Vaucluse Vineyards Cycling

Fiona Hughes travelled to Provence on a staff educational visit in 2010

Picture acres and acres of grape vines with leaves turning yellow, red, gold and brown and all the gorgeous colours of autumn - contrasted against this are still some dark purple grapes hanging on the vines, clear blue skies, quaint ancient stone and tile buildings grey and brown and hazy hills of green as a back drop - the country side of Provence in autumn was truly stunning, the colours were just out of this world.

Locals described for us the varied seasons which would also be just as stunning..the miles and miles of blossoms, of all the acres of cherry trees in spring, the vibrant colours of the flowers and particularly fields of lavender in summer set against the vivid green of all the grape vines - stunning scenery is there to be enjoyed April-October.

Combine this with the gorgeous local wine and divine Provencal cuisine plus the chance to then cycle the calories away, a cycling tour is a unique holiday option.

We wanted a trip that allows you to slow right down and to really get a feel for the local way of life in the countryside, small villages and even the slightly busier roads and towns also visited. This trip allowed us to do just that. A truly unique way to really experience the ebb and flow of everyday life in the country you are visiting.

At the start you are given a safety briefing, riding advice, a detailed route briefing, along with a map, and day to day itinerary. Your bike is fitted out with a pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder - all you need is your own helmet and water bottle.

The bikes are easy to ride and pretty comfortable, but it would be good to get a bit of training in before hand, as I hadnt been on a bike since I was a child but managed okay; however having been a bit more prepared would have been better but it just goes to show you dont have to be a cyclist to enjoy these style of trip.

So once you are equipped with your bike, your accommodation and breakfast daily is all taken care off, all you need to do is take care of your own lunch and dinner - plenty of lovely street side cafes or the option of picnics in the countryside.

If you want a trip where you really experience a country at street level rather than from the window of a coach, and to be able to get to the little back lanes of a village or country roads where no bus and barely even cars can reach then a cycling tour is definitely the way to go.

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