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Let’s be trustworthy. The biking bought me . However what sealed the deal? The promise of consuming my approach by Southern France whereas driving simply sufficient miles to justify it. That’s how I landed on Expertise Plus’s Provence to Pyrenees Plus! France bike tour (and culinary voyage)—an excellent 10-day mashup of medieval castles, countryside climbs, and a full-on love affair with French meals.
Markets, bakeries, and the artwork of the mid-ride picnic
Every morning began with flaky, buttery croissants that virtually melted the second they hit my tongue. As we cycled from city to city, each charming village—regardless of how tiny—served up a symphony of flavors. Market stalls overflowed with ruby-red strawberries, plump cherries, and bundles of recent asparagus. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from boulangeries, luring me in for baguettes I may barely match into my panniers – however in fact, I discovered a approach. Cured meats dangled like edible trophies, begging to be a part of our every day picnics.
We’d swoop into markets and emerge like culinary magicians, arms filled with recent produce, creamy cheeses, and crusty loaves. At scenic roadside spots, we’d pause for open-air feasts that will put most eating places to disgrace. I swear, meals tastes 200% higher while you’re barely sweaty, surrounded by breathtaking magnificence.
The surprising gourmand gems of Southern France
You’d anticipate the large cities to convey their A-game, they usually did. In Carcassonne, I devoured a cassoulet that was pure decadence: tender duck confit swimming in a sea of white beans, slow-cooked to velvety perfection. My fork barely needed to work. Sitting inside a medieval fortress whereas consuming it? Chef’s kiss.
However the true magic typically got here from surprising locations. Just like the tiny village restaurant we stumbled upon one Sunday afternoon, due to the EP chalk arrows. Inside, the house owners have been working a one-couple culinary empire: she cooked, he served, and the locals stuffed each desk. I ordered the truffle fettuccine with a uncooked egg yolk resting on prime like a golden jewel. Was it the chilled rosé or the truth that we solely had 12 miles left to experience? Both approach, it felt like among the best meals of my life.
Sete: Oysters, boats, and breaking private data
Once we reached Sete, I assumed I used to be ready for the seafood. I used to be not. First, we toured the oyster farms by boat, gliding previous rows of suspended oyster strains as our information defined the fragile aquaculture course of that makes Sete oysters a number of the most coveted in France.
Then got here the consuming. Platters of briny, silky oysters appeared. I set a private file for oyster consumption, and albeit, I remorse nothing. (My ldl cholesterol might disagree.) Add a relaxing glass of crisp native Picpoul de Pinet wine, and all the scene bordered on obscene ranges of French perfection.
Les 3 Barbus: A culinary excessive level (actually and figuratively)
Tucked away within the Cévennes mountains, Les 3 Barbus wasn’t simply one other lodge cease—it was a full-blown culinary expertise. After a day of driving by winding mountain roads and postcard-perfect valleys, we arrived at this family-run inn perched excessive above a deep gorge, with panoramic views that made you immediately attain in your digital camera.
But it surely was the meals that stole the present. Over two nights, Chef Michel Marvie delivered multi-course meals that have been nothing wanting edible art work. Every plate was a superbly choreographed steadiness of wealthy flavors and delicate textures—suppose foie gras with just-picked native figs, tender lamb that virtually melted on the fork, and desserts that might make grown cyclists cry. (I might need shed a tear or two.)
Add within the cozy eating room, the impeccable service, and the truth that I didn’t have to alter out of my biking garments instantly (don’t fear—I cleaned up for dinner), and it felt like the final word reward after a day of exhausting work within the saddle.
If Sete was all about oysters and sea air, Les 3 Barbus was a mountain retreat for the style buds—a gastronomic oasis the place energy didn’t rely (at the least that’s what I informed myself).
Chalk arrows: Structured freedom
In fact, we weren’t simply consuming (okay, we have been principally consuming). We have been additionally biking, and Expertise Plus’s low-tech navigation system was genius. Every day, we adopted hand-drawn chalk arrows across the south of France as a substitute of watching bike computer systems or fumbling with apps.
Need to go away early? Tremendous. Want a leisurely breakfast? Bon appétit. Experience solo? Group up? Cease for 100 poppy images? All good. These arrows gave me the construction I wanted with the liberty I craved. They even included cheeky messages earlier than robust climbs, with my favourite being a jubilant “TOP!” on the summit.
However the arrows weren’t simply practical—they have been like little private tour guides sprinkled alongside the street. Some identified close by historic websites or upcoming photo-worthy viewpoints, giving me loads of causes to hop off the bike and soak all of it in. Others alerted me to sharp turns or sneaky detours forward. And better of all? The occasional arrow that merely learn “BAKERY” with a daring, promising arrowhead main me on to flaky croissant heaven. Truthfully, these bakery arrows might have been my true guiding drive by France.
