Provence Tours in Spring

An excellent trip through rural France in the Cote du Rhone and Provence areas with cultural visits to medieval towns, villages, castles, Roman ruins, and vineyards along the way. I would thoroughly recommend this trip. The first half was based in Avignon, which is steeped in history and the second half in rural Pernes le Fontaines. Most of the cycling was on good cycle tracks (converted disused railways) and quiet minor roads. When major roads needed to be crossed there were designated cycleways that provide right of way. Car drivers were courteous. There were a couple of hill climbs but they were not too strenuous and the sites and views were all worth the effort. The two hotels were of a very good standard, clean, comfortable, and well located. In Avignon the city hotel was close to the ancient city walls, cycle paths and city centre restaurants and tourist sites. In Perne the hotel was “country house” style in a beautiful rural setting. My tour highlights were Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Gordes and the Pont du Gard. Our guide was Erwin Verhagen, who I have travelled with before. He has an excellent knowledge of the local roads, ancient and modern history and boulangerie locations. He shares all his information in a friendly and enthusiastic manner.

It was so much fun. We laughed every day. The staff was so attentive and caring and our fellow bike riders only added to the experience. The boat was comfortable and the food was excellent. Some days the riding was a challenge but it gave you the excuse to have another local beer when we got back to the boat. We really enjoyed the whole experience.

It was a wonderful memorable trip. The tour guide and other staff were great the boat was great. The food was great. The sites were great and the bikes were great. Thanks so much.

I completed the Back roads of Provence April 14th, 2025. Working with the team was great. I added extra days on to my trip and they were able to help me with hotel and bike rental. The hotels that I stayed with were clean, friendly and centrally located to city central which made exploring easy. Negative was the bike did not come with mirrors. The route does utilize some very busy roads. I am a 63 yr female traveling alone. Not once did I feel unsafe. I will be booking another trip with them for next year.

Our second trip with Explore, and both have been Fantastic. We had an excellent group to ride with, the bicycles were great, and the location, Provence, was amazing and beautiful. But what really pulled it together was our great team leader, Erwin. He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, provided excellent guidance throughout this journey. And beyond that, he has a passion for Provence, its people, and its history, that he was able to effectively share with the group. He clearly spent the time researching and exploring the area to ensure we had the very best experience! We hope, and would feel very lucky, to ride with him again! Thanks!!!

This bike and barge trip was absolutely wonderful. The crew was great, the food was much more delicious than I expected thanks to chef Bob and our guide, Weiger was wonderful. The route was well planned out and very doable if you have some previous biking experience. The trip exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it.