6 - Time to say good bye, safe travel.
Per person / 1115Euros
Included in this price: 5 nights' accommodations; four dinners; 4 lunches; artisan visits; a bicycle in top condition; two bi-lingual guides; all transportation of luggage from site to site after arrival.
This trip begins in the town of Arles and ends in the city of Avignon -- both are serviced by the TGV bullet train.
Dates for 2010 : April 30 - May 5
Dates for October TBA
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