E-Bike Provence | September / October 2025

And we're off - next stop Singapore!!

With Singapore already well-known to our seasoned travellers, today was all about revisiting favourite spots and soaking up the city’s easy charm. Some headed straight for the shops, others took in the sights or simply enjoyed a quiet moment by the hotel pool.

John and Helen laced up their walking shoes for the scenic Southern Ridgestrail, winding through lush National Parks with sweeping skyline views. They even stumbled upon a cyclist’s café; perfect for getting into the rhythm of the tour.

As the day mellowed into evening, the group gathered for a golden-hour visit to Gardens by the Bay, where glowing lights and futuristic trees made for a magical close to our Singapore stopover.

After a long-haul flight, a bit of gentle movement felt just right. Luckily, the Coulee Vertewas was just a short walk from our hotel; a leafy, elevated pathway that stretches nearly 10km along a former railway embankment. It’s now a peaceful green corridor, popular with joggers, dog walkers, and curious wanderers like us.

As we strolled, we couldn’t help but notice the rooftops, a surprising forest of chimneys, each one different, lining the buildings along the track. It was a quirky architectural detail that added charm to the walk.

Later that evening, we regrouped and headed out to a nearby restaurant, where good food and relaxed conversation rounded off our first day in Paris beautifully.

With Paris already familiar to many in our group, today was all about revisiting favourite spots and exploring at our own pace. The city’s excellent Metro made it easy to zip around, and our travellers wasted no time diving back into their personal Paris highlights.

A few tried their luck at visiting the newly restored Notre Dame, but only two made it inside; queues were surprisingly long, even for this time of year. Others decided to save their visit for our return, hoping for an early morning window with fewer crowds.

Meanwhile, some of the group joined the lively flow of walkers in Montmartre, soaking up the bohemian charm and street life that makes this hilltop neighbourhood so irresistible.

With our cycling adventure about to begin, we hopped aboard a sleek high-speed train and zipped through the sun-drenched French countryside; fast, smooth and surprisingly relaxing. The sunshine seemed to cheer us on as we arrived with time to stretch our legs on a gentle stroll through the city, meet our friendly cycle support crew, and settle in with a delicious meal at a cozy local spot. A perfect start to the journey ahead!

Our day in Aix-en-Provence began with a delightful introduction from our local guide, Cecille, who brought the city’s rich history to life, especially through the legacy of its most celebrated son, artist Paul Cézanne. As we wandered the charming streets, we sampled calisson, the region’s beloved almond-shaped confection, and admired the tempting window displays brimming with nougat and other sweet treats.

The skies were brilliantly clear, the sunshine generous, hinting at more beautiful days ahead. In the afternoon, we gathered for a relaxed briefing with our cycle support team and had the chance to set up and test our e-bikes. Smiles all around, the bikes were a hit and the excitement was building for the journey ahead.

Provence greeted us with perfect sunshine and a gentle breeze, ideal conditions for the first day of cycling. Spirits were high as we rolled out toward our first stop: the impressive Roquefavour Aqueduct. Inspired by Roman engineering near Avignon but built in the 19th century, it’s a towering marvel that once carried water to Marseille.

Next up? A charming local bakery where the coffee was strong, the pastries irresistible and picnic supplies were gathered for our lakeside lunch beside the huge Lake Etang de Berre, watching windsurfers foil and glide across the water like dancing dragonflies.

The afternoon brought a visit to a winery and olive oil producer, complete with a fascinating museum showcasing the history of olive oil production in the region. Ancient tools and stories gave us a deeper appreciation for the golden liquid we’ve come to love.

Then came our first taste of the mistral, Provence’s famous wind, mild but unmistakably head-on. We paused to admire cliffside holiday homes tucked into the rock, each one a postcard of Mediterranean charm.

Our accommodation for the night is pure magic: nestled among valleys and trees, with views that stretch for miles. Just a short stroll away, we enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner at a local restaurant; hearty, flavourful, and the perfect end to a sun-soaked day.

The day began with a picture-perfect view from the hotel window, an auspicious start to a journey filled with highlights. We rode through the serene Provencal countryside, bound for the charming town of Arles, with a few unforgettable stops along the way.

First, we paused to admire the remains of a Roman aqueduct, over 2,000 years old and still whispering stories of ancient engineering. Then on to Arles, where the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre stood as a testament to the city's layered history.

