The final spot on this year’s highlights tour is the Pont du Gard. It is impressive what the Romans built over 2,000 years ago. The bridge is part of a 51-kilometer-long aqueduct that supplied the city of Nîmes and its residents.
The next day, we begin our journey home. We leave Provence—the region of the five senses—behind us. We cycle upstream along the Rhône Cycle Route (EV), a 400-kilometer journey with three overnight stays, all the way to Lyon. The fruit and vegetable cultivation is, in some ways, similar to that in Germany. However, there are also kiwi plantations, figs, and fennel fields. Artichokes, almonds, and peaches have already been harvested.
Route for the second half of the 2026 season: https://rapl-kiste.de/wp/maps/
Urlaub statt Reisen
We are seizing the moment and taking a break from traveling. There is something to be said for a vacation. We set off on our bikes at the end of July and see where the road takes us. Our general direction is south. Once we reach the Mediterranean, we plan to head toward Italy or Spain. But things turn out differently. Heat waves determine whether we move on or stay put. It turns into a vacation in southern France with a few multi-day stays in particularly beautiful places—off the beaten path.
When traveling through vacation destinations, our curiosity is not really challenged. Everything a tourist could think of, is right there. There are sights to see, cultural attractions, exhibitions, souvenirs, day trips, markets, well-stocked supermarkets, small shops selling ice cream and cold Coke, restaurants, and fast-food joints. Accommodations are available for every budget. The surprises are limited to the quality and the price. Aside from meeting up with our friends, there are few chance encounters with people. We go with the flow.
What about our desire for freedom? We do have our freedom—always when it comes to choosing the destination, the location, and the length of stay. Freedom is not the most important thing on vacation. The hosts are very familiar with the vacationers’ needs. That saves time, and time is money.
We have a wonderful time in the south of France. It is really a beautiful region where we enjoy the late summer. “Life there is gentle and slow,” Brad Pitt said just recently in an interview. Cheerful, friendly people with sunny dispositions. Two months, 3,000 kilometers by bike, living under the open sky. Our rain gear and warm jackets lie unused at the bottom of our panniers.
The Search for New Formats
Tips, not only for Cyclists
- The Rhône Cycling Path (EV 17) is a great alternative to the Rhine Bike Path (EV 15). From north to south with a tailwind, heading for the Mediterranean.
- The Southern Luberon is the crowning jewel of Provence.
- The Western Alps are amazing.
- For those traveling by car, we recommend the “Route Napoleon” for the trip south.
- Travel season: Third week of August through the end of September.
- Das Süd-Luberon ist die Sahnehaube der Provence.
- Die West-Alpen sind ‘ne Wucht.
- Die’ Route Napoleon’ ist für den Autoreisenden unsere Empfehlung für die Fahrt in den Süden.
- Reisezeit: Dritte Augustwoche bis Ende September.
Anticipation is the greatest joy: We are looking forward to our next adventure.
