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Let’s be sincere. The biking obtained me . However what sealed the deal? The promise of consuming my manner by 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)—a wonderful 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—regardless of how tiny—served up a symphony of flavors. Market stalls overflowed with ruby-red strawberries, plump cherries, and bundles of recent asparagus. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from boulangeries, luring me in for baguettes I might barely match into my panniers – however after all, I discovered a manner. Cured meats dangled like edible trophies, begging to be a part of our every day picnics.
We’d swoop into markets and emerge like culinary magicians, arms filled with recent produce, creamy cheeses, and crusty loaves. At scenic roadside spots, we’d pause for open-air feasts that may put most eating places to disgrace. I swear, meals tastes 200% higher whenever you’re barely sweaty, surrounded by breathtaking magnificence.
The sudden gourmand gems of Southern France
You’d count on the massive cities to convey their A-game, and so they 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 usually got here from sudden locations. Just like the tiny village restaurant we stumbled upon one Sunday afternoon, because of the EP chalk arrows. Inside, the homeowners have been operating a one-couple culinary empire: she cooked, he served, and the locals crammed 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 trip? Both manner, it felt like the most effective meals of my life.
Sete: Oysters, boats, and breaking private information
After 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 among the most coveted in France.
Then got here the consuming. Platters of briny, silky oysters appeared. I set a private document for oyster consumption, and albeit, I remorse nothing. (My ldl cholesterol could disagree.) Add a relaxing glass of crisp native Picpoul de Pinet wine, and the whole 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 resort cease—it was a full-blown culinary expertise. After a day of using by 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 to 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 in need of edible paintings. Every plate was a superbly choreographed stability 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 would 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 onerous 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 rely (no less than that’s what I advised myself).
Chalk arrows: Structured freedom
After all, 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 a substitute of watching bike computer systems or fumbling with apps.
Need to go away early? Effective. Want a leisurely breakfast? Bon appétit. Journey solo? Group up? Cease for 100 poppy pictures? 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 street. 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 could have been my true guiding power by France.
Selecting your trip: Conventional bike or candy, candy e-Bike
I began the tour on a conventional street bike, pushing myself by the miles and climbs with sheer will (and the promise of extra cheese on the finish). It was difficult—little question—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 street bike for the ultimate three days. And let me let you know: it was like gliding throughout a creamy Brie — effortlessly easy. The steep climbs grew to become scenic strolls, and I had much more time to go searching and absolutely soak within the beautiful landscapes. Expertise Plus gives a variety of electrical bikes relying in your consolation and health degree, so you possibly can customise the journey to match your skills—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 provided 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 ebook. On the coronary heart of town stands the Roman amphitheater—absolutely intact and nonetheless internet hosting concert events and bullfights prefer it’s simply one other Saturday evening. I wandered by 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 helpful.
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 superbly preserved medieval postcard. The cobbled streets wound by honey-colored stone buildings adorned with flower containers bursting in spring bloom. The spotlight for me was seeing its historical abbey and cloister—a part of which, I noticed I’d seen years earlier at The Cloisters museum in New York Metropolis. Discuss 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 among 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 encircling 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 a substitute, I used to be greeted by the promise of two nights contained in the walled metropolis at an opulent 5-star resort that made me neglect my sore legs (because of the bubble bathtub!). 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 just a few days of climbing, the route delivered a welcome reprieve: easy miles alongside the Canal du Midi. Barges floated lazily beside us, some full of vacationers sipping rosé, whereas others glided below previous stone bridges. The canal’s Seventeenth-century locks function at this time like clockwork—a little bit of engineering magic that after revolutionized commerce routes in Southern France.
Queribus Fortress – the Crown Jewel
Queribus was the grand finale, and he or she 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 the whole journey.
The guides: Our bike whisperers and snack suppliers
Sophie and Frederico have been the last word guides. They saved our bikes operating easily, fed us chocolate at strategic moments, crammed wine glasses like professionals, and answered each random historic query about Southern France we threw at them. They even executed a superbly timed rescue once I obtained caught in a day lightning storm! In contrast to many different biking operators, Expertise Plus guides solely work for EP, which is an indication of an excellent firm.
