At a Glance
Discover the glamorous Provence and stunning French Riviera on this 6-day bike adventure that indulges you with glowing beaches, astounding sunsets, and adventurous rides. Enjoy the slow-paced, carefree Provençal way of life as you let your mind wander and your senses go wild in the midst of the earthy allure of Provence, cycling from Aix to St-Tropez and Cannes.
Begin your journey at Aix-en-Provence where you’ll shuttle to La Tour d'Arbois, for a quintessential Provençal ride through a forested landscape. Learn more about the Aix-en-Provence neighbourhood with its houses that are over a hundred years old and its lush lanes lined with cobblestones. While you relax and take in the scenery along the way, you will be treated to a breathtaking panorama. Enjoy the magnificent Provence Verte on two wheels of ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- 5 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Park and other entry fees
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Meet your Trip Leaders at 10 a.m. at the Aix-en-Provence central train station (Gare d'Aix-en-Provence). Note: This is not the Aix TGV train station, so if you arrive in Aix via TGV (Train à grand vitesse or bullet train), you'll need to take a 15-minute taxi ride to the train station in the city center. Arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with you and anything else you may want for today's ride (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Your first ride is into the Pays d'Aix where we shuttle to La Tour d'Arbois, a local park. Our journey will begin in the traditional Provençal region of Pays d'Aix traversing beautiful territory, which is surrounded by forested hills, vineyards, and thriving farms. Villages built of stone add to the beauty of this area. After that, we'll head to Roquefavour Aqueduct to take in the sweeping vista of this architectural wonder. Enjoy lunch before continuing Aix-enProvence and the memorial site at Camp des Milles, a World War II internment and deportation camp that has been preserved as a living history museum. After a bit more riding, opt to shuttle or ride up to Angel's plateau, with viewpoints offering dazzling 360-degree views of Sainte-Victoire's peak and the Sainte-B. |
||
Your biking adventure continues to the picturesque French village of Le Tholone and to Les Lodges, a 5-star Spa hotel set amid vineyards and olive trees at the foot of Saint-Victoire. Unwind with a dip in one of two swimming pools or simply bask in the sunshine at its charming sun terrace. Tonight, be treated to a gastronomic affair at the hotel’s exquisite dining room bursting seasonal flavours of the region’s delights. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: The highlight of today's ride will be along Mont Ste-Victoire, a beautiful ridge of limestone mountains. Located in the south of France, this limestone ridge extends over 11 miles between Var and Bouches-du-Rhône. This mountain is the muse of Paul Cézanne, a famous French painter who painted this mountain near his home 60+ times. Biking through this range will give you an opportunity to understand why this mountain caught the painter’s attention. Hike through Pic des Mouches, the highest peak in this remote range, and take in the surrounding beauty as Mont Ste-Victoire became a source of inspiration for artists. After lunch, we'll hop on our bikes and ride across the rocky terrain until we reach Vauvenargues, a tiny village in the south of France with a population of less than a thousand. However, the valley's stunning natural beauty is a major draw for sightseers. Get some exercise and see some unspoiled natural wonders by biking or strolling around. Witness the magical view of vineyards in the foothills of Sainte-Victoire. Next, we will visit château, the home of the Marquis de Vauvenargues, a French writer. It was the place where Pablo Picasso spent his last days which boast a picture-perfect perspective of Mont Sainte-Victoire. |
||
Retreat back at your hotel and spend time lazing by the pool or pamper yourself with a spa treatment (spa at own expense). This evening, embark on a shuttle rife to Aix, the city of fountains. Take a lovely stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets and choose from an array of eateries for dinner at your own leisure. |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: After saying our goodbyes in Aix, we will take a shuttle all the way into the heart of Provence Verte. Set out from the small town of Chateauvert to spin through a rolling landscape of Côte de Provence vineyards, home to the grapes that produce the refreshing rosés you might enjoy for an afternoon aperitif. Make your way through the windswept landscape, the distinctive din of cicadas providing the soundtrack as you bike from village to village along the Argens river. For those with energy can pursue pedalling to Lac de Carcès, a lake surrounded by lush forest. All routes lead to the town of Cotignac, sitting at the base of a high rocky cliff. A short hike up the cliff's porous limestone face brings you to the troglodyte caves that have been used for shelter for centuries. After an adventure in the caves, gather together for a traditional lunch in town. Enjoy a delightful lunch before arriving to Entrecasteaux, home to a castle nestled among the jardins à la Française, formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre (who also designed the famous gardens of Versailles). Those keen for more adventure can bike through forests of oak and cypress trees all the way to Château de Berne, your charming hotel with a 250-year-old tradition of winemaking. |
||
