Ride along discovering La Dracénie, an unspoilt area in the heart of Haut-Var area’s hills.
On this cycling outing, you can also taste the finest of Côtes de Provence wines, appreciate the secrets of the local Provençal cuisine, so rich in flavours, and travel through varied landscapes and history. For refreshment, try the sports, swimming and relaxation options on offer.
From €310 per person.
DAY 1 – VIA VINEYARDS & OLD STONE MONUMENTS (Les Arcs – Le Muy - 8km)
Natur’Evasion will deliver the bike(s) that you’ve booked in advance as you get off the train at Les Arcs. Start your touring by wandering around the medieval lanes of Le Parage (3km). In a secretive corner, the Le Parage Quarter, a stone’s throw from the central square, reveals its rich past around the keep, with château, tower, ramparts, campanile and gates. Then look around the central square and grab a bite at the Café de la Tour (1km) before joining the Vigne à Vélo trail. Along the way, stop at the Château Sainte Roseline (3km), its chapel containing relics listed as an historic monument. Note the contemporary art works here, including a mosaic by Marc Chagall, bronzes by Giacometti and stained glass by Ubac and Bazaine… in short, it boasts a staggering cultural heritage.
Arrive at your accommodation, the Hôtel *** Les Pins Blancs en Provence (1km) for an evening with dinner, making the most of the outdoor pool or the sauna in the wellness area beforehand. To finish the day, enjoy tasting the Provençale cuisine on the terrace, perhaps with musical entertainment thrown in.
DAY 2 – TO THE HEART OF THE LOCAL TERROIR (Le Muy – Lorgues - 21km)
Cycle along the Vigne à Vélo trail up to Trans-en-Provence (3km) and explore the Gorges de la Nartuby, crossing the stone bridges above the waterfalls. Arriving in Draguignan (4km), visit the pedestrianized town centre, then discover much about old-fashioned crafts at the Musée des Arts & Traditions Populaires (5km). Have lunch in one of the brasseries in the town centre.
Ride along the Méditerranée à Vélo (6km) and take the time to visit the Moulin à Huile Le Flayosquet, dating back to the 13th century, for an authentic discovery of the local terroir. Continue by cycling on along a former railway track to Lorgues (8km).
Visit the collegiate church, a listed historic monument, before going to relax at the B&B, Le Mas Pinède. Spend the evening in the village centre, dining at the restaurant Les 2 Fontaines.
DAY 3 – GETTING OUT ON THE WATERS (Lorgues – Salernes - 17km)
Like to try your hand at water sports? Then cycle along the Méditerranée à Vélo up to Saint Antonin du Var (5km), heading for Natur’Evasion, a base from which you can try paddle-boarding or canoeing down the Argens River. Have lunch at the Bistrot de Pays Lou Cigaloun (4km). Then rejoin the cycle route along a disused railway track up to Salernes (8km) and visit the Musée Terra Rossa, learning about the history of the locally-produced little square tomette tiles known around the world. Go for a walk in the village centre, visiting potters and ceramicists happy to talk easily and fascinatingly about their craft.
Evening and night’s stay in the B&B La Provenc’Anes, set in the midst of the countryside, with donkeys.
DAY 4 – WELLBEING AND RELAXATION (Salernes – Le Muy - 32km)
A swim in the natural pool at La Maie and a picnic in the shade of the pines are the order of the day. It’s then time to think of your return journey, so rejoin the Méditerranée à Vélo back in the opposite direction. Arriving at St Antonin (8km), stop at the Château Mentone to visit its winery and enjoy a tasting. Then continue along the route to Draguignan (17km). Keep on riding via the Vigne à Vélo trail, stopping briefly at Trans-en-Provence (4km) to see the Puits Aérien, a unique piece of engineering in Europe, made in the 1930s to soak up the humidity in the air.
Return to the Hotel les Pins Blancs en Provence for your final night’s stay (3km).
DAY 5 – A SURPRISING DISCOVERY (Le Muy - Les Arcs - 7km)
Follow the Vigne à Vélo trail towards the village of Les Arcs-sur-Argens. Take the time to discover and visit the Château Font du Broc, with its surprising underground cellars constructed by expert travelling craftspeople, plus its French-style gardens, and enjoy one more tasting of Côtes de Provence wines. Arriving at the station, give back your bike(s) before perhaps returning home by train. And so your exploration of the Dracénie Provence Verdon area has reached its end.
Cycling touring map for the trip Immerse yourself in the landscapes and terroir of the Dracénie area
Detailed trail at: https://bit.ly/3hXuiAI
GPX tracks available from My Maps, by clicking on the icon ‘‘télécharger l’itinéraire en KML’’ (download the route in KML), then import the tracks via a tracking app such as OpenRunner.
Getting there:
By train, via the SNCF station Les Arcs / Draguignan, or then by car.
Your bike rental company for the trip is located in Saint-Antonin du Var (but it is possible to have your bike(s) delivered to Les Arcs-Draguignan railway station).
further info: www.services-zou.maregionsud.fr