{"id":66652,"date":"2025-07-07T06:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T10:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/?p=66652"},"modified":"2025-08-17T18:15:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T22:15:36","slug":"cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling Southern France: My Food-Obsessed, Poppy-Frolicking, Castle-Climbing Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Let\u2019s be honest. The cycling got me interested. But what sealed the deal? The promise of eating my way through Southern France while riding just enough miles to justify it. That\u2019s how I landed on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.experienceplus.com\/bike-tours\/france\/occitanie-south-of-france\/south-france-plus-pyrenees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094406\">Experience Plus\u2019s Provence to Pyrenees Plus!<\/a> France bike tour (and culinary voyage)\u2014a glorious 10-day mashup of medieval castles, countryside climbs, and a full-on love affair with French food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69b92fee496fe\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69b92fee496fe\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Markets_bakeries_and_the_art_of_the_mid-ride_picnic\" >Markets, bakeries, and the art of the mid-ride picnic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#The_unexpected_gourmet_gems_of_Southern_France\" >The unexpected gourmet gems of Southern France<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Sete_Oysters_boats_and_breaking_personal_records\" >Sete: Oysters, boats, and breaking personal records<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Les_3_Barbus_A_culinary_high_point_literally_and_figuratively\" >Les 3 Barbus: A culinary high point (literally and figuratively)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Chalk_arrows_Structured_freedom\" >Chalk arrows: Structured freedom<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Choosing_your_ride_Traditional_bike_or_sweet_sweet_e-Bike\" >Choosing your ride: Traditional bike or sweet, sweet e-Bike<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Castles_cloisters_and_my_Queribus_obsession\" >Castles, cloisters, and my Queribus obsession<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Nimes_Roman_relics_still_rocking\" >N\u00eemes: Roman relics still rocking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert_A_medieval_time_capsule\" >Saint-Guilhem-le-D\u00e9sert: A medieval time capsule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Carcassonne_Medieval_fantasy_meets_modern_comfort\" >Carcassonne: Medieval fantasy meets modern comfort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#A_spin_along_the_Canal_du_Midi\" >A spin along the Canal du Midi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Queribus_Fortress_%E2%80%93_the_Crown_Jewel\" >Queribus Fortress &#8211; the Crown Jewel<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#The_guides_Our_bike_whisperers_and_snack_providers\" >The guides: Our bike whisperers and snack providers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Why_Id_do_it_again\" >Why I\u2019d do it again<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#About_Experience_Plus_Family-owned_freedom_on_two_wheels\" >About Experience Plus: Family-owned freedom on two wheels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#FAQs_Cycling_Tour_Southern_France_with_Experience_Plus\" >FAQs: Cycling Tour Southern France with Experience Plus<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#How_to_pack_for_Experience_Plus_bike_tours\" >How to pack for Experience Plus bike tours<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Dont_forget_the_biking_gear\" >Don&#8217;t forget the biking gear!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/#Other_cycling_adventures\" >Other cycling adventures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Markets_bakeries_and_the_art_of_the_mid-ride_picnic\"><\/span>Markets, bakeries, and the art of the mid-ride picnic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each morning started with flaky, buttery croissants that practically melted the moment they hit my tongue. As we cycled from town to town, every charming village\u2014no matter how tiny\u2014served up a symphony of flavors. Market stalls overflowed with ruby-red strawberries, plump cherries, and bundles of fresh asparagus. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from boulangeries, luring me in for baguettes I could barely fit into my panniers &#8211; but of course, I found a way. Cured meats dangled like edible trophies, begging to be part of our daily picnics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We would swoop into markets and emerge like culinary magicians, arms full of fresh produce, creamy cheeses, and crusty loaves. At scenic roadside spots, we\u2019d pause for open-air feasts that would put most restaurants to shame. I swear, food tastes 200% better when you\u2019re slightly sweaty, surrounded by breathtaking beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" data-id=\"66972\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-53-1200x676.jpg\" alt=\"france bread\" class=\"wp-image-66972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-53-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-53-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-53-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-53.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" data-id=\"66973\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-2-1200x676.jpg\" alt=\"cycling tour southern france\" class=\"wp-image-66973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-2-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-2-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-2.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" data-id=\"66971\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-30-1200x676.jpg\" alt=\"French market artichokes\" class=\"wp-image-66971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-30-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-30-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-30-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-30.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66977\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-26.jpg\" alt=\"cycling tour picnic lunch france\" class=\"wp-image-66977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-26.