One of my favourite biking routes is the Véloroute du Calavon, in the Luberon Valley. It’s a pretty ride and very easy. Biking on a Voie Verte This route is a voie verte (or “greenway”), a paved route for bikers, walkers and rollerbladers. There is a network of them in …

My wife and I live part of the year in St-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming town that sits at the foot of the Alpilles mountains. We love to bike in and around the Alpilles on routes that range from easy to moderately difficult. If you stay off the busy main roads, biking …

We are so lucky, living where we do, as the roads around us are often used for professional cycle races, including the Tour de France. Since buying the house here, it has passed close by twice, and we have taken every opportunity to watch the professional riders race along some …

Sitting in the north of the Vaucluse, on the border with the Drome, Mont Ventoux dominates the skyline. This mountain, with its white-scree summit, is an iconic landmark and its profile is instantly recognizable from afar, even as far away as the Camargue. Mont Ventoux can be seen from many …

“It certainly had some scary moments.”  That was le fils Aixcentric’s take on the Via Ferrata in Cavaillon, even though he’s tried them out in the Alps.  Meaning ‘iron way,’ a Via Ferrata is a series of scrambles along the mountainside linked by metal ladders, hand-holds, bridges and ropes. The …

This weekend head to Saint-Raphaël to watch top stand-up paddleboard (SUP) champions and kids compete in this Coupe de France event. Event Details June 3: Registrations close June 5: 10 am: Kids lessons June 5: 2 pm: 1st French Surf Federation race June 5: 6 pm: Sprint June 6: 10 …

Only 35 minutes from the Nice Airport at 550m above sea level, the peaceful village of Châteauneuf-Villevieille is a clear contrast to the dynamic French city. Set against the flank of Mont Férion in the préalpes, Châteauneuf-Villevieille is an excellent base for an active holiday near the French Riviera. The …

I woke up this morning with a plan, and it seemed a good one too. After a week of doing lots of long walks with the dog, I had decided that we could both do with a slower day, so I planned an early drive to the market at L’Isle …

One of the nicest things about living on the French Riviera is the number of walking trails you can discover with your family. There’s plenty of trails that are perfect for all ages throughout the year. The French Riviera has an incredible amount of history, so you can combine exercise …

This last week, I have been out every day, walking with Millie. Not just a little amble along the lane or up the trails at the back of the house, but good, long walks, exploring some favourite tracks and finding some new ones too. Although the physiotherapist has said that …