Photo courtesy of Ell Brown, flickr
Peddling a bike on a leisurely ride through the back roads of Provence sounds like a slice of heaven, doesn’t it? No crowds, no deadlines, no hurry . . . Just riding along from village to village, stopping only to quench your thirst, take in the scents and colors of a local farmer’s market or strike up a conversation with locals.
But since I’ve never traveled to the South of France, I wonder if the reality of Provence would live up to the idyllic countryside of my imagination. Maybe I’ve been reading too much Peter Mayle whose international bestseller, A Year in Provence, did more to stoke my wanderlust for France than any regional travel brochure I’d stumbled upon.
Photo courtesy of Ell Brown, flickr
I fear that my vision of peddling the back roads of Provence might be more like groups of hardcore biking enthusiasts zooming along at the speed of light, challenging active Boomers like us to pick up our pace or risk missing out on a biking adrenalin high.
Photo courtesy of Ell Brown, flickr
Still, after discovering bikes like this colorful three wheeler, with a spot for a passenger in the back, I hold out hope for that leisurely ride in Provence after all.
For more information on how to plan your own bike tour of the South of France, check out DiscoverFrance.
Would you like to add biking the back roads of Provence to your travel bucket list, Wanderboomers?
Nancy Thompson says
Great post! I have a dream to walk/bike the back roads on France. I’m more comfortable with walking but I love the picture of the three wheeler. I believe that is actually a pedicab. Now the vision of my husband and I sitting in the back sipping a lovely glass of white Bordeaux while a handsome young French man is peddling us through the countryside. That, I could definitely do! Thanks for the vision. It will keep me smiling all day.
Tami Von Zalez says
I could do for that – Provence and a leisurely bike ride. I’m in!
Popped in from AtoZ.
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Nancy Mueller says
Now you have me smiling, Nancy! Yes, walking the back roads of Provence would work for me, too. I have friends who took a walking tour in the South of France and loved it.
Nancy Mueller says
Happy to hear it, Tami! Sounds like a fun way to explore the French countryside, doesn’t it? Thanks for commenting ~
Kate says
You should definitely try to make the trip. Looks amazing!
(Stopping by from the A to Z Challenge)
Crystal says
I’ve never thought about riding a bike through France, but it sounds like a wonderful idea. Now there’s a part of me that wants to rent a bike and see Wales that way when I go to the UK this summer.
Nancy Mueller says
That’s what I’m thinking, Kate! Might be getting time for me to book that flight . . . Thanks for stopping by ~
Nancy Mueller says
Oh, yes, do it, Crystal! Be sure to send me a postcard ~
Rossandra White says
I almost did this when I was in Provence four years ago, but it didn’t work out. I could’ve used the exercise all the wonderful food, not to mention the more intimate views. I did however did a lot of walking (and getting lost.)
Nancy Mueller says
Walking works for me, too, Rossandra. Anything to help us stop and savor all that Provence has to offer. Thanks for your comments ~
maggie winter says
I love the three wheeler.
InsideJourneys says
That Peter Mayle book did the same for me and although I’d love to be in that pack, the reality might be the more leisurely pace. Or better still, on foot.
Nancy Mueller says
Nothing wrong with slowing down to enjoy the journey as far as I can see, Marcia. Thanks for commenting ~
Nancy Mueller says
Me, too, Maggie!