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-26-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-26-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" data-id=\"66969\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-1200x676.jpg\" alt=\"cycling tour market visit france\" class=\"wp-image-66969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france2-27.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_unexpected_gourmet_gems_of_Southern_France\"><\/span>The unexpected gourmet gems of Southern France<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019d expect the big cities to bring their A-game, and they did. In Carcassonne, I devoured a cassoulet that was pure decadence: tender duck confit swimming in a sea of white beans, slow-cooked to velvety perfection. My fork barely had to work. Sitting inside a medieval fortress while eating it? Chef\u2019s kiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the real magic often came from unexpected places. Like the tiny village restaurant we stumbled upon one Sunday afternoon, thanks to the EP chalk arrows. Inside, the owners were running a one-couple culinary empire: she cooked, he served, and <a data-lasso-id=\"1092666\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/eat-with-locals-travel\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the locals filled every table<\/a>. I ordered the truffle fettuccine with a raw egg yolk resting on top like a golden jewel. Was it the chilled ros\u00e9 or the fact that we only had 12 miles left to ride? Either way, it felt like one of the best meals of my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sete_Oysters_boats_and_breaking_personal_records\"><\/span>Sete: Oysters, boats, and breaking personal records<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When we reached Sete, I thought I was prepared for the seafood. I was not. First, we toured the oyster farms by boat, gliding past rows of suspended oyster lines as our guide explained the delicate aquaculture process that makes Sete oysters some of the most coveted in France.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-gallery-id-66652_5e22ed-be .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-66652_5e22ed-be .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_5e22ed-be.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{overflow:visible;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_5e22ed-be.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kt-blocks-carousel{overflow:visible;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_5e22ed-be alignnone wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-ul kb-gallery-non-static kb-gallery-type-slider kb-gallery-id-66652_5e22ed-be kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom-hover kb-gallery-filter-none\" data-image-filter=\"none\" data-lightbox-caption=\"true\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-carousel splide kt-carousel-container-dotstyle-dark kt-carousel-arrowstyle-none kt-carousel-dotstyle-dark kb-slider-group-arrow kb-slider-arrow-position-center\" data-slider-anim-speed=\"400\" data-slider-scroll=\"1\" data-slider-arrows=\"false\" data-slider-fade=\"true\" data-slider-dots=\"true\" data-slider-type=\"slider\" data-slider-hover-pause=\"false\" data-slider-auto=\"\" data-slider-speed=\"7000\" data-show-pause-button=\"false\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><ul class=\"kt-blocks-carousel-init kb-blocks-slider splide__list\"><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land32 kb-has-image-ratio-land32\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-30.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"Southern france oysters sete\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-30.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-30.jpg\" data-id=\"66664\" class=\"wp-image-66664 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-30.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-30-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-30-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Then came the eating. Platters of briny, silky oysters appeared. I set a personal record for oyster consumption, and frankly, I regret nothing. (My cholesterol may disagree.) Add a chilled glass of crisp local Picpoul de Pinet wine, and the entire scene bordered on obscene levels of French perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Les_3_Barbus_A_culinary_high_point_literally_and_figuratively\"><\/span>Les 3 Barbus: A culinary high point (literally and figuratively)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tucked away in the C\u00e9vennes mountains, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.les3barbus.fr\/en\/restaurant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094407\">Les 3 Barbus<\/a> wasn\u2019t just another hotel stop\u2014it was a full-blown culinary experience. After a day of riding through winding mountain roads and postcard-perfect valleys, we arrived at this family-run inn perched high above a deep gorge, with panoramic views that made you instantly reach for your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it was the food that stole the show. Over two nights, Chef Michel Marvie delivered multi-course meals that were nothing short of edible artwork. Each plate was a perfectly choreographed balance of rich flavors and delicate textures\u2014think foie gras with just-picked local figs, tender lamb that practically melted on the fork, and desserts that could make grown cyclists cry. (I might have shed a tear or two.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add in the cozy dining room, the impeccable service, and the fact that I didn\u2019t have to change out of my cycling clothes immediately (don\u2019t worry\u2014I cleaned up for dinner), and it felt like the ultimate reward after a day of hard work in the saddle.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kb-gallery-type-tiles.kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc{margin:-5px;}.kb-gallery-type-tiles.kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc .kadence-blocks-gallery-item{padding:5px;}.kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc.kb-gallery-ul.kb-gallery-type-tiles .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner img, .kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc.kb-gallery-ul.kb-gallery-type-tiles > .kadence-blocks-gallery-item{height:300px;}.kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_1c4244-bc alignnone wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery\"><ul class=\"kb-gallery-ul kb-gallery-non-static kb-gallery-type-tiles kb-gallery-id-66652_1c4244-bc kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom-hover kb-gallery-filter-none\" data-image-filter=\"none\" data-lightbox-caption=\"true\"><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-59-2.