Touring by bike is one of the most enjoyable ways to truly immerse yourself when traveling. I enjoyed a wonderful week of cycling in Provence with Backroads last September. This was my 22nd bike tour in places like France, Italy, and Spain. Our group was picked up by bus in Avignon and shuttled to a lavender company outside of the village of Auribeau for orientation.

In later posts I’ll take you on a tour of enchanting areas in Provence and later we’ll also visit the gorgeous luxury hotels used on our trip. You will not want to miss it!

Having knowledgeable and accommodating guides makes all the difference and Meghan and Michal were first rate!

Michal gives a presentation on our bikes. We had a group of 15 riders and only three opted for a traditional bike. Ebikes have been a game-changer for bike tour companies as they appeal to a larger spectrum of clients. I still am a traditionalist, so I used their standard titanium road bike.

We had a really fun group on this tour. Along with 3 older riders we had a group of ladies from the Big Island of Hawaii and one from Florida, both celebrating 50-year-old birthdays. A few family members and friends joined the groups from New York, New Orleans, and Pennsylvania. I must say this was really one of my favorite bike tours as everyone was so friendly and engaging! Check out my blog post on “Planning a Bike Trip.”

We learned about the interesting world of lavender and the use of lavender oils before heading out on our first ride.

The map shows where we started and our final city of Aix-en-Provence. I have visited a number of areas in Provence on earlier travels with Marla but never these cities.

Riding through the enchanting hamlet of Saignon.

We all loved looking at the ancient churches.

Our first group social gathering at the La Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux.

We introduced ourselves with a quick bio and wine and hors d’oeuvres.

I’m totally psyched for the morning ride!

The guides have a huge responsibility and loads of work to do! They must make sure all the equipment is in good shape, eBikes and bike computers charged, tires pumped up, food and nutrients ready for riders, and must make sure all the luggage is transported to the next hotel. And through it all keep smiling, like Michal!

The morning route board.

Some of us stopped for a coffee near this beautiful fountain in picturesque Saignon.

Meghan gets her breakfast before the ride.

Andy stops to admire the beautiful countryside on the way to Roussillon.

This guy is thrilled with the morning route!

The guides fired up the group to try their hand at Petanque, a game similar to boules. We tasted a local Pastis, a booze-heavy, anise-flavored spirit and aperitif, during the game. It was a hoot! 

I can’t remember if my team won or lost. I’ll blame it on the pastis!

We enjoyed some lovely meals like this one at the beautiful hotel Le Phebus in Joucas!

Michal explains the morning’s route.

Andy and Muffy pose above the beautiful hilltop village of Gordes.

Noelle and her sister do some shopping while in Gordes.

A few of the Big Island ladies enjoy afternoon tea at the fabulous Hotel Gallici in Aix-en-Provence.

The ride on day 5 was cold, windy…and quite steep. I was the only one riding that day with guide Meghan.

On the road up to the town of Puyloubier near the foot of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Cezanne painted this mountain more than 60 times.

I’m waiting for the lunch to be set up in Puyloubier. Our guides ordered a taxi for me as I had an early massage back at the Hotel Villa Gallici.

I loved our group of riders, and it couldn’t have been better! Yes, I was very spoiled but no excuses! I’m sure Marla will do a better job of vetting any future bike trips I want to take! “Smirk…smirk.” The brain gears are already churning with ideas of my next 2023 bike tour destination!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.