Classic Bike Provence
A little slice of motorcycling history in the south of France

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"Classic Bike Provence is not just another bike tour;
it's an entire experience...."

Rod Chapman, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure

Touring Provence, particularly from the seat of a classic motorcycle, is a wonderful way to escape the hustle & bustle of modern city life, an opportunity to shed the stress and complications of today's fast-moving society for a while and rediscover the essence of natural unspoilt countryside, breathtaking scenery, and the culture, ideals, and pace of rural Provençal life. One of the few true oases left in western Europe, Provence boasts some of the most diverse natural landscape in the world - from the azure coastline of the Côte Bleue and the maritime centres of Marseille, Cassis, and Méjean to the majestic peaks of Mt Saint Victoire, Mt Ventoux, and the rolling hills of the Luberon to the breathtaking depths of the world famous Gorges du Verdon. From a lazy half-day trip around acclaimed vineyards of the Coteaux d'Aix region, to a slightly less lazy ride through the Camargue, to a breathtaking run along the picturesque Route des Cretes, or an ascent into the mountain villages of the lower Alps, Classic Bike Provence offers unique trips suitable for riders of varying experience and ability. Pillions accompanying a rider travel free and our tours can also be taken with no motorcycle riding involved for those wishing to see the region as a guided pillion passanger. Most of our tours, with the exception of the 5-day chartered runs to Corsica, are fully customisable and participants are encouraged to discuss preferences and specific requests on the morning of departure over coffee & croissants at Classic Bike Provence HQ!




The market town of Arles

The Roman city of Arles

The Camargue
Duration: 1 day
Miles: ~ 120
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Join us on a lazy journey through the world-famous Camargue region west of Aix en Provence as we discover unspoilt scenery, pink flamingoes, and giant salt flats on our way to the historic Roman city of Arles (Ronin, 1998) for our mid-morning coffee stop. Famous across the world for its beautiful white horses, the Camargue tour with Classic Bike Provence is an ideal opportunity to discover the characteristics of your chosen motorcycle on deserted roads and is a wonderful introduction to the Classic Bike Provence experience. Lunch is normally taken in one of the 'petit villettes' along the way which gives a unique insight into traditional Camargue life. Very popular with our clients as an 'orientation' day and a good chance to get back into the swing of things due to it's less demanding nature, this lazy trip through the Camargue is the perfect place to start your touring holiday.




Chateau Virant on the Route des Vins

"Larue" at Chateau Virant.

La Route des Vins
Duration: 1 day
Miles: ~ 80
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Ride with us along the picturesque Route des Vins, or Way of the wines, as we explore the vineyards of the renowned Coteaux d'Aix wine region. Taking in chateaux such as Calisanne, Virant, Lacoste, and Joucques, we ride lazily around the vast plantations on pleasantly quiet roads taking in the enchanting scenery around the Roman city of Aix en Provence and ascend 1109m Mont St Victoire for a breathtaking view over the Aix region and beyond. Landscapes made famous by Paul Cezanne come alive as we ride along a carefully selected route designed with relaxtion in mind. Wide open spaces, azure skies, and unspoilt countryside envelope rider and pillion alike making the Route des Vins a popular choice with clients wishing to take it nice and slow for a day. Total distance about 130kms with frequent stops.




View over the Mediterranean

Stunning cliffs near Cassis on the Route des Cretes.

La Route des Cretes
Duration: 1 day
Miles: ~ 120
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Riding south from Ventabren to the coast near Cap Croisette east of Marseille we trace the ancient route around "Les Calanques", or fjords, from Montagne de Marseilleveyre along the coast through the coastal villages of Cassis, La Ciotat, and Bandol before turning north through the village of Castellet and visiting the famous circuit de Paul Ricard, original home of the legendary Bol d'Or annual motorcycle race. Heading northwards we traverse the Massif de la St Beaume into St Beaume itself for some stunning photo opportunites before striking west for home at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable day. This scenic trip is suitable for riders with some experience although it is by no means a taxing ride and has proved to be a very popular choice with pillions. Total distance about 200kms with frequent stops.