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"southern france food\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-59-2.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-59-2.jpg\" data-id=\"66675\" class=\"wp-image-66675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-59-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-59-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-59-2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"735\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-27-2.jpg\"   alt=\"les barbus dinner\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-27-2.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-27-2.jpg\" data-id=\"66662\" class=\"wp-image-66662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-27-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-27-2-300x276.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-27-2-768x706.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26-675x1200.jpg\"   alt=\"French food\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26-675x1200.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26-675x1200.jpg\" data-id=\"66979\" class=\"wp-image-66979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26-675x1200.jpg 675w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-26.jpg 844w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29-1200x800.jpg\"   alt=\"southern france cycling\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29-1200x800.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29-1200x800.jpg\" data-id=\"66980\" class=\"wp-image-66980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-29.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37-1200x690.jpg\"   alt=\"les barbus gastronomy\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37-1200x690.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37-1200x690.jpg\" data-id=\"66981\" class=\"wp-image-66981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37-1200x690.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37-768x441.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-37.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"934\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56-934x1200.jpg\"   alt=\"Southern france food\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56-934x1200.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56-934x1200.jpg\" data-id=\"66983\" class=\"wp-image-66983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56-934x1200.jpg 934w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56-234x300.jpg 234w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56-768x986.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-southern-france-les-barbus-food-56.jpg 1168w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 934px) 100vw, 934px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If Sete was all about oysters and sea air, Les 3 Barbus was a mountain retreat for the taste buds\u2014a gastronomic oasis where calories didn\u2019t count (at least that\u2019s what I told myself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chalk_arrows_Structured_freedom\"><\/span>Chalk arrows: Structured freedom<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, we weren\u2019t just eating (okay, we were mostly eating). We were also cycling, and Experience Plus\u2019s low-tech navigation system was genius. Each day, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.experienceplus.com\/blog\/pointed-right-direction-history-chalk-arrows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094408\">we followed hand-drawn chalk arrows<\/a> around the south of France instead of staring at bike computers or fumbling with apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to leave early? Fine. Prefer a leisurely breakfast? Bon app\u00e9tit. Ride solo? Group up? Stop for 100 poppy photos? All good. Those arrows gave me the structure I needed with the freedom I craved. They even included cheeky messages before tough climbs, with my favorite being a jubilant \u201cTOP!\u201d at the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DKKC2Z6R4qN\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DKKC2Z6R4qN\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1116295\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewbox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DKKC2Z6R4qN\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"1094433\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Sherry Ott (@ottsworld)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>But the arrows weren\u2019t just functional\u2014they were like little personal tour guides sprinkled along the road. Some pointed out nearby historical sites or upcoming photo-worthy viewpoints, giving me plenty of reasons to hop off the bike and soak it all in. Others alerted me to sharp turns or sneaky detours ahead. And best of all? The occasional arrow that simply read \u201cBAKERY\u201d with a bold, promising arrowhead leading me directly to flaky croissant heaven. Honestly, those bakery arrows may have been my true guiding force through France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choosing_your_ride_Traditional_bike_or_sweet_sweet_e-Bike\"><\/span>Choosing your ride: Traditional bike or sweet, sweet e-Bike<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I started the tour on a traditional road bike, pushing myself through the miles and climbs with sheer will (and the promise of more cheese at the end). It was challenging\u2014no doubt\u2014but the sense of accomplishment after each climb was equally satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For journalistic purposes (that\u2019s my story and I\u2019m sticking to it), I switched to an electric road bike for the final three days. And let me tell you: it was like gliding across a creamy Brie \u2014 effortlessly smooth. The steep climbs became scenic strolls, and I had far more time to look around and fully soak in the stunning landscapes. Experience Plus offers a range of electric bikes depending on your comfort and fitness level, so you can customize the trip to match your abilities\u2014whether you&#8217;re a cycling beast or just want to coast and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Castles_cloisters_and_my_Queribus_obsession\"><\/span>Castles, cloisters, and my Queribus obsession<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Southern France scenery and medieval villages were straight out of a fairytale, and every stop on the route offered its own flavor of history, charm, and surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nimes_Roman_relics_still_rocking\"><\/span>N\u00eemes: Roman relics still rocking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting our Southern France cycling tour in N\u00eemes felt like pedaling straight into a living history book. At the heart of the city stands the Roman amphitheater\u2014fully intact and still hosting concerts and bullfights like it\u2019s just another Saturday night. I wandered through its ancient stone corridors, imagining gladiators pacing the arena (though thankfully, my only battle that day was with a particularly large gelato cone). The city oozes Roman influence, from its aqueducts to its public squares, blending ancient history with modern French life seamlessly. And yes, the wine bars surrounding the arena? Highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" data-id=\"66984\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-nimes-france-30-1200x676.jpg\" alt=\"Nimes France\" class=\"wp-image-66984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-nimes-france-30-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-nimes-france-30-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-nimes-france-30-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cycling-tour-nimes-france-30.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert_A_medieval_time_capsule\"><\/span>Saint-Guilhem-le-D\u00e9sert: A medieval time capsule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nestled at the edge of dramatic limestone cliffs, Saint-Guilhem-le-D\u00e9sert was like stepping into a perfectly preserved medieval postcard. The cobbled streets wound through honey-colored stone buildings adorned with flower boxes bursting in spring bloom. The highlight for me was seeing its ancient abbey and cloister\u2014part of which, I realized I\u2019d seen years earlier at The Cloisters museum in New York City. Talk about a full-circle moment! Sitting beneath the village\u2019s 165-year-old Liberty Tree while enjoying a <span data-color=\"rgb(255, 245, 245)\" style=\"color: inherit\">caf\u00e9 au lait<\/span>, I couldn\u2019t help but feel like I\u2019d unlocked one of Southern France\u2019s best-kept secrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carcassonne_Medieval_fantasy_meets_modern_comfort\"><\/span>Carcassonne: Medieval fantasy meets modern comfort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cycling into Carcassonne felt like I\u2019d been cast as an extra in a medieval movie. The fortified city rises dramatically from the surrounding countryside, its towering ramparts and pointed turrets visible from miles away. As we crossed the drawbridge on our bikes, bumping over cobblestones, I half-expected a fanfare of trumpets. Instead, I was greeted by the promise of two nights inside the walled city at a luxurious 5-star hotel that made me forget my sore legs (thanks to the bubble bath!). Carcassonne\u2019s narrow lanes, churches, and atmospheric wine bars delivered a perfect blend of touristy fun and authentic charm. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-45.jpg\" alt=\"Carcasonne France medieval town\" class=\"wp-image-66668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-45.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-45-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-45-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_spin_along_the_Canal_du_Midi\"><\/span>A spin along the Canal du Midi<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After a few days of climbing, the route delivered a welcome reprieve: smooth miles along the Canal du Midi. Barges floated lazily beside us, some packed with vacationers sipping ros\u00e9, while others glided under old stone bridges. The canal\u2019s 17th-century locks operate today like clockwork\u2014a bit of engineering magic that once revolutionized trade routes in Southern France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Queribus_Fortress_%E2%80%93_the_Crown_Jewel\"><\/span>Queribus Fortress &#8211; the Crown Jewel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Queribus was the grand finale, and she made us earn it. After days of rolling hills, vineyards, and canal paths, we faced our biggest challenge: a steep, unrelenting climb up to the fortress. But once I reached the top, every burning muscle was worth it. Perched at 2,400 feet on a narrow rocky peak, this 13th-century Cathar stronghold felt like the set of a fantasy epic. The wind howled around us as I stood atop the jagged stone walls, with panoramic views stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees. It wasn\u2019t just a photo op\u2014it was a victory lap for the entire trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66669\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-46.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-66669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-46.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-46-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-46-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66670\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-50-2.jpg\" alt=\"Queribus Fortress southern france\" class=\"wp-image-66670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-50-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-50-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-50-2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_guides_Our_bike_whisperers_and_snack_providers\"><\/span>The guides: Our bike whisperers and snack providers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sophie and Frederico were the ultimate guides. They kept our bikes running smoothly, fed us chocolate at strategic moments, filled wine glasses like pros, and answered every random historical question about Southern France we threw at them. They even executed a perfectly timed rescue when I got caught in an afternoon lightning storm! Unlike many other cycling operators, Experience Plus guides only work for EP, which is a sign of a great company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Id_do_it_again\"><\/span>Why I\u2019d do it again<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This was my first Experience Plus tour, but now I\u2019m ruined for any other kind of biking travel. Somehow, they\u2019ve figured out how to combine the best of solo adventure (freedom, flexibility, no herding) with the best of group support (logistics handled, luggage moved, culinary wizardry, local guides who actually care).