Vineyard of the Alpilles by bike

Cycling through the beautiful landscapes of the Alpilles offers a chance to explore Provence in a way that’s both active and relaxing. This tour, organized by Sun-e-Bike, combines the joy of e-biking with the sensory delight of tasting local wines at a renowned vineyard. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a complete beginner, this experience promises scenic views, cultural insights, and a touch of indulgence—all at an accessible price point.

What we particularly appreciate about this trip is its flexibility. The routes are designed for all levels, making it a great option for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to see Provence at a leisurely pace. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the wine tasting segment is quite brief—just about 15 minutes of sampling, which some might find too quick if they’re expecting a more extended wine experience. Still, this tour is best suited for those who want a balanced mix of nature, culture, and gastronomy without any fuss.

If you’re after an authentic, manageable way to enjoy the Alpilles’ stunning scenery while savoring some of the region’s finest wines, this experience could be a great fit. Just be prepared for the possibility of hot weather, which some reviewers noted can make routes more challenging without proper hydration and sun protection.

• E-bike flexibility makes this tour suitable for all fitness levels.
• Beautiful landscapes include olive groves, mountains, and charming villages.
• Wine tasting at a local vineyard provides a taste of Provençal flavors.
• The self-guided app helps you navigate and explore at your own pace.
• The experience offers excellent value at around $49 per person.
• It’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed, scenic day with cultural highlights.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour begins from a central point at 2 Rue Camille Pelletan in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, making it easy to incorporate into your Provence itinerary. You’ll rent a high-quality e-bike, which takes the effort out of cycling, especially when climbing hills or dealing with the summer heat. The self-guided route app is a thoughtful addition, providing detailed directions and information so you can explore independently but with guidance.

The ride itself covers the landscapes of the Alpilles, famous for their rugged beauty, olive groves, and picturesque villages like Baux-de-Provence. You’ll get to see classic sights, enjoy panoramic views, and experience the quiet charm of this part of Provence.

The Vineyard Stop: A Brief but Enjoyable Tasting

One of the key highlights is the visit to a partner vineyard—options include Château Romanin, Mas de la Dame, or Mas St Berthe. After cycling through scenic routes, you’ll arrive at the vineyard for a wine tasting session, which typically lasts about an hour. As one reviewer noted, the wine tasting involved five glasses of local wines in a cool, inviting environment, which they found to be well worth the money.

The vineyard staff, praised for their friendly and helpful manner, guide you through the tasting, explaining the nuances of each wine. However, some reviewers mentioned that the tasting is relatively brief—around 15 minutes—which means it’s more of a quick sample rather than an in-depth wine tour. Still, it’s a lovely way to finish the cycling part of the day, with many guests expressing satisfaction with the quality and variety of wines.

The Route and Its Accessibility

Designed for all levels, the routes can be tailored to your pace. The e-bikes make it easy to handle hilly areas, and the scenic views are accessible even to less experienced cyclists. Reviews mention that the route is easy to follow and that the scenery is stunning, making it a visually rewarding experience without requiring strenuous effort.

The tour duration varies from 4 to 9 hours, allowing you to customize based on your interests. Some guests, like Hilary from the UK, appreciated the flexibility, combining the bike ride with sightseeing in Les Baux-de-Provence and enjoying the illumineres show. The ability to arrive back at your starting point at your own pace adds to the appeal, especially if you want to extend your day with a leisurely lunch or additional exploration.

Practical Details and What’s Included

For $49, you receive e-bike rental, a detailed itinerary accessible on your smartphone, and the wine tasting experience. The group is private, which enhances the relaxed and personalized atmosphere. The tour is pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Not included are food and soft drinks, so you might want to bring a picnic or plan to stop in local cafes. Given the hot weather some reviewers experienced, carrying water and sun protection is advisable.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Travelers

One traveler, Hilary from the UK, described the experience as “absolutely fantastic” with “beautiful scenery” and appreciated the moderate effort needed on the e-bikes. She felt the wine tasting was excellent and enjoyed having plenty of time to explore Les Baux-de-Provence afterward.

Another guest, Judith, highlighted the excellent quality of bikes and service, though she noted that hot weather could affect the route app and suggested bringing a picnic to make the most of the day. She also pointed out that the wine tasting was a quick affair but still enjoyable, especially thanks to the friendly staff.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is especially suited for those who want to combine active outdoor exploration with some indulgent wine tasting. It offers great value and is ideal for travelers who prefer flexible schedules and appreciate the freedom of a self-guided tour. The route showcases some of Provence’s most iconic scenery, making it a memorable, scenic day out.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Wine lovers who want to taste local wines in a relaxed setting
• Travelers seeking a gentle outdoor activity with cultural touches
• People looking for a balanced experience that’s not overly strenuous
• Anyone wanting a self-guided, flexible tour with plenty of scenic photo opportunities
• Visitors who appreciate good value for an immersive day in Provence

The Vineyard of the Alpilles by bike offers a charming way to see Provence beyond the usual tourist spots. The combination of easy cycling, stunning landscapes, and quality wine tasting makes for a well-rounded experience. The self-guided app gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, while the vineyard visit adds a delicious local flavor to the journey.

While the wine tasting is brief, it’s well-organized and served in a lovely setting, making it a highlight for many guests. The value for money is clear, especially considering the included e-bike and detailed itinerary. It’s perfect for those who want to combine activity, culture, and gastronomy on a flexible, scenic route.

In essence, this tour is a great choice for curious travelers eager to enjoy Provence's natural beauty and culinary delights without the hassle of complicated arrangements. It’s a balanced, authentic experience that offers a taste of the region’s best—literally and figuratively.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the routes are designed for all levels, and the use of e-bikes makes cycling manageable even for those with less experience.

How long does the wine tasting last?
The tasting itself is approximately 15 minutes, with a total visit and tasting experience lasting about an hour.

Are the bikes comfortable and well-maintained?
Yes, reviews mention the bikes are of high quality and in excellent condition, providing a smooth ride.

Can I customize the timing of the tour?
You can check availability for different starting times, and the duration can range from 4 to 9 hours, allowing flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, and perhaps a picnic if you want to extend your day or avoid nearby cafes, especially in hot weather.

Does the tour include food?
No, food is not included, but you’re free to bring your own or plan to dine in local villages afterward.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.