Provence
Destination Guide For the following tours: PE R FUM E S OF P R OV E N C E PICTUR E PO STC ARD P ROVEN C E STA R RY N IG HT S I N P ROVEN C E
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Welcome T
hank you for choosing BSpoke Tours or Cycling for Softies for your holiday. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to showing you the beauty of Provence by bike. Our goal is for you to have a rewarding and remarkable holiday; one where you are able to discover, explore and relax. This destination guide is intended to show you what to expect on your holiday and covers a range of subjects, from which local attractions to visit, to the type of bikes you’ll be provided. You will receive an additional arrival pack at your welcome meeting with our Destination Managers, which will include detailed maps and route notes for your tour. In the meantime, don’t forget to download your Ride with GPS routes before travelling. See page 6 for more information.
Contents Touring bikes Electric bikes
04 04 05
Ride with GPS
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Useful contact details
07
The region
08
Your bikes
Places to see Villages and towns Wine and delicacies Natural wonders Historical sights Events and festivals
10 12 14 16 18
Frequently asked questions
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Your feedback
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Your bikes
O
n our cycling holidays you will be provided with a comfortable, well maintained hybrid touring bike. Complete with panniers and a handlebar bag, these bikes are perfect for carrying the essential items you will need throughout the day, whilst we transfer the big bits of luggage to your next stop. We also offer the option of upgrading to an e-bike on all of our tours. These brilliant bits of kit take the sting out of the tougher days and are available from just ÂŁ20 per day. See page 5 for more information on our e-bike fleet.
Touring bikes Trek T200 & Dawes Sonoran New for 2019, the Trek T200 is the premium comfort touring bike from one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers. The bike is designed for comfortable cruising with features including mudguards, suspension, 24-speed gears and built in lights, all mounted on a lightweight aluminium frame. Also in our fleet is a range of Dawes Sonoran bikes. These are lightweight aluminium hybrid bikes, with mudguards and pannier racks, that are great fun to ride, especially on itineraries with some inclines. Both bike models are available in crossbar and step-through frames.
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NEW FOR 2019
E-bikes Trek TM1+ 500Wh (or equivalent)
Electric bikes are an increasingly popular choice for those who would like a boost up the hills and a bit more zip on the flat. We use the Trek TM1+ e-bike, or a model of equivalent standard. These bikes offer various levels of support, adding extra power as you pedal which makes a tremendous difference, especially on hills. But don’t expect a free ride - the motor only assists your pedalling, it won’t turn the wheels without your legs helping too! We are often asked about the battery life and range of electric bicycles. The range and battery life will depend on how the bike is used. For example, on flat roads with the minimum level of assistance, it is possible to achieve a range of 145km / 90 miles. On the other end of the scale, if you use the maximum boost constantly it may last 45km / 28 miles. The batteries are easy to remove and charge using the mains plug provided. We recommend that you do this at every hotel to ensure you have maximum range for the following day. On longer days, you might even like to add some extra charge at lunch stops too - most cafés and restaurants will be happy to accommodate this.
Accessories and children’s bikes All bikes come with a 20 litre waterproof pannier bag, puncture repair kit and lock. Helmets are available but please let us know if you’d like one to be provided before you travel. We have a range of children’s bikes, seats, tag-alongs and trailers to suit all ages. Please contact us before travelling to discuss the most suitable option for your child.
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Ride with GPS
I
n addition to our traditional route notes and OS style maps, we encourage all of our guests to use our GPS navigation, which is similar in function to the sat-nav you find in most modern cars. We are affiliated with Ride with GPS, who offer a brilliant smartphone app to help take the stress out of navigation. Before you set off you’ll receive an email containing an invitation from us to your tour ‘event’ and detailed instructions on how to get started. After signing up for a free account, you will be able to view and download your routes to your phone, for use offline when overseas. The app allows you to follow your route highlighted on a map as well as offering spoken instructions.
How it works 1. One month before departure you will receive your event invitation link via email. 2. Follow the link, sign up for your free account and RSVP to our invitation. 3. You will now be able to see all of the routes for your tour and download them to your phone’s memory. 4. Upon arrival in resort, you simply select your route for the day, press ‘Ride’ and follow the spoken navigation cues.
Prefer paper? At your welcome meeting you will also receive detailed route notes and appropriately scaled IGN maps for the region you are travelling in. We can also provide GPX files for your own GPS device. Just ask us before you travel.
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EMERGENCY NUMBER
112
This is the emergency number you can call for free in all European countries if you need urgent help from the emergency services. If you need other assistance in France, your first call should be to our local Destination Manager. Make sure to save their phone number during your welcome meeting.