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to eat ridiculous amounts of croissants, drink local wine in castle courtyards, discover medieval towns you never knew existed, and still feel like you\u2019re steering your own adventure, this is your trip &#8211; it&#8217;s an unforgettable experience. Just follow the chalk arrows. And bring stretchy pants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-id=\"66678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-01292.jpg\" alt=\"experience plus cycling tour\" class=\"wp-image-66678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-01292.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-01292-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-01292-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66674\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53.jpg\" alt=\"winery southern france\" class=\"wp-image-66674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66672\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53-2.jpg\" alt=\"spring poppy fields southern france\" class=\"wp-image-66672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-53-2-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-43.jpg\" alt=\"cycling tour southern france views\" class=\"wp-image-66667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-43.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-43-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-43-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-41.jpg\" alt=\"cycling along canal du midi\" class=\"wp-image-66666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-41.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-41-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-41-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"66659\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-16.jpg\" alt=\"Experience plus group dinner\" class=\"wp-image-66659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-16-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-16-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kb-gallery-id-66652_11dd3d-2d .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-66652_11dd3d-2d .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_11dd3d-2d.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{overflow:visible;}.kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_11dd3d-2d.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kt-blocks-carousel{overflow:visible;}<\/style><div class=\"kb-gallery-wrap-id-66652_11dd3d-2d alignnone wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-ul kb-gallery-non-static kb-gallery-type-slider kb-gallery-id-66652_11dd3d-2d kb-gallery-caption-style-bottom-hover kb-gallery-filter-none\" data-image-filter=\"none\" data-lightbox-caption=\"true\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-carousel splide kt-carousel-container-dotstyle-dark kt-carousel-arrowstyle-none kt-carousel-dotstyle-dark kb-slider-group-arrow kb-slider-arrow-position-center\" data-slider-anim-speed=\"400\" data-slider-scroll=\"1\" data-slider-arrows=\"false\" data-slider-fade=\"true\" data-slider-dots=\"true\" data-slider-type=\"slider\" data-slider-hover-pause=\"false\" data-slider-auto=\"\" data-slider-speed=\"7000\" data-show-pause-button=\"false\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><ul class=\"kt-blocks-carousel-init kb-blocks-slider splide__list\"><li class=\"kb-slide-item kb-gallery-slide-item splide__slide\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure kadence-blocks-gallery-item-hide-caption\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-land32 kb-has-image-ratio-land32\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-10.jpg\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" alt=\"cycling tour southern france bike trail\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-10.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-10.jpg\" data-id=\"66656\" class=\"wp-image-66656 skip-lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-10.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-10-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-10-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Experience_Plus_Family-owned_freedom_on_two_wheels\"><\/span>About Experience Plus: Family-owned freedom on two wheels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience Plus isn\u2019t your average tour company. Founded over 50 years ago by a pair of adventurous parents, it\u2019s now proudly woman-owned and run by their daughters, two sisters who grew up steeped in cycling culture. They offer bike tours across Europe and beyond, blending cultural immersion with incredible cycling routes. Whether you&#8217;re craving Tuscan hills, Dalmatian coastlines, or (like me) the medieval magic of Southern France, Experience Plus delivers thoughtfully curated experiences with just the right balance of support and independence. And yes, they\u2019re as passionate about good food and wine as they are about perfectly tuned derailleurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#d9de3e8f\"><a data-lasso-id=\"1094409\" href=\"https:\/\/www.experienceplus.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See all of the Experience Plus! Tours here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_Cycling_Tour_Southern_France_with_Experience_Plus\"><\/span>FAQs: Cycling Tour Southern France with Experience Plus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is this cycling tour difficult?<\/strong> It can be! Some days involve long distances or sustained climbs, especially as you approach the Pyrenees. But Experience Plus allows you to choose your bike (standard road, hybrid, or e-bike) to match your comfort and fitness level. With an e-bike, even the steepest climbs become enjoyable sightseeing rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?<\/strong> No! As long as you&#8217;re reasonably fit and comfortable riding for multiple hours, you can absolutely do this tour. E-bikes are an excellent option if you want to focus more on scenery and less on sweating. Plus, there is a support vehicle driven by one of the guides every day. So if you have reached the end of your energy, feel free to take the van!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What makes Experience Plus different from other bike tour companies?<\/strong> Their unique chalk arrow navigation system allows riders true flexibility and freedom while still enjoying full tour support, cultural immersion, and amazing local guides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What kind of food can I expect?<\/strong> Prepare to eat very well: local produce, daily markets, bakery stops, gourmet multi-course meals, oysters fresh from the water in Sete, cassoulet in Carcassonne, and decadent countryside picnics. This is a cycling tour for food lovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When is the best time to take this tour?