Secret Provence Cycling, France

We think this is the perfect corner of Provence for a cycling holiday. It’s an area of great natural beauty, away from the tourist haunts, midway between the Mediterranean coast and Maritime Alps.

There’s varied cycling and not too much traffic; plenty of sunshine, yet cooling breezes; masses to see and do. You cycle through shady wooded hills, attractive Clochemerle-style villages, and discover “perched villages” with sites and monuments going back 2,000 years.

Everywhere, you’ll enjoy the typical scents of Provence, the fragrance from the region’s wild herbs, the tang of pine trees and the scent of lavender. And all less than an hour’s drive from the coast. All hotels are of a very good standard and in lovely settings, and all have swimming pools. Wine-tasting opportunities galore!

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive at Le Thoronet
We meet you at Les Arcs station and take you (35 mins) to your hotel.

Day 2 - Le Thoronet to Ponteves 32km/20mi or 37km/23mi
A lovely leisurely cycle today beneath huge pink cliffs, dotted with little villages, vineyards and tempting picnic spots. Highlights include Carces (great wine tasting and lake) and picturesque Cotignac with its C13 church and fortress and amazing troglodyte dwellings!

Day 3 - At Ponteves
Walk to the ruins of the castle or cycle to nearby Barjols, a little town utterly dominated by water (it has four rivers running through it, 16 lavoirs and 27 fountains) - pottery and tambourines are made here too!

Day 4 - Ponteves to Bauduen 39km/24mi
Pedal north through the forest of Pelenq dotted with hidden chateaux. Past the village perche of Fox Amphoux, inhabited since the Iron Age. Then on via the pretty hill village of Moissac-Bellevue: spectacular views right across the region.

Day 5 - At Bauduen (optional 2-night extension, see below)
You really are spoilt for choice here! Our friendly hotel is right on the shores of the gorgeous Lac de Ste Croix and offers direct access to the beach for swimming. Nearby, the lower gorges of the Verdon are well worth exploring and, unlike the Grand Canyon upstream, are much less crowded.

Day 6 or 8 - Bauduen to Tourtour 39km/24mi
Easy cycling today perhaps stopping off for lunch in Aups, a mediaeval country town with ramparts, a ruined castle pretty wrought iron campanile - good markets Wed & Sat. Then onto Tourtour, one of our favourite 3 star hotels with two pools and a jacuzzi.

Day 7 or 9 - At Tourtour
Explore this pretty village, complete with mediaeval streets, ramparts, hidden squares and delightful alleyways. Or take one of our favourite bike rides along the ridge to gorgeous Ampus (12km round trip) - superb views out over the Massif des Maures.

Day 8 or 10 - Tourtour to Le Thoronet 42km/26mi or 47km/29mi
Your day starts with a wonderful downhill whizz through pine forests to Villecroze, a picturesque village founded by a retired Roman General and later the site of a Templar commandery. On to Salernes - famous for its colourful tiles and pottery - then via the Bresque Valley to mediaeval Entrecasteaux: fortified Gothic church and C17 chateau. Your final stretch takes you up through a series of sleepy hamlets and back to Le Thoronet in time for a swim and laze by the pool before dinner.

Day 9 or 11 - Leave Le Thoronet
Return home after breakfast.

Optional 2-night extension in Bauduen
There's simply so much to do in and around Bauduen that we are proposing two additional nights (making four nights in total) in order that you can really get the most out of your stay. Stroll or cycle around the original hilltop village - tiny streets, artisan craft shops, tempting cafes and restaurants - rent an electric boat, canoe or pedalo to explore the hidden creeks surrounding the lake and village. There are gentle walks and challenging hikes through the lower Gorges du Verdon, or you can kayak through the gorge before visiting the excellent Museum of Pre-history. Other options include cycling to Les Salles-sur-Verdon, following the fascinating botanical walk, or taking a taxi to the wonderful Grand Canyon. Riding is also possible near the hotel.

Is this trip for you?
This is a mid-upper end of a 2 cycle holiday (See Headwater’s Cycle Rating System) with a couple of challenging climbs! Anyone who likes France, excellent food and sunshine would enjoy this holiday, which provides a delightful insight into Provence as it used to be - and into the lives of some of the people who live there.