This text might include affiliate hyperlinks the place I make a small fee for purchases you make from hyperlinks that you simply click on from this text. By buying via these hyperlinks, you assist me at no extra value to you. Thanks on your assist.
Let’s be trustworthy. The biking received me . However what sealed the deal? The promise of consuming my method via Southern France whereas using 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-ride 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—irrespective of how tiny—served up a symphony of flavors. Market stalls overflowed with ruby-red strawberries, plump cherries, and bundles of contemporary asparagus. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from boulangeries, luring me in for baguettes I might barely match into my panniers – however in fact, I discovered a method. Cured meats dangled like edible trophies, begging to be a part of our every day picnics.
We might swoop into markets and emerge like culinary magicians, arms filled with contemporary produce, creamy cheeses, and crusty loaves. At scenic roadside spots, we’d pause for open-air feasts that will 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 count on the large cities to carry 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 typically got here from surprising locations. Just like the tiny village restaurant we stumbled upon one Sunday afternoon, due to the EP chalk arrows. Inside, the homeowners have been operating 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 journey? Both method, it felt like top-of-the-line meals of my life.
Sete: Oysters, boats, and breaking private information
Once we reached Sete, I believed 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 a few of the most coveted in France.
Then got here the consuming. Platters of briny, silky oysters appeared. I set a private report 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 your entire 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 using via 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 have been nothing wanting edible art work. Every plate was a wonderfully choreographed steadiness of wealthy flavors and delicate textures—suppose foie gras with just-picked native figs, tender lamb that virtually melted on the fork, and desserts that might make grown cyclists cry. (I might need shed a tear or two.)
Add within the cozy eating room, the impeccable service, and the truth that I didn’t have to alter out of my biking garments instantly (don’t fear—I cleaned up for dinner), and it felt like the last 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 (no less than that’s what I instructed myself).
Chalk arrows: Structured freedom
In fact, we weren’t simply consuming (okay, we have been largely consuming). We have 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 an alternative of gazing bike computer systems or fumbling with apps.
Wish to go away early? High-quality. Choose a leisurely breakfast? Bon appétit. Trip 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 useful—they have 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 via France.
Selecting your journey: Conventional bike or candy, candy e-Bike
I began the tour on a conventional highway bike, pushing myself via the miles and climbs with sheer will (and the promise of extra cheese on the finish). It was difficult—little doubt—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 turned scenic strolls, and I had much more time to go searching and totally soak within the gorgeous landscapes. Expertise Plus gives a variety of electrical bikes relying in your consolation and health stage, so you’ll be able to customise the journey to match your talents—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 have been straight out of a fairytale, and each cease on the route supplied its personal taste of historical past, attraction, and surprises.
Nîmes: Roman relics nonetheless rocking
Beginning our Southern France biking tour in Nîmes felt like pedaling straight right into a residing historical past e book. On the coronary heart of 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 via its historical stone corridors, imagining gladiators pacing the sector (although fortunately, my solely battle that day was with a very massive 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 sector? Extremely really useful.
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 via honey-colored stone buildings adorned with flower packing containers 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 one in every of Southern France’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Carcassonne: Medieval fantasy meets fashionable consolation
Biking into Carcassonne felt like I’d been forged as an additional in a medieval film. The fortified metropolis rises dramatically from the encompassing 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 expensive 5-star lodge that made me neglect my sore legs (due to the bubble tub!). Carcassonne’s slender lanes, church buildings, and atmospheric wine bars delivered an ideal mix of touristy enjoyable and genuine attraction.
A spin alongside the Canal du Midi
After a couple of days of climbing, the route delivered a welcome reprieve: clean miles alongside the Canal du Midi. Barges floated lazily beside us, some filled with vacationers sipping rosé, whereas others glided below outdated stone bridges. The canal’s Seventeenth-century locks function at present 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 photograph op—it was a victory lap for your entire journey.
The guides: Our bike whisperers and snack suppliers
Sophie and Frederico have been the last word guides. They stored our bikes operating easily, fed us chocolate at strategic moments, stuffed wine glasses like execs, and answered each random historic query about Southern France we threw at them. They even executed a wonderfully timed rescue after I received caught in a day lightning storm! Not like many different biking operators, Expertise Plus guides solely work for EP, which is an indication of an awesome firm.
