PACA is one of France’s 27 regions, but many people don’t realize just how vast the PACA region truly is or that it actually includes six departments.  Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Buches-du-Rhone, Var, and Vaucluse make up PACA, short for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Historians, artists, as well as wine enthusiasts flock to this region for the ancient culture, breathtaking scenery and beautiful villages. All departments are equally worthy of a visit and cyclist’s find the best time to visit is in the spring. Why does a springtime bike vacation have all level cyclists raving?

1.) Spin out your winter legs

As the winter weeks drag on it is hard to think of anything other than clear skies filled with abundant warm sunshine. This is what awaits you in southern France as early as March and April.

2.) No summer crowds yet – shorter lines

The summer travelers are still packing at home allowing you to enjoy the city’s favorites with fewer lines and crowds. Visit the famous museums without waiting in line all day or get a table at that restaurant which is always booked.

3.) Off season prices

In general, summer is considered “peak” travel time meaning the “off season” time, like spring, may offer lower fares. Select hotels, airlines and restaurants have been known to reduce prices during this time.

4.) Charming towns

Provence certainly has its fair share of inviting towns include Arles, Gordes and Avignon, among other traveler’s favorites. The beautifully preserved medieval town of Avignon offers one of Europe’s most impressive buildings, the Palace of the Popes, while Arles has been called “the soul of Provence,” to which art lovers, archaeologists, and historians are especially attracted.

5.) Sunny beaches

Beach-goers will be in their glory amid the miles of coastline located along the Mediterranean Coast. For those seeking beauty and relaxation while dipping your toes into the wet sand than the PACA region is waiting to make your dream come true.

The PACA region is a great option when looking for an adventure tour and what better time than spring. Everyone, especially cyclists, enjoy this region because of the quaint atmosphere, warm and inviting climate, and rich history. With something new to see down every road, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur offers an unforgettable experience second to none.

Located in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, Meursault offers all the charm and enchantment that France has become known for.  From beautiful scenery to rich history to delectable dining and fine wines, there is more than meets the eye in and around this lovely place.  If you’re looking for something to do, see, taste and experience, the Meursault area is a must-visit destination.

Meursault is an Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) that is located a mere 7 km from the beautiful town of Beaune.  This quaint old village is home to the famous Hotel Dieu, once the spot of a hospital back in the 15^th century, and still remarkably well-preserved.  There is a lot of fascinating history in Beaune, from the ancient walls surrounding the area to the medieval buildings found scattered throughout, including a 12^th century clock tower.  It’s a fantastic place to cycle through or enjoy a leisurely stroll.  There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to visit and get a true feel of the Burgundy region.

Perhaps what Meursault is best known for, as are many Burgundy towns and villages, is the exquisite fine wine that is produced there.  While there are a handful of red varieties, the vast majority (nearly 98%) of the wine that comes out of Meursault is white.  To put it into perspective, of the 2.5 million bottles produced in Meursault annually, less than 50,000 bottles are red wine.

There are several classifications, or climats, of wine in Meursault which are generally divided into Northern and Southern.  Many of these are highly regarded Premier Cru, which is the second-highest classification level of wine, rated below that of Grand cru but above the basic village AOCs.  There are five climats in the north which make up Santenots, and four climats in the south of the commune.  The resulting wines typically exhibit an oak influence and are often described as “buttery”.

If you’re visiting Meursault at the end of the grape harvest, you’re in for a treat.  This is when the La Paulée de Meursault is celebrated; a spectacular luncheon tradition that began in the mid 1920’s and was once exclusive to winemakers, cellar workers, and those who lived in the surrounding community.  Today the event has grown to become an international wine festival which includes a formal dinner at the Clos de Vougeot as well as a charity auction.  The event is organized and run by the grandson of Count Lafon, who was the original event organizer.

Even if wine isn’t your forte, you’re certain to enjoy a visit to this charming little town.  Experience the heart of the Burgundy region with its rich, fascinating history, unmatched cultural pride and heartwarming picturesque landscapes.  Meursault is the perfect place to relax, unwind and explore the beautiful French countryside.  What will you discover there?

Of all the beautiful destinations in Normandy, Honfleur is perhaps the most picturesque.  That may have something to do with the historic city’s location, on the left bank of the mouth of the charming River Seine.  Not surprisingly, images of sailboats and seascapes abound making the area a favorite among artists.  In fact, Honfleur has been nicknamed the “city of painters” because it provides such a rich source of artistic material.  There is much to see in this sleepy town, with its peaceful atmosphere and old-time feel.  It is undoubtedly one of the must-see destinations in France.

One of the most appealing locations in Honfleur is the Old Dock, which features breathtaking old sailing ships traveling in and out as they moor.  Just as beautiful is the Old Dock’s background, which boasts rows of houses with brilliantly colored terraces.  Some buildings reach as high as six stories, yet incredibly are only wide enough for one room.  Visitors are often amazed at the appearance that these houses have – it’s almost as if they’re all attached and holding one another up!  The contrast of bright colors, crisp white sails and dark blue water is simply amazing.

