The song muses, “April in Paris is a feeling no one can ever reprise.” If you’re after pleasant country lanes, rows of ripening wine grapes and an inviting, slower pace, you might change your tune. Fortunately both our Bicycling Bordeaux & the River Dordogne and our Burgundy: The Wine Route biking vacations offer extensions in the “City of Light.” So you’ll get the best of both worlds!
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Visit Provence
Whether you’re looking for history, art, wine, fine dining or inspirational vistas, you’ll find what you’re after in Provence. Though the region is generally noted for its countryside, the tree-lined avenue of its capital city, Aix-en-Provence, is sure to give travelers the characteristic sense of romance associated with southeastern France. Take some time to stroll along Cours Mirabeau, perhaps stopping in at one of the cafés that Paul Cézanne and Émile Zola worked in.
As you wander about the city you’ll note its historical feel. Aix was initially settled over two thousand years ago, due to its natural hot springs. Accordingly, ornate fountains, bubbling with naturally warm water, adorn the city’s ancient streets. Before departing, both the Musee des Tapisseries and one of the city’s largest structures, the church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte, also warrant a visit.
Hopefully, you’re visit to Cézanne’s Aix has gotten you prepared to ride along the country roads and villages that inspired his work. We’ll also explore Saint Remy, the evening cityscape that inspired van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” Though van Gogh was Dutch, some of his most celebrated work came out of the period he spent working and living in Provence.
Our bicycling journey will continue along the base of the Alpilles Mountain chain over the Rhone River and finally passing over Pont du Gard. The Roman aqueduct was constructed in the first century to provide water to the city of Nimes. This outstanding example of Roman engineering was originally designed to be held together only by friction, and no mortar was used in its construction. It has, however, been rebuilt and restored since then. A series of clamps help hold the massive aqueduct together, ensuring a safe walk across one of the world’s oldest, great structures.
Our final stop before exploring Paris is Avignon, home to another famous ancient construction. Le Pont d’Avignon. The 12th century bridge once spanned the width of the Rhone. However, the years have taken their toll on the stone thoroughfare and less of it remains than that of Pont du Gard. Yet, most would agree that the four remaining arches serve as a stunning complement to the ancient city’s façade.
Join us in exploring one of France’s most beautiful and historic regions on our Provence: The Alpilles biking vacation.
