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Let’s be sincere. The biking obtained me . However what sealed the deal? The promise of consuming my means 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-Journey 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 means. Cured meats dangled like edible trophies, begging to be a part of our day by day picnics.
We might swoop into markets and emerge like culinary magicians, arms stuffed with recent produce, creamy cheeses, and crusty loaves. At scenic roadside spots, we’d pause for open-air feasts that may put most eating places to disgrace. I swear, meals tastes 200% higher whenever you’re barely sweaty, surrounded by breathtaking magnificence.
The Surprising Connoisseur Gems of Southern France
You’d anticipate the large cities to deliver 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 usually got here from sudden locations. Just like the tiny village restaurant we stumbled upon one Sunday afternoon—because of the EP chalk arrows. Inside, the homeowners had 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 trip? Both means, it felt like probably the greatest meals of my life.
Sete: Oysters, Boats, and Breaking Private Information
After 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 traces as our information defined the fragile aquaculture course of that makes Sete oysters among the most coveted in France.
Then got here the consuming. Platters of briny, silky oysters appeared. I set a private document 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 the whole 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 on your digital camera.
But it surely was the meals that stole the present. Over two nights, Chef Michel Marvie delivered multi-course meals that had been nothing in need of edible art work. Every plate was a wonderfully choreographed steadiness of wealthy flavors and delicate textures—assume foie gras with just-picked native figs, tender lamb that virtually melted on the fork, and desserts that would make grown cyclists cry. (I may need shed a tear or two.)
Add within the cozy eating room, the impeccable service, and the truth that I didn’t have to vary 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 arduous 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 depend (at the least that’s what I informed myself).
Chalk Arrows: Structured Freedom
After all, we weren’t simply consuming (okay, we had been principally consuming). We had 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 observing bike computer systems or fumbling with apps.
Wish to go away early? High-quality. Want a leisurely breakfast? Bon appétit. Journey 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 powerful climbs, with my favourite being a jubilant “TOP!” on the summit.
However the arrows weren’t simply purposeful—they had been like little private tour guides sprinkled alongside the highway. 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. Actually, these bakery arrows might have been my true guiding pressure by France.
Selecting Your Journey: Conventional Bike or Candy, Candy E-Bike
I began the tour on a standard highway 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 highway 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 grew to become scenic strolls, and I had way more time to go searching and totally soak within the gorgeous landscapes. Expertise Plus provides a spread of electrical bikes relying in your consolation and health degree, so you’ll be able to customise the journey to match your skills—whether or not you’re a biking beast or simply need to coast and benefit from the surroundings.
Castles, Cloisters, and My Queribus Obsession
The Southern France surroundings and medieval villages had been straight out of a fairytale, and each cease on the route provided its personal taste of historical past, appeal, and surprises.
Nîmes: Roman Relics Nonetheless Rocking
Beginning our Southern France biking tour in Nîmes felt like pedaling straight right into a dwelling historical past e-book. On the coronary heart of the town stands the Roman amphitheater—totally intact and nonetheless internet hosting concert events and bullfights prefer it’s simply one other Saturday night time. I wandered by its historical stone corridors imagining gladiators pacing the world (although fortunately, my solely battle that day was with a very giant gelato cone). Town oozes Roman affect, from its aqueducts to its public squares, mixing historical historical past with fashionable French life seamlessly. And sure, the wine bars surrounding the world? Extremely beneficial.
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: A Medieval Time Capsule
Nestled on the fringe of dramatic limestone cliffs, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert was like moving into a wonderfully preserved medieval postcard. The cobbled streets wound by honey-colored stone buildings adorned with flower bins bursting in spring bloom. The spotlight for me was seeing its historical 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 considered one of Southern France’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Carcassonne: Medieval Fantasy Meets Trendy Consolation
Biking into Carcassonne felt like I’d been solid as an additional in a medieval film. The fortified metropolis rises dramatically from the encircling 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 an alternative, I used to be greeted by the promise of two nights contained in the walled metropolis at an opulent 5-star lodge that made me neglect my sore legs (because of the bubble tub!). Carcassonne’s slender lanes, church buildings, and atmospheric wine bars delivered an ideal mix of touristy enjoyable and genuine appeal.
