Region Overviews: France Travel Guide: Overview
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
Biking
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Provence to the French Riviera Bike Tour
Aix-en-Provence to St-Tropez & Cannes
The South of France is a feast for the senses. The earthy allure of Provence and the glamorous seduction of the French Riviera. Exquisite wines. Spectacular rides. Shimmering beaches. Glowing sunsets. You needn’t be fluent in French, but learn one word: ralentissez. Slow down. Take your time. Southern France is for savoring.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$4,999 pp dbl occ
($1,100 for sgl occ)
Provence to the French Riviera Map
France
Start Aix-en-Provence / End Cannes or Nice
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Experience the relaxed Provençal lifestyle as you journey from idyllic Aix-en-Provence to the sparkling Mediterranean
- Ride past stunning Ste-Victoire through the bucolic vineyards, rustic valleys and perched villages that inspired Cézanne
- Sail from elegant St-Tropez to glamorous Cannes along the golden coast of the alluring and chic French Riviera
- Unwind at unique luxury hotels and do as the locals do—enjoy a glass of chilled rosé or try your hand at a game of pétanque
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Bike along the remote limestone ridge of Ste-Victoire Mountain | Ride past Pablo Picasso’s château in pretty Vauvenargues | Wander the historic town of Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of Paul Cézanne, with its leafy cobblestone streets and 17th-century mansions | Take in panoramic views while dining on Michelin-starred cuisine at our sublime wellness retreat.
Les Lodges
Le Tholonet
| Premiere Hotel Nestled within a lovely park and watched over by the Sainte-Victoire Mountain, this hotel offers impressive views of the Aix countryside and a Michelin-starred restaurant. (pool, spa)
Days 3-4
A morning bike ride through rustic valleys leads deep into picturesque Provence Verte (Green Provence) | Cycle past olive trees and colorful French towns | Admire the ancient ramparts and ornate fountains of Cotignac, a sweet little village tucked away at the foot of a cliff | Stroll the village of Entrecasteaux and its castle, overlooking gardens designed by Le Nôtre, landscape architect of Versailles | Sip crisp rosé in the vineyards of the Côtes de Provence wine region | Discover the hidden gems of Provence on a ride through Haut Var | Explore enchanting perched villages and centuries-old troglodyte cave dwellings | In Tourtour, one of France’s designated Most Beautiful Villages, delight in vistas from Provence all the way to the French Riviera | Unwind at our incomparable castle-hotel.
Château de Berne
Lorgues
| Premiere Hotel A Backroads favorite—experience unpretentious luxury in this charming château, located at the end of a winding lane in the heart of Provence. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Days 5-6
Ride through pine forests en route to the Côte d'Azur | Views of the Mediterranean await as we near the seaside town of Ste-Maxime | Take in the scene over lunch in legendary St-Tropez | Journey by private boat to Cannes | Learn more about this sensational town, famous for its star-studded film festival, during a guided walking tour | Enjoy a farewell dinner at our stylish hotel, a favorite of celebrities.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Cannes
| Premiere Hotel Splendid in décor and location, this seaside property is a celebrity favorite and features chic rooms with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
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