Nora at Gordes

Moutain village of Gordes in the Luberon.

The Luberon
Duration: 1 day
Miles: ~ 140
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Riding northwest from Ventabren to the mountainous region immortalised by Peter Mayle in "A year in Provence", the run to the Luberon wine region is a relaxing ride through hidden Provence. Marvel at the ascent to the spectacular mountain villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, and Goult, and enjoy the ride as we breeze through the lush valleys at Lourmarin, Roussillon, and Lacoste. The Luberon range is broken into two parts - le Petit Luberon on the west side and le Grand Luberon on the east, and the landscape between, crossing le Plateau de Vaucluse, as far north as towering (1909m) Mt Ventoux. A beautiful day out this ride is very relaxing and should never be rushed! This gentle run through premium wine country is suitable for all riders and is unsurprisingly a very popular pillion choice. Total distance about 220kms with frequent stops.




Méjean on the Blue Coast

The tranquil haven of Méjean on the Côte Bleue

La Côte Bleue
Duration: 1/2 - 1 day
Miles: ~ 75
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Riding southwest from Ventabren past the Aquecduc de Roquefavour, a strikingly impressive Romanesque structure, we head for the azure splendour of the blue coast west of Marseille and to the finest coastline this side of the riviera. A relatively short bike trip the run to the Cote Bleue nonetheless brings the rider through some impressive gradients as we trace the coastline from Ensues-la-Redonne, Carry-le-Rouet through Sausset-les-pins and on to the picture-perfect seaside hamlet of Méjean where a delightful, and deceptively simple, waterfront restaurant serves a provençal lunch to die for! A very popular run with riders & pillions alike the hop along the blue coast is perfect for those wishing to combine pre-planned afternoon activities around a mornings motorcycling, however this run can easily be extended to a full day out should it be desired. Total distance approx 120km, once again with frequent stops.




The stunning Gorges du Verdon

Taking in the scenery at the Gorges du Verdon

Les Gorges du Verdon
Duration: 3 days
Miles: 180 - 280
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Striking north from Ventabren at what sometimes feels like first light the run to the Gorges du Verdon is a fascinating ride across some of the most varied scenery to be found anywhere in Provence. Les Gorges du Verdon are the second biggest natural canyon formations in the world after the Grand Canyon in Nevada and as visually impressive and far more enjoyable to ride through. Join us on an exciting three-day tour from our base near Aix as we travel through the villages of Venelles, Meyrargues, Peyrolles, and Jouques before we pick up the trail of the river Verdon as she winds her way northeast towards the Gorges and the elevated town of Moustier-Ste-Marie for a late lunch. Our first overnight stop is at the town of La Palud right in the middle of the north face of the gorge at a delightful hotel where the views alone will have you gaping for hours! Rising early next morning to a continental breakfast we hit the trail once again and wind our way through the north face before crossing the canyon and negotiating La Corniche Sublime en route to our second overnight stop at Aiguines on the edge of stunning Lac St Croix. Bidding les gorges farewell the following morning we saddle up for a leisurely run back to Aix following the river home. The tour of the Gorge is a chartered tour and operates at defined points during the season, but a shorter version can be arranged based around one overnight stop. Please enquire for details. Total distance approx ~400kms.
Please note this trip is not suitable for those suffering with vertigo or for inexperienced riders!
Next 3 day CBP tour to Gorges de Verdon
Sept 15-17 2012
Price Solo Rider from £490 / Rider+pillion from £635




Calvi in Corsica

The coastline at Calvi in northern Corsica.

Corsica 2012!!

The next scheduled Classic Bike Provence tour to Corsica is
Sept 29- Oct 4 2012.
However, if you are a group of 3 riders or more and have a particular date in mind - contact us. Each trip comprises 2 nights on cruise ferry and 3 nights B&B on the island in comfortable accommodation.


Price: from £990 per rider / £1390 rider + pillion.