Selecting your experience: Conventional bike or candy, candy e-Bike
I began the tour on a conventional street bike, pushing myself by the miles and climbs with sheer will (and the promise of extra cheese on the finish). It was difficult—little question—however the sense of accomplishment after every climb was equally satisfying.
For journalistic functions (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it), I switched to an electrical street bike for the ultimate three days. And let me let you know: it was like gliding throughout a creamy Brie — effortlessly clean. The steep climbs turned scenic strolls, and I had way more time to go searching and absolutely soak within the gorgeous landscapes. Expertise Plus presents a variety of electrical bikes relying in your consolation and health stage, so you possibly can customise the journey to match your skills—whether or not you’re a biking beast or simply wish to coast and benefit from the surroundings.
Castles, cloisters, and my Queribus obsession
The Southern France surroundings and medieval villages have been straight out of a fairytale, and each cease on the route provided its personal taste of historical past, attraction, and surprises.
Nîmes: Roman relics nonetheless rocking
Beginning our Southern France biking tour in Nîmes felt like pedaling straight right into a residing historical past e book. On the coronary heart of the town stands the Roman amphitheater—absolutely intact and nonetheless internet hosting live shows and bullfights prefer it’s simply one other Saturday night time. I wandered by its historic stone corridors, imagining gladiators pacing the world (although fortunately, my solely battle that day was with a very giant gelato cone). The town oozes Roman affect, from its aqueducts to its public squares, mixing historic historical past with fashionable French life seamlessly. And sure, the wine bars surrounding the world? Extremely really useful.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: A medieval time capsule
Nestled on the fringe of dramatic limestone cliffs, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert was like getting into a superbly preserved medieval postcard. The cobbled streets wound by honey-colored stone buildings adorned with flower packing containers bursting in spring bloom. The spotlight for me was seeing its historic abbey and cloister—a part of which, I spotted I’d seen years earlier at The Cloisters museum in New York Metropolis. Speak about a full-circle second! Sitting beneath the village’s 165-year-old Liberty Tree whereas having fun with a café au lait, I couldn’t assist however really feel like I’d unlocked certainly one of Southern France’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Carcassonne: Medieval fantasy meets fashionable consolation
Biking into Carcassonne felt like I’d been solid as an additional in a medieval film. The fortified metropolis rises dramatically from the encompassing countryside, its towering ramparts and pointed turrets seen from miles away. As we crossed the drawbridge on our bikes, bumping over cobblestones, I half-expected a fanfare of trumpets. As a substitute, I used to be greeted by the promise of two nights contained in the walled metropolis at an expensive 5-star lodge that made me overlook my sore legs (due to the bubble bathtub!). Carcassonne’s slim lanes, church buildings, and atmospheric wine bars delivered an ideal mix of touristy enjoyable and genuine attraction.
A spin alongside the Canal du Midi
After just a few days of climbing, the route delivered a welcome reprieve: clean miles alongside the Canal du Midi. Barges floated lazily beside us, some full of vacationers sipping rosé, whereas others glided underneath previous stone bridges. The canal’s Seventeenth-century locks function at present like clockwork—a little bit of engineering magic that when revolutionized commerce routes in Southern France.
Queribus Fortress – the Crown Jewel
Queribus was the grand finale, and he or she made us earn it. After days of rolling hills, vineyards, and canal paths, we confronted our greatest problem: a steep, unrelenting climb as much as the fortress. However as soon as I reached the highest, each burning muscle was value it. Perched at 2,400 ft on a slim rocky peak, this Thirteenth-century Cathar stronghold felt just like the set of a fantasy epic. The wind howled round us as I stood atop the jagged stone partitions, with panoramic views stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees. It wasn’t only a picture op—it was a victory lap for all the journey.
The guides: Our bike whisperers and snack suppliers
Sophie and Frederico have been the final word guides. They stored our bikes working easily, fed us chocolate at strategic moments, stuffed wine glasses like professionals, and answered each random historic query about Southern France we threw at them. They even executed a superbly timed rescue after I bought caught in a day lightning storm! In contrast to many different biking operators, Expertise Plus guides solely work for EP, which is an indication of an ideal firm.
Why I’d do it once more
This was my first Expertise Plus tour, however now I’m ruined for another type of biking journey. By some means, they’ve found out the right way to mix the perfect of solo journey (freedom, flexibility, no herding) with the perfect of group help (logistics dealt with, baggage moved, culinary wizardry, native guides who truly care).
If you wish to eat ridiculous quantities of croissants, drink native wine in fort courtyards, uncover medieval cities you by no means knew existed, and nonetheless really feel such as you’re steering your individual journey, that is your journey – it’s an unforgettable expertise. Simply comply with the chalk arrows. And convey stretchy pants.