<\/strong> Spring and early summer are especially lovely with fields of blooming poppies, seasonal cherries and strawberries, and ideal cycling weather.  I did the tour in May.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-12.jpg\" alt=\"poppies southern france\" class=\"wp-image-66657\" style=\"width:377px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-12.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-12-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1200px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(25% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(75% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a{box-shadow:0px 0px 14px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);}.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.29;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id66652_c57b27-1a alignnone has-theme-palette2-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column66652_5585e8-3b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bicvycle-graphic-600-x-400-px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bicvycle-graphic-600-x-400-px.png 450w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bicvycle-graphic-600-x-400-px-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column66652_5c2fcc-b4\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-616dfeb258c255b97cf4694e7859329c\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);font-size:29px\">See my entire list of favorite bike gear on my Amazon Store<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns66652_079497-1e{padding-top:0px;gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;}.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns66652_079497-1e .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns66652_079497-1e\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn66652_78b0a1-7e.kb-button{width:initial;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn66652_78b0a1-7e kt-btn-size-large kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/shop\/ottsworld\/list\/30LSGG0RGZ77Z?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Essential CYCLING Gear<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_pack_for_Experience_Plus_bike_tours\"><\/span>How to pack for Experience Plus bike tours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experience Plus provides you with one high-quality jersey that is yours to keep! They also provide a water bottle, snacks, electrolytes, GPS route files, and luggage tags. They also provide a simple tire repair kit and a multi-purpose tool in case you run into problems on the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to your EP gift jersey, you&#8217;ll also want to bring a couple of other pairs of bike kits. I brought three pairs of padded shorts and washed them out each night to be used again two days later. Don&#8217;t forget rain gear too &#8211; there were a few days when we really needed this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">I love the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/velorosacycling.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"1094442\" rel=\"noopener\">Velorosa Cycling kit<\/a>&nbsp;for women,<\/span> so I packed all of my favorite colorful and good-looking Velorosa kits, of course. I like the Velorosa kit not only because it&#8217;s cute, but you also have layers. I brought a long-sleeved jersey and a short-sleeved jersey. I also brought sleeves as the temps always started cool and then got much hotter throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget your helmet, cycling gloves, cycling shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other items you may want to consider packing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bike Mirror (I brought mine because I&#8217;m so dependent on it). Safety first!!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B09TRSZY9W?tag=onamzottsworl-20\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"1094444\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" data-lasso-name=\"Garmin Varia RTL515 Cycling Rearview Radar with Visual and Audible Alerts\" data-lasso-lid=\"66976\">Garmin radar<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Garmin-Computer-Touchscreen-Targeted-Navigation\/dp\/B0BT36CRCQ?tag=onamzottsworl-20\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"1094445\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\" data-lasso-name=\"Garmin Edge 840 Compact GPS Cycling Computer with Touchscreen and Buttons\" data-lasso-lid=\"66975\">Garmin Edge bike computer<\/a>&nbsp;with holders.<\/span> This is my normal setup I use when cycling on roads at home, and they are what I&#8217;m comfortable with. It was important for me to have them &#8211; plus they were small and didn&#8217;t take up much packing space! The guides helped me install them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> You can also bring your own saddle if you have one that you love and the guides will install. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your own pedals. If you bring your clipless cycling shoes with cleats, then&nbsp;<strong>also bring your pedals<\/strong>&nbsp;that are specific to your type of cleat. Guides will put your pedals on and take them off for you at the end of the tour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_forget_the_biking_gear\"><\/span>Don&#8217;t forget the biking gear!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-affiliate-plugin-lasso\"><ol id=\"lasso-anchor-id-biking-gear-essentials-1094770\" class=\"lasso-list-ol lasso-list-style-decimal\"><\/ol><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#d9de3e8f\">Wondering what gear you should take with you on your first bike tour? I did buy a pair of those padded bike shorts, but wasn\u2019t really a fan. Here are some other <a href=\"https:\/\/travelpast50.com\/our-best-cycling-gear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094763\">biking gear suggestions<\/a>&nbsp;from my buddies at Travel Past 50!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_cycling_adventures\"><\/span>Other cycling adventures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/surviving-my-first-bike-tour-basque-country\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094764\">Surviving and Loving My First Bike Tour in Basque Country<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-down-gotthard-pass-old-tremola-road\/\" data-lasso-id=\"1094765\">Cycling Down the Gotthard Pass: Taking the Tremola Road Less Traveled<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/wisconsin-bike-trails-to-explore-near-madison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094766\">Wisconsin Bike Trails to Explore Near Madison<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-pei-confederation-trail-and-national-parks-biking-tour\/\" data-lasso-id=\"1094767\">Cycling PEI: Confederation Trail and National Parks Biking Tour<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094768\">Cycling Southern France: My Food-Obsessed, Poppy-Frolicking, Castle-Climbing Adventure<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/biking-torres-del-paine-national-park-unique-patagonia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1094769\">Biking Torres Del Paine National Park: A Unique Way to Experience Patagonia<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:var( --global-content-width, 1200px );padding-left:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-right:var(--global-content-edge-padding);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(25% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(75% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9{box-shadow:0px 0px 14px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);border-top:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-right:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-bottom:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-left:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.29;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9{border-top:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-right:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-bottom:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-left:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9{border-top:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-right:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-bottom:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);border-left:8px solid var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id66652_b33980-c9 alignnone has-theme-palette9-background-color kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column66652_6e0a94-e3\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/capitol-to-capitol-quest-walking-and-cycling-to-the-united-states-capitols\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1099181\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CtoC_Circular_Logo.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67002\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:103px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CtoC_Circular_Logo.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CtoC_Circular_Logo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CtoC_Circular_Logo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CtoC_Circular_Logo-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column66652_abf391-01{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column66652_abf391-01 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column66652_abf391-01\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-theme-palette-3-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ea0034cb4cfa84640d661421d02ad02f\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);font-size:18px\">I have a big interest in seeing more of the US at a slow pace. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/capitol-to-capitol-quest-walking-and-cycling-to-the-united-states-capitols\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"1099182\">Capitol to Capitol Quest<\/a> is the perfect way to do that. It take me primarily through the rural parts of the US, where I can soak up that lesser-seen American culture. I have a love of traveling to lesser-known places, and this project will take me through the heart of America and those less-seen regions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-theme-palette-8-color has-theme-palette-7-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-4315a2ac553833f64d0261e690d96444\"><em>Disclosure:  I was a guest of Experience Plus Bike tours for this trip, however all pedaling was done by me!  In addition, all opinions expressed here are mine. <\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s be honest. The cycling got me interested. But what sealed the deal? The promise of eating my way through Southern France while riding just&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":66966,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2220,698,958],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-66652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-biking","category-food-and-drink","category-tours"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cycling Southern France: My Food-Obsessed Adventure<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Southern France by bike: medieval castles, oyster farms in Sete, cassoulet in Carcassonne, vibrant markets, and e-bike adventures.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cycling Southern France: My Food-Obsessed Adventure\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"I cycled and ate my way through Southern France and discovered the ultimate blend of freedom, food, and fairytale views.! From castles to epic climbs to ancient fortresses, this was no ordinary tour.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/blogs\/cycling-southern-france-my-food-obsessed-adventure\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OttsWorld\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ottsworldtravel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ottsworldtravel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-07T10:13:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-17T22:15:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-43.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sherry\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Cycling Southern France: My Food-Obsessed Adventure\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"I cycled and ate my way through Southern France and discovered the ultimate blend of freedom, food, and fairytale views.! From castles to epic climbs to ancient fortresses, this was no ordinary tour.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ottsworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/cycling-tour-southern-france-43.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/ottsworld\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ottsworld\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sherry\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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