C ONTAC T D ETAIL S
Contact details
24-hour UK helpline | +44 (0)20 7471 7798 Hotel Gounod 18 Place de la République, 13210 St Rémy de Provence | +33 4 90 92 06 14
Hotel L’Image 36 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 13210 St Rémy de Provence | +33 4 90 92 51 501
Hotel Les Mas de Gres 1651 RD 901, Four à Chaux, Isle sur Sorgue, 84800 Lagnes | +33 4 90 20 32 85
Hotel du Poete Le Village, 84800 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse | +33 4 90 20 34 05
Hotel Le Clos de la Glycine Rue de la Poste, 84220 Roussillon | +33 4 90 05 60 13
Hotel les Sables d’Ocre Quartier les Sablières, 84220 Roussillon | +33 4 90 05 55 55
Château des Alpilles Route du Rougadou, 13210 St Rémy de Provence | +33 4 90 92 03 33
Spa Hotel le Calendal 5 Rue Porte de Laure, 13200 Arles | +33 4 90 96 11 89
Hotel Jules Cesar 9 Boulevard des Lices, 13200 Arles | +33 4 90 52 52 52
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TH E REGION
The Region
F
rance’s impossibly scenic south-eastern region is filled with lavender fields, Roman ruins, sleepy villages, storied cities, and countless bucolic vistas - with endless photo opportunities. It’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty and glamour of Provence. The chatter emanating from rustic street cafés. The buzz of the cicadas. The beauty and glorious light has inspired a range of artists, from Cézanne and Van Gogh to Picasso. In fact, the famous Van Gogh painting “The Starry Night” is of St-Rémy-de-Provence, our base in the region. The history of Provence is as rich as its soil and is evident in the local architecture. It was fought over by Romans, Gauls and Saracens in the past, giving the region a rich and varied range of architectural styles. From the stunning Roman amphitheatres in Arles and Orange, to the boxy Saracen towers in some local villages. The landscape of the region is one of rolling planes and small mountain ranges, such as the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Alpilles further south. Then there is Mont Ventoux, known as the giant of Provence, a 1,912m peak that dominates the horizon. Your route doesn’t take you up any mountains, but through the vast fields of lavender and vines, and to beautiful hillside towns.
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T H E REGION
An extra perk of this magnificent landscape is its suitability for growing grapes of many varieties. You can expect to taste reds, whites and rosés from local producers with your meals, from a variety of AOC’s. The most famous AOC’s nearby are probably the Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhone and Côtes du Provence, all of which produce wines with rather different characteristics. The cycling in the region is suitable for a wide range of abilities, from Tour de France professionals to those who haven’t turned a pedal in years. Ask most people about cycling around here and the first words they’ll mention will be Mont Ventoux, a mountain that juts aggressively out of the flat planes, used frequently as a mountain top finish in the Tour de France. To get from town to town you will be riding on small, rural roads that trail through the relatively flat, open planes. The cars are courteous and respectful of those travelling by bike, making it an absolute pleasure to explore the region on two pedal-powered wheels.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Villages and towns In addition to the overnight stops on your tour, you’ll pass through some lovely towns and villages on your way. Here are some that you may like to stop off in:
Baux-de-Provence
Home to a stone fortress with a Saracen tower. Make your way to the top and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the nearby Alpilles mountain range.
Eygalières
One for the gardeners, Eygalières is a charming small village famed for its stone houses covered in beautiful, colourful flowers.
Cavaillon An attractive town known for its harvest of melons. We recommend visiting the market on Monday morning to sample some of them. L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Hugged by the river Sorgue on all sides, it’s known as the ‘island city’, carved up by canals running through ancient streets. If you fancy a day out of the saddle, why not canoe here from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Gordes One of the region’s most beautiful villages, perched on the southern edge of the high plateau of the Vaucluse. Take in the beautiful white and grey stone houses, many of which belong to celebrities, that rise out of the rock on which the village sits. At its summit, you will find an ancient castle overlooking the hills of the Luberon. Also worth visiting is the nearby Abbey of Senanque, home of Cistercian monks who make honey, lavender essence and liqueurs. Bonnieux
Easily spotted due to its hilltop church tower, Bonnieux is a collection of ancient houses built on a plateau above the valley. From the top of 86 stone steps is the “Vieille Eglise” and from up here amongst the cedar trees you can see Gordes and Roussillon in the distance, amongst vast plains of lavender and vines.
