With sprawling fields of fragrant lavender, Forcalquier’s incredible market and indescribably soft sunlight that captivated the likes of Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso, Provence’s picture-perfect beauty can seem almost unreal. Maybe that’s why we’re drawn to the lesser-known, hidden heart of Provencal life: games of boules with our friend Bernard, nights in the magical La Bastide de Marie and wine tastings with local friends. As good as it looks?
No—much better.
Go Bespoke: Whatever your heart’s desire, one of our seasoned Trip Designers will dream up a totally custom B&R experience that you’ll never forget.
All of our scheduled trips can be booked as private trips (your dates, your group).
The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain with a few small hills—all very manageable for people trying their first biking trip.
Walking – 6-10 km (4-6 mi.) a day on country lanes, footpaths and coastal or forest trails, all on relatively flat terrain, perhaps with an occasional hill.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over terrain that’s relatively flat but will include inclines and the occasional climb or two.
Walking – 8-12 km (5-7 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain, with occasional steeper climbs.
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day in gently rolling countryside, with occasional longer climbs to points that are well worth the effort.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over rolling terrain on a variety of surfaces. Most days, one or two steeper climbs to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.
Biking – Roughly 50 km (30 mi.) a day in consistently rolling countryside, with repeated climbs and longer options available.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) over terrain that varies between rolling and hilly, with a few steeper climbs.
Biking – 50-60 km (30-45 mi.) a day over both level and tougher, hillier terrain with multiple 100 km (62 mi.) options. The routes are designed for avid cyclists and include plenty of chances to push yourself.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over fairly hilly terrain offering lots of challenges. Routes are along high meadow paths and/or well-maintained cliffside or alpine trails, with a few steep ascents to make you feel invigorated.
We use premium hotels that are unique expressions of the region. Often they’ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case they offer an exceptionally comfortable stay.
These are stylish 4-star properties that offer a casual and comfortable stay. Often without a 24-hour concierge or room service, they tend to be smaller family-run hotels that are perfect for the region.
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet your every need,
with every stitch of every day crafted just the way you want it.
With a travel career spanning nearly two decades, expat Dana Quinn has left few stones unturned in Europe. And underneath those stones? Under-the-radar gems
like mountain pine grappa and a Sicilian cave that whispers to you.
As B&R’s Regional Director for France and Western Europe, Kathy channels her abundant energy and decades of travel expertise into crafting a trip portfolio that immerses travellers into some of the world’s most incredible regions.
Meet KathyWe’ve been in Provence so long, our
friends have an open gate policy.
This was our fourth B&R trip and it was magnificent. Provence was the most beautiful landscape yet! We are busy planning next year’s trip as we are always so pleased with the quality of the hotels, the food and wine, and of course the cycling. Thank you once again B&R!
“It was exhilarating to cycle down local farm roads, surrounded by fields of luscious lavender, olive groves and five or six-foot high sunflowers.”
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