But it was LUMA Arles that truly captivated the imagination. This interdisciplinary creative campus, set within the Parc des Ateliers, is a hub where art, culture, environment and human rights intersect. The centrepiece is a striking tower designed by Frank Gehry, his signature faceted metal panels shimmering like the light of Provence that once inspired Van Gogh. Inside, a dramatic spiral staircase reflects into a revolving mirror, creating the illusion of perpetual motion. The “Library on Fire” offers a bold mix of formats for curious minds, and for the young (or young at heart), a spiral chute whisks you down two floors in playful fashion.

Later, we ventured into the Camargue, a region known for its wild beauty and white horses, before returning via the majestic Abbaye de Montmajour. Built in the 14th century and renovated in the 18th, the abbey now hosts three impressive exhibition spaces. From its rooftop, the panoramic views were nothing short of spectacular, a fitting finale to a day steeped in history, creativity, and wonder.

Another brisk morning gave way to a glorious blue-sky day, perfect for cycling through the Provencal countryside. The bike paths were smooth and easy, winding gently through landscapes that seemed to grow more beautiful with every turn.

Our first stop was the stunning hilltop village of Les Baux. Entirely restored after WWII thanks to the vision of a Michelin-starred restaurateur, the town is now a postcard-perfect blend of medieval charm and modern hospitality. Wandering its cobbled lanes felt like stepping into a storybook.

Next, we visited a Roman site even older than Les Baux’s medieval roots. There, we crossed paths with a Swedish cycling group, no guide, just laminated instruction sheets clipped to their handlebars. Brave souls! But it did make us appreciate the ease of having everything seamlessly arranged.

Coffee was calling, and the picturesque town of St-Rémy delivered. A sunny café terrace, good espresso and a bit of people-watching made for a perfect pause. Then it was off to the banks of the Rhône for a relaxed picnic lunch beside yet another 14th-century castle, because in Provence, history is never far away.

The final stretch was a breezy 30km along a riverside cycle path, leading us straight to Avignon and our first glimpse of the majestic papal palace. We’re staying just across the river at a peaceful boutique hotel, tucked into tree-lined grounds with a pool and spa, an oasis of calm after a day full of highlights.

Today was all about choice, with a free day to explore at your own pace, or join one of the optional adventures on offer. For those keen to dive deeper into history, the Edelweiss support van whisked a group off to the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard.

Built by the Romans in just five years, this ancient aqueduct is a masterpiece of engineering. Designed to carry water from Les Alpilles to Nîmes, its gradient is astonishingly precise, just 15 to 30 centimetres of incline per kilometre. Standing beneath its towering arches, it’s hard not to marvel at the ingenuity of a civilisation that shaped so much of Europe’s infrastructure.

After soaking in the grandeur of the Pont du Gard, the group continued to Avignon; a city that blends medieval charm with vibrant culture. The Papal Palace was a highlight: one of the largest and most significant Gothic buildings in Europe. Once both fortress and residence, it served as the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century, when the papacy briefly relocated from Rome.

With time to explore museums, browse local shops, and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere, it was a day of discovery, reflection, and a touch of indulgence, exactly what a free day should be.

Leaving Avignon behind, the day began with a twisty, turny route that kept us on our toes, and made us especially grateful for Ursula’s expert navigation. With cycleways, roundabouts and scenic detours, we happily followed her lead through the Provencal maze.

Our first stop was the renowned wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where we explored a fascinating museum dedicated to winemaking. A tasting session introduced us to the region’s celebrated vintages, and we couldn’t help but admire the uniquely shaped bottles, distinctive to this area and steeped in tradition.

Next came a treat of a different kind. Holger; our multi-talented videographer, chauffeur, valet and now chef extraordinaire, greeted us with a lavish picnic lunch. Set in a peaceful spot, it was the perfect pause before the afternoon ride.

The next 40km unfolded along a relaxed cycle trail that once served as a railway line. We even stopped at a charming old station café for coffee, a nostalgic touch that added to the day’s charm.

Then came the serene beauty of the 12th-century Abbey of Sénanque. Nestled in a quiet valley, the abbey is famously framed by lavender fields and often graces postcards and calendars. Though the lavender wasn’t in bloom, the setting was still breathtaking.

