It’s been ten years since The Cycling House last rode in Provence, France, but the region’s quiet roads, hilltop villages, and endless route options have never been far from our minds.
This year, we’re thrilled to add Provence back into our European line-up. With revamped routes and accommodations, this trip has a little something for everyone. We can’t forget the food and wine—they’re the cherry on top of a fantastic week of riding in France.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to ride my bike all over France and around the world while leading Cycling House trips,” says Brendan Halpin, TCH’s Director of Trips. “Every time I go back, I’m reminded why France is still one of my favorite places to ride.”
For those seeking a bucket-list climb, our Provence itinerary features the storied Mont Ventoux. “The Giant of Provence” is gearing up for some extra attention this summer, when the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will summit the mountain for the first time on August 7.
“It’s one of the most legendary climbs in cycling and has a character all its own,” Brendan says. This character doesn’t just shine when the pros are on the road; you can feel it with every pedal stroke.
“There’s hundreds of cyclists doing it any given day,” says TCH guide Kyle Pacioni. “It’s really cool to see the chalk that fans have drawn on the road to cheer on the pros on the same roads we’re riding.”
As much as we love a good climb, it wasn’t Ventoux that sold us on Provence; it was the riding that surrounds it. “The rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, lavender fields, and endless route options make it one of the best places I’ve ever ridden a bike,” Brendan says. “Every ride feels a little different, and there’s always something new to discover.”
The region’s charms continue once you’ve had your fill of miles—or, shall we say, kilomètres. “We stop in the coolest towns of any trip I’ve done,” Kyle says. One of his favorites is Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where riverside cafés make for an ideal mid-ride coffee stop. Kyle and Brendan agree that Provence boasts some of France’s finest food and wine, from fresh bread to local rosé. The pastries, Brendan argues, are the best in the world.
“After an amazing day on the bike, there’s nothing better than sitting down with great food, a glass of rosé, and retelling the day’s stories with new and old friends,” Brendan says.
We have a few last-minute openings in Provence September 12–18. Once these spots fill, we’re fully booked until next fall.
If watching the Tour has left you with some France fatigue, the rest of our European line-up features carefully crafted itineraries that highlight the best of each destination. Choose from our trips in Ireland, Mallorca, Tuscany, and Girona to find the right fit for you.
