Think of the south of
France and what comes to mind? Super yachts, expensive hotels and casinos, the
glitterati? Just a little way north of the beaches are the hills and vineyards
of Provence. Warm and sunny, with a crowd of small villages, bustling markets,
good food, cheap wine, reasonable hotels and b&bs, and wonderful
opportunities for some unforgettable bike rides. Here’s why you should give it a go.
1 Roads
The web of tiny roads offer
endless choices and variety - all you need is a Michelin Departmental map 332
for Drôme and Vaucluse. However, the roads are sometimes terrible, patched,
cracked, crumbling, potholed and rough. They will, at least, make you realise
how lucky you are when you next ride back home.
2 Aroma
Pines, thyme, rosemary: the
scent of the wild flowers and plants along the verges accompany every ride.
Lavender fields baking under the sun are almost overwhelming .
3 Bonjour! Perdu?
Stop to look at a map and
"Bonjour! Perdu?" Helpful friendly people to help guide you on your
way.
4 Bars, boulangerie
You're never far from a bar
for a grand cafe noir or from a boulangerie for French picnic classics.
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| One thing that I like, a baguette on my bike |
5 Wine
Rich Rhone reds, crackling
rosés. Vineyards everywhere. There are no bad wines here.
 |
| Bottle - caged |
6 Villages perché
Ochre-walled houses,
huddled on a hilltop, lure you up the long steady climbs. At the top, huge
views, steep-stepped alleys, a bar and a rest.
7 Weather
Hours of sunshine, lashings
of sun cream, loose muscles, limber joints, warm evenings, a long hot summer. Beware
the Mistral's chilly blasts from the north, strong enough to knock you off your
bike.
8 Cols
The cols (passes) are
everywhere. There's rarely a col without a reward at the top: a sign to say how
high you are. After a long climb it's the moment you know you've done it. The
thrill of the descent is about to begin.
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| This Col features on the 2016 Tour de France |
9 Mont Ventoux
The cyclist's Mecca. The
Géant dominates every view. It's one of the great rides whichever way you
choose to ride up.
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| Mont Ventoux: towering over the vineyards |
10 Pedal Power
Possibly more cyclists per
kilometer than anywhere other than Amsterdam. Friendly French riders: always a
bonjour or a wave. Motorised traffic waiting patiently behind. Bunches of
riders in the latest tricots. Cyclists rule here. OK!
Oh,
and here is another reason: the Auberge du Vin, Mazan
Surely one of the
best b&bs anywhere. Nice people, surrounded by vineyards, brilliant coffee,
good wines, fabulous view of the Mont Ventoux.
www.aubergeduvin.com
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| Auberge du Vin - vineyards on every side |
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