2012
France Cycling Tours in Provence
Villages
of the Luberon:
20 May - 3 June - 2 September - 23 September - 7 October
Roman
Heritage:
13
& 27 May - 10 June - 9, 16 & 30 September
Provence
Roman Heritage Cycling Tours
The landscape of
Provence is wonderfully varied, from the rugged hinterland with terraced
vineyards, to the mini-mountain range of the Alpilles near Arles,
to the flat marshes of the Camargue where the Rhone flows to the sea.
And everywhere there is the evidence of the area’s Roman past, with
some of the best preserved examples of Roman building anywhere. The
unique quality of the light in Provence has attracted artists for
the last two centuries, notably Van Gogh and Gauguin who lived in
Arles and Cézanne who immortalised the area with his many studies
of Mont Ste-Victoire. The Roman Heritage Tour follows in the traces
of the civilisation that gave the region its name. You will discover
hidden treasures in Arles, Orange, Uzès, at the Pont du Gard and in
Avignon, and taste liquid treasure in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The landscapes shift from the green fruit-growing pastures of the
Rhone valley to the dry garrigue of the inland hills to the pan-flat
expanses of rice paddies and pastures that make up the Camargue National
Park.
Provence
Villages of the Luberon Cycling Tours
When Peter Mayle wrote A
Year in Provence, this was the Provence he was talking about. Sleepy
hamlets dozing in the summer sun, villages perched in idyllic settings
above rugged valleys. Olive groves, vineyards and fields of lavender
bathed in the legendary light that inspired artists from Van Gogh
to Cezanne. Over all of this looms le Mont Ventoux, the ‘Giant of
Provence’ , appearing perpetually snow-capped with its treeless limestone
crown. Our Villages of the Luberon tour shows off the essence of this
timeless landscape, visiting Mayle’s village of Menerbes, beautiful
Gordes and optionally conquering Ventoux, the scene of many a battle
in the Tour De France. Other gems include the Roman treasures of Vaison,
the wonderful market at Nyons and the fabulous wines of Gigondas and
Beaumes de Venise. All in all an unforgettable journey…