Corsica
Duration: 5 days

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Corisca is one of the true gems in the Mediterranean crown. A wild rugged island it boasts some of the most beautiful terrain in all of the republic. From stunning white sandy beaches to desolate peaks to lush green valleys Corisca offers the tourist a rare adventure not possible on the mainland of France. Marvel at some of the finest mediterranean cuisine and wonderful local wine while reacquainting oneself with nature on an elemental level. Classic Bike Provence now offers you the chance to ride with us as we discover the hidden Corsica far from the tourist centres of Ajaccio and Bastia. Our tour commences at the port of Marseille as we board the Napolean Bonaparte for a luxurious overnight ferry crossing to l'Ile de Rousse on the northern tip of Corsica. Cabins are booked for our touring guests for the 11hr cruise through the Mediterranean on a luxury ferry boasting several fine restaurants & bars, excellent relaxation facilities, and a very popular casino! A trip not to be missed - see sidebar for latest offers!

NB Itinerary may change subject to ferry availability
Please note this trip is unsuitable for inexperienced riders.





The Year in Provence

We are often asked   'When is a good time to tour Provence?'

The easy answer is:   'Any time!'

Provence is beautiful all year round, but certain times of the year have that little something extra to offer:

Through out the spring and early summer the Provençal lanscape is a mass of colour and it is not surprising that the likes of Cezanne and Van Gogh whiled away their hours trying to capture this magic.
During the months of April and May we will pass through abundant poppy lined routes. And as the poppy is the flower of remembrance we will also take you to sites of monuments placed in memory of soldiers and resistance fighters during the Second World War.

It seems appropriate that we should be riding our faithful classic machines through areas where sunflowers fields are in abundance, the significance of the sunflower being loyalty and longevity. Throughout late spring and early summer these flowers can be seen turning their heads skywards mirroring the image of the glowing sun above.

And in June and July you can't help but notice the scent of lavender as you go on your discovery of Provence. If the timing is right we will take you to observe the harvest of the flowers and see them packed into the huge water distillation vats that extract the oils used in remedies, soaps and cosmetics worldwide. A visit to the Lavender Museum completes the education.


Poppy fields at Aqueduc de Roquefavour

Poppy fields at Aqueduc de Roquefavour

Lavender at Valensole

Lavender Harvest

Poppies April & May
Sunflowers June & July
Lavender June & July
Grape Harvest September
Olive Harvest November & December

Bullet sunning

Bullet sunning herself



The French are renowned as food gourmets so it is hardly surprising that throughout the year there are various festivals and fairs to celebrate particular delicacies.

Sardinades July
Cepes (wild mushrooms) Oct - Nov
Côte du Rhone Primeur (Beaujolais Nouveau) November
Chestnut Festival November
Truffles("black diamonds") November - February
Oursins (sea urchins) & Huitres(oysters) Oct - March
Olive and Olive 0il Nov-Feb
Wine Festivals Dec-March


And below is a very condensed calendar of some events taking place each year in Provence.

January:Monte Carlo Rally
February:Nice Carnaval
March:Lemon Festival, Menton
            Aix Carnaval
            Bull Running (Féria) Arles - Easter through to August
April:Benediction of Horses and Riders
May:Cannes Film Festival
       Monaco Grand Prix
       Spring Transhumance Celebrations - taking the sheep into the mountains
       Gypsies Pilgrimage
       Camargue Cowboy Festival
June:Aix Music Festival
         June 21st Festival de Musique
         Feux de la St Jean
July:Bastille Day Celebrations 14th
         Tour de France
         Aix Festival
         Avignon Festival (smaller version of the Edinburgh Festival!)
August:Bull Fighting and Running, St Remy
September:Rice Harvest Festival, Arles
October:Orsinades (sea urchin festivals)
November:Truffle markets , Wine fairs, Olive and olive oil fairs throughout the region
December:Christmas Markets, Santon Fairs, Wine Fairs


So as you can see, no matter what time of year you decide to visit Provence you will be assured of stunning countryside together with a wealth of new cultural experiences.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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