For a typical Provençal cycling holiday!
If you’re after authentic experiences in Provence, then cycle out in search of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. You’ll be riding around the northern part of the Pays d’Aix area, a history-packed land full of special produce growing in typical Mediterranean Provençal landscapes that delight the senses.
From €290 for 2 people
DAY 1 – CYCLING ALONG SHADED TRACKS (Meyrargues- La Roque d’Anthéron – 61km)
Arriving in Meyrargues, fill up with provisions at the Brasserie de la Gare before picking up your bike(s). Follow the EDF Canal up to Le Puy Sainte Réparade. Then take the road to Rognes and ride along the former railway line, up to the Bassin St Christophe, to reach your B&B, the Maison d’hôtes Eden Roque, at La Roque d’Anthéron. Frédéric, the owner of this 19th-century former farm, can accompany you on walks beside the Durance River.
Do visit the Château de Florans and the alleys of Croq’Jardin, a space dedicated to biodiversity. Along the way, before joining the cycle path, you can admire a rare and noble breed of horse at the largest private stud farm in Europe, the Conservatoire du Cheval Lipizzan. Complete this stage by tasting delicious ice cream from Le Quillié, in the shade of plane trees. Dinner will be served on the terrace at L’Eden Roque, where you’ll spend the night.
DAY 2 – A SENSORY AND TASTING IMMERSION (La Roque d’Anthéron – Peyrolles-en-Provence – 43km)
Having enjoyed a filling pool-side breakfast, visit Silvacane Cistercian Abbey, an enduringly peaceful place packed with history. Next, follow yesterday’s route up to Le Puy Sainte Réparade, riding through typical wild garrigue scrubland, then cycle beside the EDF Canal, passing via the Château Paradis to reach Vauclair wine estate at Meyrargues. Located in the midst of a 30-hectare vineyard, the Château de Vauclair is an authentic family winery where, if you book in advance, you can go on a 1hr 30mins tour of vineyard and cellar. You can wander around this exceptional place, finding a spot close to the property to savour a picnic basket full of regional produce, perhaps enjoying a free wine tasting besides!
Not far from there, starting from the Château de Meyrargues, the Hétérotopies sound trail provides visitors with a distinctive sensory experience. This trail is accessible by mountain bike, or you can leave your bike at the Brasserie de la Gare, its garage set up for the purpose. Once you’ve downloaded the app WALK WITH ME and put on your headphones, head off on the 3km-long trail immersing you in the sounds of the forest and geo-located tales, changing as you move. For dinner, you can eat at the Brasserie de la Gare, picking your bike(s) up again. Head on to Peyrolles-en-Provence, staying the night in a charming B&B, Plénitude en Provence, located in the area of the Grand Site de France of the iconic Montagne Sainte Victoire.
DAY 3 – PICTURESQUE CHARMING PROVENCAL VILLAGES (Peyrolles-en-Provence – Rians – 23km)
The following day, make a culinary stop at the craft biscuit-maker’s in the village, where you can find Provençal specialities, such as canistrelli, croquants, calissons and navettes marseillaises. Then make for the perched village of Jouques, discovering the last remaining lavender and essential oil distillery in the area, the Moulin Saint-Vincent. You can visit the distillery, in action in August.
For lunch, you might opt either for Les Cent Canailles, a bistrot and wine shop, or Le QG, a restaurant serving grilled food and pizzas. Leave your bike(s) at the tourist office to wander around Jouques’s historic centre. Climb to the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Roque, dating back to the 10th century. From on high, enjoy panoramic views over the village and to the Concors and Ubacs Ranges.
Continue on to Rians, where you can visit the church of Notre Dame de Nazareth, which contains an impressive pipe organ. Spend the night at the vélogîte Les 4 Chemins, a haven of peace in the heart of Provence, catering to cyclists.
DAY 4 – VITICULTURAL AND CULTURAL GEMS (Peyrolles-en-Provence – Meyrargues – 50km)
The gîte Les 4 Chemins encourages you to head off to discover Côteaux d’Aix vineyards by bike, visiting three châteaux: Pigoudet; Réaltière; and Vignelaure. The tours and tastings are free, so count a half-day for this outing. For the final part, choose between riding on to Meyrargues railway station or leave your bike(s) at the gîte, making the most of the transfer to the station offered by the gîte owner!
Cycling touring map for Eveil des sens en pays d'Aix et Provence verte
Detailed trail at: https://bit.ly/3hG85Gi
GPX tracks available from the map, by clicking on the icon ‘‘télécharger l’itinéraire’’ (download the route), then import the tracks via a tracking app such as OpenRunner.
Getting there:
By train, via Meyrargues SNCF train station, or then by car.
Your bike rental company Elan Jouque will provide your bike(s) at your arrival at the station
Further info: https://www.maregionsud.fr/transports/zou
Prices * :
* Please note, with all these offers, that prices given are for guidance only and do not include the small daily taxe de séjour that all French accommodation providers have to charge.
The Métropole Aix-Marseille Provence – Territoire du Pays d’Aix and OTI Provence Verte et Verdon cannot be held responsible for issues of availability or potential changes to the listed service providers.
Luggage transport:
This option is possible, if booked in advance, at the Maison d’hôtes Eden Roque and the gîte Les 4 Chemins.
Extras:
The owner of Eden Roque is very keen on hiking and bike outings and will happily share with you the history of the village and its surrounds.
The owner of the gîte Les 4 chemins will enjoy sharing with you her knowledge of the Coteaux d’Aix wine area and its wineries.