Beaucaire/Tarascon These twin towns, perched on either side of the Rhône river, are a hive of activity on warm summer days. The beating heart of Beaucaire is its harbour, full of charming canal boats and lined with traditional cafés and bars. A perfect spot for lunch on your way to Arles.
Ménerbes An archeologically fascinating village which has been inhabited since pre-historic times. In more recent times, much of its fame is due to Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’, which was set in the village. 10
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Wine and delicacies Everywhere you go here you will see vines cloaking the surrounding countryside. Here is a list of some of our favourites:
AOP Ventoux The AOP Ventoux area is part of the vast belt of Rhône Valley vineyards that stretch from Lyon in the North down to Avignon in the South. The output from the 7,500 hectares of vines consists of 75% red wine, 20% rosé and 5% white. The AOP Ventoux vineyards are without question some of the oldest in France. Recent archaeological finds have made it possible to trace winemaking back to around 30 BC. The climate is Mediterranean: dry in summer and very sunny all year round. The famous Mistral, the prevailing northerly wind, provides the vines with remarkable natural ventilation, making it easier to farm organically. We recommend a visit to Domaine de Tara, one of the finest producers in the region, situated just outside of Roussillon. Côtes du Luberon The Côtes du Luberon appellation covers 3,500 hectares. It is situated between Cavaillon and Apt, with 36 districts sharing the vineyards. 80% of the wine producing land is grouped into co-operative wineries (caves co-operatives). Around 70% of production is made up of well-balanced reds and the remaining 30% is fresh whites and rosés. Château de la Canorgue, just outside of Bonnieux, produce some of the best examples of Luberon wines - call in on your way past for a tasting. Les Baux This is a relatively new appellation which used to be called Baux-de-Provence. This is a more compact area centred around a range of mini yet nonetheless impressive mountains called the Alpilles. Les Baux gave its name to bauxite which was mined here to produce aluminium. Otherwise, the region is known for exceptionally fine olive oil and, of course, wine. There is a definite microclimate here: long hours of sunshine and the cleansing influence of the Mistral wind. Vineyards are often scattered and sheltered by extensive woodland and garrigue. Not surprisingly most of the vineyards are farmed organically. One of the nicest local showrooms is Domaine Mas de Dame, near Baux-de-Provence.
Melons One of the glories of Provence is the Cavaillon melon (also known as Cantaloup or Charentin). With its green skin and orange flesh, this intensely sweet and juicy fruit speaks of the 300 days of sunshine the region receives in a year. Keep an eye out for them as you pass through any local markets.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Natural wonders The whole region is renowned for its natural beauty, from the vast rolling vineyards to the silhouetted mountains sitting on the horizon. Here are a few of the most stunning features:
Ochre
Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. You will become acquainted with Roussillon’s unique natural history while walking along the ochre pathways. You can also learn about how the ochre is treated and used in the building industry by visiting the “Conservatoire des Ocres et des Pigments Appliqués”, situated in an old ochre factory.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse At Fontaine-de-Vaucluse you can see the source of the River Sorgue. The river starts in a tranquil pool, that gives rise from its depths to an enormous amount of water (an average of 22 cubic metres each second but almost 10 times that amount at its peak) that goes crashing off down some rapids. The Sorgue river settles down soon after though and there is an option to canoe from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to the beautiful Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Mont Ventoux Standing at 1,912m, Mont Ventoux is known as the ‘Giant of Provence’, a mass of bare limestone rock that dominates the region and can be seen from miles around. The mountain is an iconic destination for fans of the Tour de France, in which it regularly features as a mountaintop finish and is often the site of spectacular racing. The Camargue South of the city of Arles lies the Camargue Natural Park, a vast stretch of protected wetlands that is home to flamboyances of flamingos, who cover the glistening waters in a sheet of pink. In some areas you may even spot the famous wild white horses that roam the region too.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Historical sights Provence is famous for its Gallo Roman history, its close ties to the papacy in medieval times, and...
Gordes Standing on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse, Gordes is one of the “in” villages of Luberon where many movie stars and artists have made their home. At the top of Gordes, you can see the fortified castle enclosing the city hall and the Pol Mara museum, which displays the Flemish contemporary painter’s work. The odd village of the “borie” is intriguing. Bories are little round huts built in stone and were at one time used by shepherds and hunters. The fabulous Abbey of Sénanque is hidden in the nearby valley. Cistercian monks still live there producing honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs. The whole twelfth century edifice is open to visitors.