Why I’d do it once more
This was my first Expertise Plus tour, however now I’m ruined for some other type of biking journey. By some means, they’ve found out the way to mix one of the best of solo journey (freedom, flexibility, no herding) with one of the best of group help (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 citadel 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 convey 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 unbelievable 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 suitable stability of help and independence. And sure, they’re as captivated with good meals and wine as they’re about completely tuned derailleurs.
See all the 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 strategy the Pyrenees. However Expertise Plus permits you to select your bike (customary street, hybrid, or e-bike) to match your consolation and health degree. With an e-bike, even the steepest climbs develop into gratifying sightseeing rides.
Do I must be an skilled bicycle owner? No! So long as you’re fairly match and comfy using for a number of hours, you possibly can 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 help automobile pushed by one of many guides each day. So you probably have reached the tip of your vitality, be at liberty to take the van!
What makes Expertise Plus completely different from different bike tour firms? Their distinctive chalk arrow navigation system permits riders true flexibility and freedom whereas nonetheless having fun with full tour help, cultural immersion, and wonderful native guides.
What sort of meals can I count on? Put together to eat very effectively: native produce, every day markets, bakery stops, gourmand multi-course meals, oysters recent from the water in Sete, cassoulet in Carcassonne, and decadent countryside picnics. It is a biking tour for meals lovers.
When is one of the best time to take this tour? Spring and early summer time are particularly beautiful with fields of blooming poppies, seasonal cherries and strawberries, and splendid biking climate. I did the tour in Could.
Easy methods to pack for Expertise Plus bike excursions
Expertise Plus offers you with one high-quality jersey that’s yours to maintain! In addition they present a water bottle, snacks, electrolytes, GPS route recordsdata, 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 convey a few different pairs of motorbike kits. I introduced three pairs of padded shorts and washed them out every evening for use once more two days later. Don’t neglect rain gear too – there have been just a few days once we actually wanted this!
I like the Velorosa Biking equipment for girls, so I packed all of my favourite colourful and handsome Velorosa kits, after all. 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 at all times began cool after which obtained a lot hotter all through the day.
Don’t neglect your helmet, biking gloves, biking sneakers, sun shades, and sunscreen!
See my whole record of favourite bike gear on my Amazon Retailer
Different objects chances are you’ll need to take into account packing:
- Bike Mirror (I introduced mine as a result of I’m so depending on it). Security first!!
- Garmin radar and Garmin Edge bike pc 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 vital 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 too can convey your individual saddle you probably have one that you simply love and the guides will set up.
- Your personal pedals. Should you convey your clipless biking sneakers with cleats, then additionally convey your pedals which can be particular to your sort 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!
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Nice lightwieght absolutely waterproof jacket for biking and can be utilized for mountaineering or journey. The Pac-lite materials may be very gentle and breathable – excellent for outside journey.
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07/08/2025 06:05 am GMT
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These are an excellent simple layer for chilly mornings that roll up actually small and might match at the back of your jersey whenever you get scorching.
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07/08/2025 06:05 am GMT
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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 crucial. You may customise every part from colour to reflect, to prescription with Tifosi.
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07/08/2025 06:06 am GMT
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My go-to hydration for biking and mountaineering. Field comprises one tube of every taste: Lemon Lime, Tri-Berry, Citrus Fruit, and Orange. 4 tubes and 40 servings complete.
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07/08/2025 06:06 am GMT
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Nice for lengthy rides, padded and offers solar safety.
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Everybody wants just a little padding…
These are snug shorts, light-weight, and breathable
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07/07/2025 07:03 am GMT
Questioning what gear you need 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 below are another biking gear ideas from my buddies at Journey Previous 50!
Different biking adventures
Disclosure: I used to be a visitor of Expertise Plus Bike excursions for this journey, nevertheless all pedaling was accomplished by me! As well as, all opinions expressed listed here are mine.