Luxury Provence to the French Riviera Cycle (Aix To St-Tropez & Cannes) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 19km (12 miles), 2 to 3 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 91m (300ft)
Level 2, Approx. 33.7km (21 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 579m (1900ft)

Meet your Trip Leaders at 10 a.m. at the Aix-en-Provence central train station (Gare d'Aix-en-Provence). Note: This is not the Aix TGV train station, so if you arrive in Aix via TGV (Train à grand vitesse or bullet train), you'll need to take a 15-minute taxi ride to the train station in the city center. Arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with you and anything else you may want for today's ride (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).

Your first ride is into the Pays d'Aix where we shuttle to La Tour d'Arbois, a local park. Our journey will begin in the traditional Provençal region of Pays d'Aix traversing beautiful territory, which is surrounded by forested hills, vineyards, and thriving farms. Villages built of stone add to the beauty of this area. After that, we'll head to Roquefavour Aqueduct to take in the sweeping vista of this architectural wonder. Enjoy lunch before continuing Aix-enProvence and the memorial site at Camp des Milles, a World War II internment and deportation camp that has been preserved as a living history museum. After a bit more riding, opt to shuttle or ride up to Angel's plateau, with viewpoints offering dazzling 360-degree views of Sainte-Victoire's peak and the Sainte-B.

Your biking adventure continues to the picturesque French village of Le Tholone and to Les Lodges, a 5-star Spa hotel set amid vineyards and olive trees at the foot of Saint-Victoire. Unwind with a dip in one of two swimming pools or simply bask in the sunshine at its charming sun terrace. Tonight, be treated to a gastronomic affair at the hotel’s exquisite dining room bursting seasonal flavours of the region’s delights.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 24km (15 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 426.72m (1400ft)
Level 3, Approx. 43.5km (27 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 244m (2700ft)
Level 4, Approx. 61km (38 miles), 3 to 5 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 822.96m (3300ft)

The highlight of today's ride will be along Mont Ste-Victoire, a beautiful ridge of limestone mountains. Located in the south of France, this limestone ridge extends over 11 miles between Var and Bouches-du-Rhône. This mountain is the muse of Paul Cézanne, a famous French painter who painted this mountain near his home 60+ times. Biking through this range will give you an opportunity to understand why this mountain caught the painter’s attention. Hike through Pic des Mouches, the highest peak in this remote range, and take in the surrounding beauty as Mont Ste-Victoire became a source of inspiration for artists.

After lunch, we'll hop on our bikes and ride across the rocky terrain until we reach Vauvenargues, a tiny village in the south of France with a population of less than a thousand. However, the valley's stunning natural beauty is a major draw for sightseers. Get some exercise and see some unspoiled natural wonders by biking or strolling around. Witness the magical view of vineyards in the foothills of Sainte-Victoire. Next, we will visit château, the home of the Marquis de Vauvenargues, a French writer. It was the place where Pablo Picasso spent his last days which boast a picture-perfect perspective of Mont Sainte-Victoire.

Retreat back at your hotel and spend time lazing by the pool or pamper yourself with a spa treatment (spa at own expense). This evening, embark on a shuttle rife to Aix, the city of fountains. Take a lovely stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets and choose from an array of eateries for dinner at your own leisure.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 27.3km (17 miles), 2 to 3 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 335.28m (1100ft)
Level 2, Approx. 37km (23 miles), 2 to 3 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 426.72m (1400ft)
Level 3, Approx. 53km (33 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 762m (2500ft)
Level 4, Approx. 69km (43 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 822.76m (2700ft)

After saying our goodbyes in Aix, we will take a shuttle all the way into the heart of Provence Verte. Set out from the small town of Chateauvert to spin through a rolling landscape of Côte de Provence vineyards, home to the grapes that produce the refreshing rosés you might enjoy for an afternoon aperitif.

Make your way through the windswept landscape, the distinctive din of cicadas providing the soundtrack as you bike from village to village along the Argens river. For those with energy can pursue pedalling to Lac de Carcès, a lake surrounded by lush forest. All routes lead to the town of Cotignac, sitting at the base of a high rocky cliff. A short hike up the cliff's porous limestone face brings you to the troglodyte caves that have been used for shelter for centuries. After an adventure in the caves, gather together for a traditional lunch in town.