You’ll will stay Château de Berne's five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, a wild, natural paradise and home to an iconic wine estate, Château de Berne. Relax in your ensuite rooms with views of the picturesque vineyard. A Relais & Châteaux member, unwind in your oasis with a refreshing dip in the pool, rejuvenate in the hot tub or take a lovely walk in the 491-hectare forest the property lies within. This evening, indulge in a dining affair at the hotel’s charming garden restaurant boasting ingredients fresh from their onsite garden for a seasonal menu. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today you can hop from one stunning Provençal village to the next as you travel through the region. Start your ride off on the backroad that circles around the picturesque village of Lorgues, which is located in Var. The path is framed on either side by pine trees, which gives it a mystical appearance. This road will take you through some breathtaking French countryside on its way to the sleepy village of Salernes, which is typical of the country's architecture. This town is a hub for industry as well as the arts, and the confluence of the rivers Grave and Pelicourt contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the area. Take a stroll through the neighbourhood to take in the gorgeous houses and a church that dates back a hundred years. Be sure to stop for a cup of coffee about halfway through the morning on your way to Aups, another enchanting French village that can be found at the summit of the plateau. Before sitting down to a delicious supper on Aups's central square, take some time to explore the lively town. After a delicious lunch, unveil Tourtour, a remarkable village that is found in the upper Var and is known as "the village in the sky of Provence". Your sense of wonder will be amplified as you take in the breathtaking panorama of your surrounds. From this vantage point, if you are fortunate, you will be able to observe the process through which the fertile plains of Provence flow into the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, Tourtour is well known for its mediaeval walls and stone homes. Take a stroll through this picturesque hamlet and admire its medieval walls and stone homes. |
||
Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding back at your hotel. Pamper yourself at the 5-star spa (at own expense) or relax poolside. Tonight, engage in a friendly game of pétanque before a classic Provençal dining affair at the hotel's French bistrot. |
Level 2, Approx. 45km (28 miles), Elevation gain: 518m (1700ft) We leave Provence behind this morning to reach the sparkling Côte d'Azur. Start out by pedaling through some of the region's oldest vineyards and back on the Argens river bed for our farewell to Green Provence. We then transition into the dryer climate of the Massif des Maures, a small mountain range where you'll get your first glimpse of the Mediterranean. The inland forests slowly transform into swaths of lush pine trees as you near the seaside town of Sainte-Maxime. Embark on a serene boat cruise across the gulf to Saint-Tropez. The town attained its current level of luxury as a result of Brigitte Bardot's contribution to its rise to fame. An ideal spot for lunch at your own leisure with views of allure waters of the bay filled with luxurious yachts and traditional fishing boats. Come afternoon, you’ll board a private charter boat sailing along the coast. The journey will take you to the renowned Calanques de l'Estérel, where the red rock of the Esterel mountain range, which contrasts well with the turquoise waters, is a sight to behold. Arrive in the glamorous French Riveria town of Cannes, well-known for its annual film festival. |
||
You’ll stay at Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, whose sophisticated design and airy decor match the elegance of life on the Riviera. Savour the Riviera life by the picturesque pool or soak in the sunshine at the sun terrace. This evening, gather together for a farewell cocktail before a celebratory meal at the hotel's chic restaurant. |
Explore the glitz and glamour of Cannes on the final day of your incredible adventure. Discover the town's rich history as well as its importance in the world of film on a self-guided walking tour. After that, make your way to the Provencal market in Cannes to pick up some last-minute keepsakes and souvenirs or embrace your inner Bardot and spend the morning poolside or soaking in dazzling views of the Mediterranean from a lounge chair on the beach. Bid farewell in Cannes or board an early afternoon shuttle to Nice. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Aix-en-Provence
- The finish point is Cannes or Nice
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Aix-en-Provence. The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 27 km from the center of Aix-en-Provence. Another major airport is Avignon Caumont Airport which has domestic flights from Avignon and is 71 km from Aix-en-Provence.
Provence and the Côte d'Azur are known for their sunny and relatively mild climates; though unseasonably high temperatures are increasingly common. However, July and August are usually quite hot, and humidity is often high in June and September. The Mistral, Provence's famously strong wind, can whip up at any moment, so come prepared with a windbreaker and warm layers. Rain is possible year-round.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
||
Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
||
Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
||
Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
||
Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.