Secret Provence Cycling

Location: Provence, France. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 2 bikes Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and all evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 3 Apr '12 to 8 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Choose from an 8 or 10 night version of this popular cycling holiday in timeless and sun-drenched Provence. You'll cycle through picturesque villages and vineyards, and past hidden castles and churches. Two nights are spent by the Gorges de Verdon.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Le Thoronet

We meet you at Les Arcs station and take you (35 mins) to your hotel.

Day 2 - Le Thoronet to Ponteves 32km/20mi or 37km/23mi

A lovely leisurely cycle today beneath huge pink cliffs, dotted with little villages, vineyards and tempting picnic spots. Highlights include Carces (great wine tasting and lake) and picturesque Cotignac with it's C13 church and fortress and amazing troglodyte dwellings!

Day 3 - At Ponteves

Walk to the ruins of the castle or cycle to nearby Barjols, a little town utterly dominated by water (it has four rivers running through it, 16 lavoirs and 27 fountains) - pottery and tambourines are made here too!

Day 4 - Ponteves to Bauduen 39km/24mi

Pedal north through the forest of Pelenq dotted with hidden chateaux. Past the village perche of Fox Amphoux, inhabited since the iron age. Then on via the pretty hill village of Moissac-Bellevue: spectacular views right across the region.

Day 5 - At Bauduen (optional 2-night extension, see below)

You really are spoilt for choice here! Our friendly hotel is right on the shores of the gorgeous Lac de Ste Croix and offers direct access to the beach for swimming. Nearby, the lower gorges of the Verdon are well worth exploring and, unlike the Grand Canyon upstream, are much less crowded.

Day 6 or 8 - Bauduen to Tourtour 39km/24mi

Wonderfully varied cycling today perhaps stopping off for lunch in Aups, a mediaeval country town with ramparts, a ruined castle and pretty wrought iron campanile - good markets Wed and Sat. Then onto Tourtour - superb views out over the Massif des Maures - and one of our favourite *** hotels with two pools and jacuzzi.

Day 7 or 9 - At Tourtour

Explore this pretty village, complete with mediaeval streets, ramparts, hidden squares and delightful alleyways. Or take one of our favourite bike rides along the ridge to gorgeous Ampus (12km round trip). Alternatively just relax by the hotels pools.

Day 8 or 10 - Tourtour to Le Thoronet 42km/26mi or 47km/29mi

Your day starts with a wonderful downhill whizz through pine forests to Villecroze, a picturesque village founded by a retired Roman General and later the site of a Templar commandery. On to Salernes - famous for its colourful tiles and pottery - then via the Bresque Valley to mediaeval Entrecasteaux: fortified Gothic church and C17 chateau. Your final stretch takes you up through a series of sleepy hamlets and back to Le Thoronet in time for a swim and laze by the pool before dinner.

Day 9 or 11 - Leave Le Thoronet

Return home after breakfast.

Optional 2-night extension in Bauduen

There's simply so much to do in and around Bauduen that we are proposing two additional nights (making four nights in total) in order that you can really get the most out of your stay. Stroll or cycle around the original hilltop village - tiny streets, artisan craft shops, tempting cafes and restaurants - rent an electric boat, canoe or pedalo to explore the hidden creeks surrounding the lake and village. There are gentle walks and challenging hikes through the lower Gorges du Verdon, or you can kayak through the gorge before visiting the excellent Museum of Pre-history. Other options include cycling to Les Salles-sur-Verdon, following the fascinating botanical walk, or taking a taxi to the wonderful Grand Canyon.