Why I’d do it once more
This was my first Expertise Plus tour, however now I’m ruined for every other type of biking journey. In some way, they’ve discovered learn how to mix the very best of solo journey (freedom, flexibility, no herding) with the very best 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 fort 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 precise 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 permits you to select your bike (customary highway, hybrid, or e-bike) to match your consolation and health stage. With an e-bike, even the steepest climbs grow to be pleasing sightseeing rides.
Do I have to be an skilled bicycle owner? No! So long as you’re moderately match and comfy using for a number of hours, you’ll be able to completely do that tour. E-bikes are a superb possibility if you wish to focus extra on surroundings and fewer on sweating. Plus, there’s a assist car pushed by one of many guides every single day. So in case you have reached the tip of your power, be at liberty 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 count on? Put together to eat very effectively: native produce, every day markets, bakery stops, connoisseur multi-course meals, oysters contemporary from the water in Sete, cassoulet in Carcassonne, and decadent countryside picnics. This can be a biking tour for meals lovers.
When is the very best time to take this tour? Spring and early summer time are particularly pretty with fields of blooming poppies, seasonal cherries and strawberries, and splendid biking climate. I did the tour in Might.
See my whole listing of favourite bike gear on my Amazon Retailer
pack for Expertise Plus bike excursions
Expertise Plus supplies you with one high-quality jersey that’s yours to maintain! In addition they present a water bottle, snacks, electrolytes, GPS route information, and baggage tags. In addition they present a easy tire restore equipment and a multi-purpose instrument in case you run into issues on the route.
Along with your EP reward jersey, you’ll additionally need to carry a few different pairs of motorbike kits. I introduced three 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 a couple of days after we actually wanted this!
I really like the Velorosa Biking equipment for girls, so I packed all of my favourite colourful and handsome Velorosa kits, in fact. I just like the Velorosa equipment not solely as a result of it’s cute, however you even have layers. I introduced a long-sleeved jersey and a short-sleeved jersey. I additionally introduced sleeves because the temps all the time began cool after which received a lot hotter all through the day.
Don’t neglect your helmet, biking gloves, biking footwear, sun shades, and sunscreen!
Different gadgets chances are you’ll need to think about packing:
- Bike Mirror (I introduced mine as a result of I’m so depending on it). Security first!!
- Garmin radar and Garmin Edge bike laptop with holders. That is my regular setup I take advantage of when biking on roads at house, and they’re what I’m snug with. It was essential for me to have them – plus they have been small and didn’t take up a lot packing house! The guides helped me set up them.
- You can too carry your individual saddle in case you have one that you simply love and the guides will set up.
- Your personal pedals. When you carry your clipless biking footwear with cleats, then additionally carry 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.
Don’t neglect the biking gear!
-
Nice lightwieght totally waterproof jacket for biking and can be utilized for mountaineering or journey. The Pac-lite materials could be very gentle and breathable – good for outside journey.
I earn a fee should you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
07/08/2025 06:05 am GMT
-
These are an awesome simple layer for chilly mornings that roll up actually small and may match behind your jersey whenever you get scorching.
I earn a fee should you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
07/08/2025 06:05 am GMT
-
I can solely put on prescription lenses and these tifosi lenses can have your prescription added. That is important for biking when imaginative and prescient is important. You’ll be able to customise every little thing from shade to reflect, to prescription with Tifosi.
I earn a fee should you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
07/08/2025 06:06 am GMT
-
My go-to hydration for biking and mountaineering. Field accommodates one tube of every taste: Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, and Orange. 4 tubes and 40 servings whole.
I earn a fee should you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
07/08/2025 06:06 am GMT
-
Nice for lengthy rides, padded and supplies solar safety.
I earn a fee should you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
-
Everybody wants a little bit padding…
These are snug shorts, light-weight, and breathable
I earn a fee should you click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
07/08/2025 08:03 am GMT
Questioning what gear it’s best to take with you in your first bike tour? I did purchase a pair of these padded bike shorts, however wasn’t actually a fan. Listed here are another biking gear options from my buddies at Journey Previous 50!
Different biking adventures
I’ve an enormous curiosity in seeing extra of the US at a gradual tempo. The Capitol to Capitol Quest is the proper method to do this. It take me primarily via the agricultural components of the US, the place I can absorb that lesser-seen American tradition. I’ve a love of touring to lesser-known locations, and this challenge will take me via the guts of America and people less-seen areas.
Disclosure: I used to be a visitor of Expertise Plus Bike excursions for this journey, nevertheless all pedaling was finished by me! As well as, all opinions expressed listed here are mine.