Enjoy a delightful lunch before arriving to Entrecasteaux, home to a castle nestled among the jardins à la Française, formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre (who also designed the famous gardens of Versailles). Those keen for more adventure can bike through forests of oak and cypress trees all the way to Château de Berne, your charming hotel with a 250-year-old tradition of winemaking.

You’ll will stay Château de Berne's five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, a wild, natural paradise and home to an iconic wine estate, Château de Berne. Relax in your ensuite rooms with views of the picturesque vineyard. A Relais & Châteaux member, unwind in your oasis with a refreshing dip in the pool, rejuvenate in the hot tub or take a lovely walk in the 491-hectare forest the property lies within. This evening, indulge in a dining affair at the hotel’s charming garden restaurant boasting ingredients fresh from their onsite garden for a seasonal menu.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (8 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 487.68m (1600ft)
Level 3, Approx. 28km (25 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 731.52m (2400ft)
Level 4, Approx. 56km (35 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 792.48m (2600ft)

Today you can hop from one stunning Provençal village to the next as you travel through the region. Start your ride off on the backroad that circles around the picturesque village of Lorgues, which is located in Var. The path is framed on either side by pine trees, which gives it a mystical appearance. This road will take you through some breathtaking French countryside on its way to the sleepy village of Salernes, which is typical of the country's architecture. This town is a hub for industry as well as the arts, and the confluence of the rivers Grave and Pelicourt contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the area. Take a stroll through the neighbourhood to take in the gorgeous houses and a church that dates back a hundred years. Be sure to stop for a cup of coffee about halfway through the morning on your way to Aups, another enchanting French village that can be found at the summit of the plateau. Before sitting down to a delicious supper on Aups's central square, take some time to explore the lively town.

After a delicious lunch, unveil Tourtour, a remarkable village that is found in the upper Var and is known as "the village in the sky of Provence". Your sense of wonder will be amplified as you take in the breathtaking panorama of your surrounds. From this vantage point, if you are fortunate, you will be able to observe the process through which the fertile plains of Provence flow into the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, Tourtour is well known for its mediaeval walls and stone homes. Take a stroll through this picturesque hamlet and admire its medieval walls and stone homes.

Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding back at your hotel. Pamper yourself at the 5-star spa (at own expense) or relax poolside. Tonight, engage in a friendly game of pétanque before a classic Provençal dining affair at the hotel's French bistrot.

Level 2, Approx. 45km (28 miles), 2 to 4 hours Biking, Elevation gain: 518m (1700ft)

We leave Provence behind this morning to reach the sparkling Côte d'Azur. Start out by pedaling through some of the region's oldest vineyards and back on the Argens river bed for our farewell to Green Provence. We then transition into the dryer climate of the Massif des Maures, a small mountain range where you'll get your first glimpse of the Mediterranean. The inland forests slowly transform into swaths of lush pine trees as you near the seaside town of Sainte-Maxime.

Embark on a serene boat cruise across the gulf to Saint-Tropez. The town attained its current level of luxury as a result of Brigitte Bardot's contribution to its rise to fame. An ideal spot for lunch at your own leisure with views of allure waters of the bay filled with luxurious yachts and traditional fishing boats.

Come afternoon, you’ll board a private charter boat sailing along the coast. The journey will take you to the renowned Calanques de l'Estérel, where the red rock of the Esterel mountain range, which contrasts well with the turquoise waters, is a sight to behold. Arrive in the glamorous French Riveria town of Cannes, well-known for its annual film festival.

You’ll stay at Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, whose sophisticated design and airy decor match the elegance of life on the Riviera. Savour the Riviera life by the picturesque pool or soak in the sunshine at the sun terrace. This evening, gather together for a farewell cocktail before a celebratory meal at the hotel's chic restaurant.

Explore the glitz and glamour of Cannes on the final day of your incredible adventure. Discover the town's rich history as well as its importance in the world of film on a self-guided walking tour. After that, make your way to the Provencal market in Cannes to pick up some last-minute keepsakes and souvenirs or embrace your inner Bardot and spend the morning poolside or soaking in dazzling views of the Mediterranean from a lounge chair on the beach. Bid farewell in Cannes or board an early afternoon shuttle to Nice.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.