Arles Amphitheatre The centrepiece of Arles is the Roman amphitheatre, built in 90 AD. Once the scene of fierce gladiatorial battles, the building has a more sedate claim to fame as the subject of some of Vincent van Gogh’s later works. Ménerbes Inhabited since the Neolithic era, as evidenced by the discovery of the Dolmen de la Pitchoune just outside of town, Ménerbes is a town of historical interest for almost any era. The remains of grand Roman dwellings and ancient cemeteries have been unearthed by archaeological excavations in the area. Also nearby is the ancient Saint-Hilaire convent of the Carmelite order, founded in the 13th century and displaying an interesting mix of architectural styles, from Roman to classical Gothic. A little later, during the religious wars of the 16th century, Ménerbes was the capital of the Protestant movement. The most striking reminder of this is the citadel, which provided vital protection for the inhabitants through this period. St-Remy-de-Provence
A real gem for fans of ancient historians and art historians alike. The archaeological site of Glanum, a short cycle south of the village, is a former Gallic city, with structures heavily influenced by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Also nearby is the Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh spent a year of his life being cared for to combat his mental illness. You can now visit the site and see a recreation of Van Gogh’s room and recreations of his paintings in the setting that they were created.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Events and festivals Market days
Major events
St-Rémy-de-Provence Weekly market on Wednesday mornings.
Feria (St-Rémy-de-Provence) A celebration of traditional bull-fighting, bull-running and horsemanship. Expect to see bull runs, parades of horses with riders in traditional dress and people dancing in the streets to brass bands. The organisers go to great lengths to ensure the safety of all the animals involved, as well as all the spectators. The Feria takes place in mid-August each year.
Roussillon Weekly market on Thursday mornings. Lagnes Weekly market on Friday mornings. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Weekly market on Sunday mornings, the biggest in the region. Bonnieux Weekly market on Friday mornings. Cavaillon Weekly market on Monday mornings. Vaison-la-Romaine Weekly market on Tuesday, Provençal market on Sunday mornings between June and September. Arles Weekly market on Saturday on Boulevard des Lices and Wednesday on Boulevard Émile Combes. Antiques fair on first Wednesday of the month on Boulevard des Lices.
Festival De La Sorgue A local festival that has been running for over 40 years and that is now one of the major events for locals in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Events normally include live music from local bands and tribute acts, dance performances from the cancan to traditional Tahitian and the consumption of lots of local wine! Events take place every Friday in July, split across the towns of the region, including Fontaine-deVaucluse and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Gordes Weekly market on Tuesday mornings. 18
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FAQs What happens when I arrive? Before you arrive our Destination Managers will get in touch by SMS or email to introduce themselves and to arrange your welcome meeting. If you’ve booked travel through us, your private transfer will meet you at your arrival point and take you to your first hotel. Once there, your DM will get you set up on your bicycles and talk you through your holiday, paying particular attention to your routes and navigation. If you are travelling independently, please advise us of your estimated time of arrival and our representative will meet you at a convenient time at your first hotel.
What is the role of your Destination Manager? Your Destination Manager is your point of contact at your destination. They are responsible for making sure your holiday runs smoothly, solving any issues that arise, and sharing their local knowledge with you. They are your bike mechanic, luggage transfer driver and tourist information office all rolled into one and are on hand for the duration of your trip.
How does the luggage transfer service operate? In the morning please bring your luggage to reception by 10am for the DM to collect. It will then be taken by minibus to your next hotel, and, traffic and unforeseen hold-ups permitting, will be waiting for you in your room by 3pm. Please ensure that your luggage is clearly labelled with your name so we know where to take it.
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When and how should I check in at hotels? You are most welcome to arrive at our hotels at any time. However, you may find they are busy serving lunch between 12pm and 2pm, and your room may not be clean and ready for you with your luggage before 3pm. Checking in is easy - simply tell reception you are with BSpoke Tours/ Cycling for Softies and give your name. You will then be presented with your room key.
What should I do if I have an accident? If you or a member of your party is seriously injured, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112. For less serious incidents you can contact your DM on the number provided and they will endeavour to help in any way that they can. Your first action after an accident should be to ensure the safety of all group members. Move out of the road or cycle path to a safe spot and check for injuries. Be particularly vigilant if somebody has hit their head and continue to monitor their condition even if no immediate symptoms of concussion are evident. It is also important to check your bicycle before you set off again, as the accident may have left it needing repairs or replacement. In particular, make sure your brakes still function, that your frame has no visible dents/cracks, and that your handlebars and wheels are still straight. If you suspect any damage, it is important that you contact your DM so they can organise necessary repairs or a replacement. Please take a moment to fill out an accident form with your DM and always err on the side of caution. We advise that even minor injuries be checked by a medical professional.
