How to Cycle in Provence, France
Cycling in Provence can be a vacation option for families that want to be on the move or a challenging action trip for experienced cyclists. Riding a bike through Provence will offer some spectacular scenery whatever pace you travel at, along with a chance to visit some historic French towns and sample high quality food and wine. Booking your trip through a reputable tour company and preparing well before you travel should ensure a successful cycling tour.
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Instructions
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Check the likely weather conditions in Provence before you book. Winter and early spring are affected by strong winds while mid-June to mid-September can be uncomfortably hot. April, May and late September see the best cycling conditions.
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Decide where in Provence you want to travel. You can cycle between some of the region's classic towns such as Orange and Avignon and see the Roman influence or concentrate on wine country, cycling through vineyards and enjoying the truffles, olives and oils available in small market towns. Think about your accommodations as well. You will have a choice of luxury hotels, small guesthouses or private villas across Provence.
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Book a tour with a company that specializes in cycling tours in the region. Cycle Breaks offers 8-day tours including Classic Provence and Provence and the Camargue. These tours follow cycle paths for much of the route, taking in some of the best rural scenery and historic towns of the region. You cycle between 22 and 28 miles per day. You will be provided with English maps, route note and descriptions as well as full luggage transfer between accommodations. Bicycle hire and local assistance on call is also included in the tour price.
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Find some niche cycling tours in Provence with Discover France. You can book tours that are suitable for families, tours involving a mix of cycling with hiking, canoeing and mountain biking, and more challenging tours taking in hills and longer days on the road.
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Prepare for your trip. Make arrangements to transport your own bike if you wish to use it although hiring a bike in Provence is an easier option. Make sure that you have waterproof clothes and bags to carry equipment. Cycling jerseys and pants should also be packed. Goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from the wind, sun and debris from passing vehicles are also essential. Also make arrangements for travel insurance to cover injury from cycling and loss or theft of cycles.
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- Photo Credit provence image by Nini from Fotolia.com
