Riding in all four seasons

Winter is generally sunny with very little rain and hardly any snow. Though the temperature drops below zero at night, it remains positive during the day. You’ll need suitable clothes to protect you against the cold.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for riding in Provence. A gentle and relatively dry climate is great for riding in the most comfortable conditions.

Spring brings out the myriad of fragrant Mediterranean plants while the landscape blooms with vibrant colours.

Autumn illuminates the countryside with shimmering reds and yellows on the deciduous trees which contrast against the rich ever-green trees.

Summer is not the best season for cycling in Provence, unless you like to get very hot and sweaty. It is better to get up early in the morning to go for a ride while the air is still cool. This leaves you with the afternoon for a swim in one of lakes on the Verdon River or a well-earned snooze in the lull of the cicada’s song.

Cycling sports events

‘Les Boucles du Verdon’ competition

The famous ‘Boucles du Verdon’ cycling competition is held every year on the last Sunday in May which attracts between 600 and 1,200 participants from all over France.
Two routes were programmed for the last race on 29 May 2011: 158 km and 93 km. The longer route followed the Verdon Gorge road via Palud-sur-Verdon, before moving onto the ‘ridge route’ via La Maline.
Information: www.bouclesduverdon.com

The ‘Tour cycliste’ in Haute-Provence

The last stage of the ‘Tour cycliste’ competition in Haute-Provence is hosted by Gréoux every year in June.
More information: Tour cycliste de Haute-Provence