About Expertise Plus: Household-owned freedom on two wheels
Expertise Plus isn’t your common tour firm. Based over 50 years in the past by a pair of adventurous mother and father, it’s now proudly woman-owned and run by their daughters, two sisters who grew up steeped in biking tradition. They provide bike excursions throughout Europe and past, mixing cultural immersion with unbelievable biking routes. Whether or not you’re craving Tuscan hills, Dalmatian coastlines, or (like me) the medieval magic of Southern France, Expertise Plus delivers thoughtfully curated experiences with simply the appropriate steadiness of help and independence. And sure, they’re as enthusiastic about good meals and wine as they’re about completely tuned derailleurs.
See all the Expertise Plus! Excursions right here.
FAQs: Biking Tour Southern France with Expertise Plus
Is that this biking tour tough? It may be! Some days contain lengthy distances or sustained climbs, particularly as you strategy the Pyrenees. However Expertise Plus means that you can select your bike (commonplace street, hybrid, or e-bike) to match your consolation and health stage. With an e-bike, even the steepest climbs grow to be pleasant sightseeing rides.
Do I have to be an skilled bicycle owner? No! So long as you’re moderately match and cozy driving for a number of hours, you possibly can completely do that tour. E-bikes are a wonderful choice if you wish to focus extra on surroundings and fewer on sweating. Plus, there’s a help automobile pushed by one of many guides each day. So when you’ve got reached the top of your vitality, be happy to take the van!
What makes Expertise Plus completely different from different bike tour firms? Their distinctive chalk arrow navigation system permits riders true flexibility and freedom whereas nonetheless having fun with full tour help, cultural immersion, and wonderful native guides.
What sort of meals can I anticipate? Put together to eat very effectively: native produce, every day markets, bakery stops, gourmand multi-course meals, oysters recent from the water in Sete, cassoulet in Carcassonne, and decadent countryside picnics. This can be a biking tour for meals lovers.
When is the perfect time to take this tour? Spring and early summer season are particularly beautiful with fields of blooming poppies, seasonal cherries and strawberries, and best biking climate. I did the tour in Could.
See my whole checklist of favourite bike gear on my Amazon Retailer
Tips on how to pack for Expertise Plus bike excursions
Expertise Plus gives you with one high-quality jersey that’s yours to maintain! Additionally they present a water bottle, snacks, electrolytes, GPS route recordsdata, and baggage tags. Additionally they present a easy tire restore equipment and a multi-purpose instrument in case you run into issues on the route.
Along with your EP reward jersey, you’ll additionally wish to convey a few different pairs of motorcycle kits. I introduced three pairs of padded shorts and washed them out every night time for use once more two days later. Don’t overlook rain gear too – there have been just a few days after we actually wanted this!
I like the Velorosa Biking equipment for ladies, so I packed all of my favourite colourful and handsome Velorosa kits, in fact. I just like the Velorosa equipment not solely as a result of it’s cute, however you even have layers. I introduced a long-sleeved jersey and a short-sleeved jersey. I additionally introduced sleeves because the temps all the time began cool after which bought a lot hotter all through the day.
Don’t overlook your helmet, biking gloves, biking sneakers, sun shades, and sunscreen!
Different objects it’s possible you’ll wish to contemplate packing:
- Bike Mirror (I introduced mine as a result of I’m so depending on it). Security first!!
- Garmin radar and Garmin Edge bike pc with holders. That is my regular setup I take advantage of when biking on roads at residence, and they’re what I’m comfy with. It was essential for me to have them – plus they have been small and didn’t take up a lot packing house! The guides helped me set up them.
- You too can convey your individual saddle when you’ve got one that you simply love and the guides will set up.
- Your individual pedals. Should you convey your clipless biking sneakers with cleats, then additionally convey your pedals which can be particular to your kind of cleat. Guides will put your pedals on and take them off for you on the finish of the tour.
Don’t overlook the biking gear!
Questioning what gear it is best to take with you in your first bike tour? I did purchase a pair of these padded bike shorts, however wasn’t actually a fan. Listed below are another biking gear options from my buddies at Journey Previous 50!
Different biking adventures
I’ve a giant curiosity in seeing extra of the US at a gradual tempo. The Capitol to Capitol Quest is the proper approach to try this. It take me primarily by the agricultural elements of the US, the place I can take in that lesser-seen American tradition. I’ve a love of touring to lesser-known locations, and this challenge will take me by the center of America and people less-seen areas.
Disclosure: I used to be a visitor of Expertise Plus Bike excursions for this journey, nevertheless all pedaling was executed by me! As well as, all opinions expressed listed below are mine.
