Think fields of lavender, olive groves, alfresco meals in limestone village squares, the smell of Pastis or a café crème at a quaint café. You’re thinking Provence!

The vast region of Provence is located in the South-east of France and contains all the delightful elements of romantic France; portrayed in countless books and films, from the charming Mediterranean Riviera to the quintessential Provencal villages. Although all six departments of this region have their attractions, it is the craggy peaks, sweeping sunflower and lavender fields, countless vineyards and endless sunshine that makes Vaucluse one of our personal favourites. With a FLS cycling tour you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the medieval towns that scatter this great region and bask in the glow of its rural beauty. In this department you will experience a variety of French treasures including traditional markets, flourishing orchards and farms, renowned vineyards such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and of course the ‘infamous’ Mont Ventoux. So whether you want to idle through the remarkable surrounds and sip the southern Rhone wines or conquer the giant of Provence the FLS team will tailor the tour specifically to your needs.

Quick Facts

Dates: Between June – September
Price: From €2800 (pricing dependent on chosen accommodation and activities)
Duration: 7 nights, 8 days (may be customised)
Group Size: up to 10 guests
Accommodation: Hotel, Guest House, or Gites

Your comfort and enjoyment are our priority so we make the effort to be flexible with our routes. Every evening your FLS host and/or hostess will put your mind at ease by discussing and planning your cycling options for the following day. Any chosen route is thoroughly explained with a detailed map or Garmin GPS, with a pre-programmed/highlighted route (indicative distances and elevations are indicated below). The FLS designed cycle routes allow you to experience a wide variety of locations, such as:

• Gorges de Nesque
• Bonnieux
• Lacoste
• Menerbes
• Gordes
• Vaison la Romaine
• Beaumes-de-Venise
• Vacqueyras
• Gigondas
• Mt Ventoux
• Orange
• L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue

To make the most of your time in this region we will provide with information about any exciting activities or experiences available. Possible off-bike activities include:

• Sightseeing or discovering the incredible environs
• Professional wine tasting tours
• Exploration of quaint villages
• Sightseeing at the ruins of the summer residence of the Popes (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) or the Roman ruins of Vaison-la-Romaine or Orange
• Visiting the various markets (L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue) and certainly participating in the ‘mandatory’ gastronomic events

All of which, the FLS team endorses with a passionate yes, mais oui!

This is only a sample itinerary. Your cycling tour will be customized to suit your needs.

• The duration of each tour is 7 nights; however, should you wish to spend more time with us, this can be arranged.
• We provide personal collection upon arrival and return from an airport or train station.
• Intimate group sizes of up to 10 guests will ensure that each of you receive personal assistance
• We ensure that your memories will last a lifetime by capturing your experience in photographs and videos. We will ensure a complimentary copy is given to you.
• Carefully selected accommodation for the duration of the tour, will ensure that your time off the bike is just as memorable, as your time spent on the bike (please take careful note, that the accommodation you select in the Request and the Booking form may influence the pricing).
• Breakfasts and most lunches for the duration of the tour will be provided. Catered picnics in beautiful settings will also be offered. Three evening meals will be provided as part of the pricing. All other evening meals and outings will NOT be included in the price.
• The distance and difficulty of each day’s riding are flexible to ensure that you can make the most of your experience.
• Bicycle hire is available at an additional cost, and the choice is Road, hybrid and electronic bicycles.
• Drinks and food supplements will be provided each day, for the duration of the tour.
• The support vehicle may accompany the ‘peloton’, depending on the difficulty of the route.
• An extensive range of off the bike activities and opportunities to truly explore and discover your surroundings
• To commemorate your holiday with us you will receive a custom designed FLS cycling kit (which includes jersey, bib shorts and water bottle)

Accommodation:

We believe that exceptional accommodation is essential in creating a memorable experience. Thus, the type of accommodation is essentially driven by area, duration and quality and therefore we have an eclectic mix of preferred chateaux/bed-and-breakfasts /hotels/gites, that we have developed relationships with. The photographs are indicative of these preferred venues chosen for their attractive location and superior facilities, while dovetailing with our Art of Life requirements.

Chateaux

Auberge

Gites

Hotels

“Of all the views I have experience while riding, the one I discovered atop Mont Bouquet has got to be one of the best. Having reached the summit of this mountain, which definitely woke up my rusty cycling legs, we gained an uninterrupted vision of the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux! With FLS, the cuisine was always impeccable and the wine, which was grown only in Ardeche, was truly unique. Combine this with a mouth watering steak cooked over an open fire, and I could see why my friends had recommended this tour! Thank you so much to the FLS team.”

Camilla, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa