Cycle Provence

Can't say enough good things about the trip! The booking experience was made as easy as possible with the support and quick replies of the website representatives. The trip leader was experienced, gave us a wonderful adventure (he happily went out of his way to make sure every one of us had access to the accommodations/bikes/days-off that we requested). And even though it rained one day we all had a wonderful time, as he knew just where we could stop for espressos and pastries while we waited out the rain. I would highly recommend this trip as it had two different hotels with day-trips from each, so less repacking between rides. I'm not sure of the composition of other tour groups, but ours was geared toward both strong riders and elders who were in great shape (I recommend the e-bike option so book early). We all enjoyed each others company and experiences.

A delightful group, with an excellent guide and beautiful countryside. Erwin is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area, and goes the extra mile to ensure a fabulous trip. Cycling was pitched just right for our group. Highly recommend.

This was my first group tour and I really loved it. The itinerary was nicely structured so that there was a cycle trip every day but there was also flexibility to opt out. The accommodations were nice, clean, and the staff were friendly. Our destinations were beautiful and travelling by bike each day in rural France was lovely. We were mainly travelling on back roads and cycle paths which were well maintained. If we went onto a main road it was for a short time and our leader gave us good instructions. I never felt unsafe. The bikes were relatively new and in good shape. We were a group of eleven members with one tour leader. The group members were great and it was nice to get to know so many of them. Our tour leader, Erwin Verhagen, was an exceptionally gifted leader. He was an excellent communicator, very personable, and he was enjoyable to be with. He kept us motivated, encouraged us to voice any concerns, and was very responsive to any requests. For instance, knowing that a few of us were interested in extra cycling one day, he arranged an extra 20-km ride. He also made a special effort to get me a bigger bike to better fit me. Overall I loved the tour and would strongly recommend it.

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.

Beautiful part of France to cycle through. It was great to have only 1 hotel change in the 1 week trip. Four distinct rides from our first base in Avignon and 3 from our second at Pernes des Fountaines. Our guide, Erwin, was very helpful and knowledgeable.

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!!!

Excellent trip, well organised and flexibly rolled out for our group Hotel room in Avignon was too small for 2 people with cycle gear etc

This tour was fantastic. I am now in love with Provence: the towns, the Roman ruins, the Van Gogh connection. Erwin Verhagen is an extraordinary tour leader. He tweaked the itinerary in a way that added many many great experiences that we would have otherwise missed. He took great care of each of us, and found us fine places to eat. One of the destinations, Gordes, featured a climb I didn't think I could handle. He went out of his way to rent e-bikes for me and two others that day, making it possible for us to enjoy that amazing town. His knowledge of the area added a lot to the tour for me. I'd tour with him anywhere!

A good holiday but be aware that France is not cheap. That is probably reflected in the average hotels and what can be afforded (although I understand they are changing next year). Eating out is expensive, although local boulangeries offer good value for lunches and snacks. That aside it shouldn't dampen the holiday, which was good and very well led by Erwin, who couldn't do more for us. There was plenty of historic and cultural places to see and pleasant countryside. One thing in France that was a joy is how they are dedicated to the cyclist, plenty of cycle routes and traffic giving way to bikes. Highlights were the views from Chateauneuf du Pape, the optional ride to the village at Chateau des Baux, Pont du Gard, Gordes, and the picnic at the vineyard in the view of Mount Ventoux.