With some trepidation, we approached the final challenge: a 10km climb to the hilltop town of Gordes. But thanks to the gentle gradient and our trusty e-bikes, the ascent was surprisingly smooth. Gordes itself was spectacular, perched dramatically above the countryside, offering sweeping views in every direction.

The day ended with a downhill glide to our tranquil rural accommodation, where Holger, now donning his barman hat, introduced us to the Edelweiss tradition of the “boot” beer: a refreshing drink enjoyed before taking off your boots at day’s end. A delicious dinner followed, rounding off a day full of history, scenery, and camaraderie.

Some Sundays are made for meandering, and this one delivered in spades. We eased into the day with a relaxed ride through the Provencal countryside, bound for a charming Lavender Museum that turned out to be far more intriguing than expected. Let’s just say we’ll never look at Lavandin the same way again, our hearts now firmly belong to the high-altitude, true-blue Lavender Angustifolia of Provence.

<img src=\"https://www.toursdirect.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251005_101610-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"Provence, France\" class=\"wp-image-31986\"/>

<img src=\"https://www.toursdirect.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251005_132046-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"Provence, France\" class=\"wp-image-31983\"/>

<img src=\"https://www.toursdirect.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251005_134224-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"Provence, France\" class=\"wp-image-31980\"/>

From there, it was on to the ochre-hued cliffs of Roussillon, where morning coffee came with a view, and a splash of red clay on our shoes. A few adventurous souls scrambled through the surreal landscape, while others soaked in the scenery at a gentler pace.

By afternoon, most of us had made our way back to Gordes for a second coffee and a quiet moment of reflection. Tomorrow marks our final day of cycling and none of us can quite believe how quickly the time has flown!

Our final day of cycling couldn’t have been more glorious. We kicked things off with a scenic climb to the enchanting hilltop village of Lacoste, where history meets haute couture; Pierre Cardin’s restored castle now hosts concerts and exhibitions, perched above the valley with views that truly take your breath away. Sculptures dot the nearby landscape, adding a touch of whimsy to the rugged charm.

From there, we meandered through a string of postcard-perfect villages, each one practically begging us to pause for a coffee, or at the very least, a photo. The kind of places where shutters are always charmingly crooked and café chairs seem to whisper, “Stay a while.”

Lunch was a sun-drenched affair in Lourmarin, a town that feels like it was designed for long, lazy meals and laughter. The afternoon ride carried us gently through rolling countryside, golden and serene before we reluctantly turned our wheels toward Aix-en-Provence.

As the sun dipped low, we gathered for our farewell dinner; tired legs, full hearts, and stories to last a lifetime!

After heartfelt goodbyes to our wonderful cycling guides on Monday evening, today marked a gentle shift, no handlebars, no helmets, just us navigating the day at our own pace.

Some of us wandered to the morning market, one of the neatest and most charming we’ve ever seen. A few euros changed hands, and more than a few smiles were exchanged with the locals. From there, it was a leisurely stroll through town to the station, where a sleek, fast train whisked us back to Paris.

Our hotel couldn’t have been more conveniently located, and for dinner, we returned to an old favourite from our first Parisian stop. The food was just as delicious, but we couldn’t help missing the laughter and camaraderie of our cycling crew. It’s funny how quickly shared pedalling turns into shared memories!

Our final day in Paris was all about soaking up the magic one more time. Some of us revisited favourite corners; beloved museums, leafy parks, charming galleries and those irresistible little shops, while others uncovered new gems tucked away down cobbled lanes or spotted from a breezy river cruise. Whether by metro, boat, or simply on foot (so much walking!), the city kept revealing its charms.

A few early birds made a beeline for Notre Dame at sunrise, keen to catch what they’d missed the first time around, rewarded with quiet streets and golden morning light.

As our Paris chapter came to a close, we waved goodbye to Phil, who was staying on to soak up a little more of the city’s charm. En route to the airport, we celebrated Shirley’s half-birthday (because why not?), a cheerful moment that added a touch of whimsy to the long ride through evening traffic.

At the terminal, Paris gave us one last dreamy send-off: twinkling lights, elegant silhouettes, and that unmistakable feeling that we’d just lived something special. Final hugs and farewells were shared, with the bittersweet thought that we might not reconnect in Singapore.

But then, surprise! The very first thing we spotted at Singapore Airport was a little nod to France itself. A perfect reminder that even halfway across the world, Paris has a way of following you home!