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 below previous stone bridges. The canal’s Seventeenth-century locks working at this time 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 she or he 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 price it. Perched at 2,400 ft on a slender 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 the whole journey.
The Guides: Our Bike Whisperers and Snack Suppliers
Sophie and Frederico had 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 wonderfully timed rescue once I obtained 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 amazing firm.
Why I’d Do It Once more
This was my first Expertise Plus tour, however now I’m ruined for every other form of biking journey. In some way, they’ve found out the right way to mix the most effective of solo journey (freedom, flexibility, no herding) with the most effective of group assist (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 citadel 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 produce 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 unimaginable 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 fitting steadiness of assist and independence. And sure, they’re as keen about good meals and wine as they’re about completely tuned derailleurs.
See the entire 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 method the Pyrenees. However Expertise Plus means that you can select your bike (customary highway, hybrid, or e-bike) to match your consolation and health degree. With an e-bike, even the steepest climbs change into satisfying sightseeing rides.
Do I should be an skilled bicycle owner? No! So long as you’re moderately match and cozy driving for a number of hours, you’ll be able to completely do that tour. E-bikes are a wonderful possibility if you wish to focus extra on surroundings and fewer on sweating. Plus – there’s a assist automobile pushed by one of many guides day by day. So in case you are reached the top of your vitality, be happy to take the van!
What makes Expertise Plus totally different from different bike tour corporations? Their distinctive chalk arrow navigation system permits riders true flexibility and freedom whereas nonetheless having fun with full tour assist, cultural immersion, and superb native guides.
What sort of meals can I anticipate? Put together to eat very effectively: native produce, day by 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 most effective time to take this tour? Spring and early summer season are particularly beautiful with fields of blooming poppies, seasonal cherries and strawberries, and supreme biking climate. I did the tour in Might.
Methods to Pack For Expertise Plus Bike Excursions
Expertise Plus offers you with as soon as top quality jersey that’s yours to maintain! Additionally they present a water bottle, snacks, electrolytes, GPS route information, and baggage tags. Additionally they present a easy restore tire restore package and multi-purpose instrument in case you run into issues on the route.
Along with your EP present jersey, you’ll additionally need to deliver a few different pairs of motorbike package. I introduced 3 pairs of padded shorts and washed them out every night time for use once more two days later. Don’t neglect rain gear too – there have been just a few days the place we actually wanted this!
I like the Velorosa Biking package for ladies – so I packed all of my favourite colourful and good trying Velorosa package or course. I just like the Velorosa package not solely as a result of it’s cute, however you even have layers. I introduced a protracted sleeve jersey and brief sleeve jerseys. I additionally introduced sleeves because the temps at all times began cool after which obtained a lot hotter all through the day.
Don’t neglect your helmet, biking gloves, biking footwear, sun shades, and sunscreen!
Different gadgets you might need to take into account packing:
- Bike Mirror (I introduced mine as a result of I’m so depending on it). Security first!!
- Garmen radar and Garmen Edge bike laptop with holders. That is my regular setup I exploit when biking on roads at house and they’re what I’m comfy with. It was necessary for me to have them – plus they had been small and didn’t take up a lot packing area! The guides helped me set up them.
- You may also deliver your individual saddle in case you have one that you simply love and the guides will set up.
- Your individual pedals. For those who deliver your clipless biking footwear with cleats then additionally deliver your pedals which are particular to your kind of cleat. Guides will put your pedals on and take them off for you on the finish of the tour.
See my total record of favourite Bike Gear on my Amazon Retailer
Disclosure: I used to be a visitor of Expertise Plus Bike excursions for this journey, nonetheless all pedaling was completed by me! As well as, all opinions expressed listed below are mine.