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What should I do if I have a mechanical problem with my bike or I get a puncture? The bicycles we provide are well maintained and of a very high quality. Punctures and mechanical breakdowns are unlikely, however we equip you for unlikely mishaps with a good puncture repair kit and a pump, plus instructions on how to use them. For major repairs, please contact the DM and they will come to meet you and either replace your bike or fix the problem as soon as possible.
What should I take with me when cycling? Some essential items to take with you when out riding are: • • • • • • • •
Water Wallet/purse Sun cream Snacks Raincoat Mobile phone Maps Toolkit/bike lock
What should I wear when cycling?
Do I have to follow the recommended routes? You do not have to follow our recommended routes, but as the name suggests, we strongly recommend that you do! We plan our routes to take you on our favourite roads in each region and to take you to your destination via our favourite towns, villages and attractions. That said, you are certainly welcome to go your own way, and your DM will be happy to help you plan a ride to suit your needs.
What happens if I get lost? With the map books, route notes and GPS routes provided, getting lost is a rare occurrence. However, if you are unable to make it to your destination, please contact your DM who will help you get back on route and to your next destination.
A good place to start is a pair of padded cycling shorts. These really will make a world of difference and they’re a great investment that help you get as much enjoyment as possible out of your cycling holiday. Otherwise, avoid clothing that restricts movement and clothing with poorly placed seams that might cause uncomfortable chafing. Shorts and a light, airy top are a winning combination when the weather is good, but it’s always wise to bring a waterproof jacket too in case the weather turns. Any pair of comfortable, flat soled shoes will do the job and a pair of sunglasses and a hat are useful to protect you from the sun’s rays.
Do I have to cycle every day? No, you are free to cycle as and when you choose. After a long day in the saddle, a lot of people then prefer an easy day beside the pool or taking a leisurely stroll around the town.
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FAQs Do I have to wear a helmet?
Can I bring my own bike?
We strongly encourage all of our guests to wear a cycle helmet. A good quality helmet will reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident. For comfort, we suggest that guests bring their own helmets if possible, but we do have some available in resort too. Please let us know before you travel whether you would like to borrow one, so that we can ensure they are delivered with your bikes. Please note that helmets are required by French law for children under 12 years old.
Absolutely. Please inform us of your intention to do so before departure so that we can better manage our stock of bicycles in the region you are travelling to. There is no reduction in holiday price for using your own bicycle.
What should I do with my bike at lunch/overnight stops? Whenever you are not riding your bike, please use the locks provided to securely fasten them to something solid. It is also a good idea to remove any valuables from your pannier bags. Each hotel offers secure bike storage on site - simply ask at reception when you arrive and you will be shown where this is. We still recommend locking your bikes and emptying your panniers for extra security.
What bikes or bike seats do you provide for children? We can offer 3 bike options for children (please speak to the UK team before departure to confirm your preferred option):
Can I change to an electric bike or touring bike during my holiday? We are happy to organise for you to change between bike types whilst on your holiday. This is subject to availability and changing to an electric bike will incur an additional cost. Please note that it may take up to a day to facilitate this change.
How fit do I have to be? Not very! Whilst a good level of fitness is obviously helpful, it is by no means a necessity on our tours. All our routes are designed to be as leisurely as possible, within the limitations of the region’s geography, and are on average 20/25 miles long. You have all day to complete the routes, so there is no need to rush. Take your time to soak up the surroundings, stop for lazy lunches and visit the local attractions.
1. Child bike: Small sized bicycles with child specific design. 2. Child seats: A safe seat that attaches to an adult bicycle, great for younger kids. 3. Tag-a-long bikes: A small bicycle that mounts to the rear of an adult bicycle, giving the adult control of speed and steering but allowing the child to pedal and help you up hills!
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? Tell us what you think Feedback from our guests is really important to us. Upon your return you will receive an email linking you to an online feedback form. You can use this to let us know what you thought of your trip. Please be as honest as you like - that’s how we can make sure we provide the best possible service.
Visit www.bspoketours.com or www.cyclingforsofties.com for inspiration.
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Ready to ride? Make sure you’ve got your routes downloaded... Happy cycling.
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The Glassmill | 1 Battersea Bridge Road | London | SW11 3BZ
BSpoke Tours and Cycling for Softies are trading divisions of Ski Solutions Ltd. and part of the Active Travel Group.