Another popular site in Honfleur is Saint Catherine’s Church, an exquisitely designed structure made entirely out of wood.  A carved tribute to Saint Catherine, grasping a wheel and a sword, is located above the porch of the bell tower.  The oldest part of the church dates back to the 15^th century, having been built right after the Hundred Years War.  This historical structure is incredibly unique in that its constructors built it without the use of saws, and some of the beams are uneven because there were no more oak trees available to finish the job.  Along the lateral walls of the chapel visitors can also admire statues of some more recent saints, including two that were local to Honfleur.

Back in the day, Honfleur was recognized as a particularly influential town in terms of the impressionist movement.  Artists were inspired and moved by the scenic views – the perfect setting for countless masterpieces.  The shoreline was the ideal location to prop up an easel and capture the surrounding beauty.  Today visitors can walk the same paths and stand in the very spots that many brilliant artists once stood, from Eugène Boudin to Claude Monet to Courbet, Corot, Sisley, Pissarro and Renoir.  The most incredible part about it is that the scenery is still just as breathtaking now as it was then.

Whether it’s the peaceful moorings in Old Dock, the ancient structures that dot the landscape, or the spectacular scenery that once inspired infamous artists from around the world, Honfleur is truly a gem among gems in France.  A visit here is akin to a walk back in time, or perhaps even a step into a vividly colored Monet painting.  There is more beauty in this little city than meets the eye and, despite the countless artists who have attempted to capture it, it’s something that simply must be seen firsthand to truly appreciate.  If a visit to Normandy is in your future, be sure it includes a stop in Honfleur.

This specific tour offers cycling, hiking, canoeing, adventure park, and a treasure hunt. Your bike will be the primary mode of transportation from town to town, however there will be days that give you a break from cycling and allow you to explore in different ways. Take time on Day 3 in Les Eyzies to hike around the famous caves admiring their prehistoric paintings. On day 4 enjoy the town from a different perspective, on the water while canoeing. Stop at the adventure park on your way to Sarlat where you can do some ropes courses in the tree tops and zip lines. Finish the tour with a hike to La Roque Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, as well as a treasure hunt around Sarlat.

Of all the beautiful areas in France, the lovely region of Dordogne is among the most incredible. If you want cave paintings, remarkable chateaux, delicious food, rolling green countryside, historic villages, as well as adventure then this is the tour for you!

Named for Prince Guilhem of the ninth century, this small town has somehow managed to maintain its ancient personality, making it a truly unique and fascinating place to visit.  From old homes constructed of stone to antiquated towers that still dominate the landscape.  But don’t let the village’s quaint appearance fool you – there is plenty to do and see in Saint Guilhem le Desert.  For instance, the Clamouse Cave beckons visitors to come and explore and the Abbey of Gellone remains true to its ancient sacred roots.

Not only is Saint Guilhem le Desert rich in historical finds, but it also happens to be an incredibly beautiful place to see.  In fact, it’s been named one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France).  There’s a peaceful shady square featuring a tranquil fountain of water.  The flowing Verdus stream stretches throughout and the landscape is teeming with life from ancient oak and pine trees to fragrant thatches of thyme in ample abundance around the town.

On the side of one of the surrounding cliffs sits a medieval castle of Visigoth origin which overlooks the village below.  Its modest appearance is belied by the many extravagant stories that have been told over the years of the fortress’ history – stories involving everything from Visigoths to Saracens and troubadours.   Legend has it that this castle was once called home by a Saracen giant named Don Juan, who was singlehandedly defeated by Prince Guilhem.  The truth about what actually happened within the walls of the ancient structure, however, will forever remain a tantalizing mystery.

Another incredible find, the Abbey of Saint Guilhem le Desert, is so awe-inspiring that it has been named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Paths of Saint James” – the pilgrimage routes of St-Jacques de Compostela.  The Abbey was founded by Sain Guilhem sometime in the early 800’s and, although it’s seen its share of destructive events over the centuries, to this day remains a solid piece of living history.  And you don’t have to travel far to witness this historical site – fragments of the abbey can be found all over the region.

People come to the Languedoc region for many reasons, whether it’s the breathtaking natural beauty, the quaint French atmosphere or the amazing historical art and artifacts that can be found throughout.  The one place within Languedoc that embodies all of these features and more is the village of Saint Guilhem le Desert.  Come and see what this delightful medieval town has to offer – it’s certain to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

The famous castle located in Villandry has a long, rich and somewhat tragic history.  It was first built by Jean le Breton in the early 16^th Century and was constructed upon the foundation of a medieval fortress, at the foot of which an ill-fated meeting took place between the king of France, Philippe II August and the king of England, Henri II Plantagenet in 1189.  In the year 1754 the castle was acquired by Marquis de Castellane but was shortly thereafter confiscated during the French Revolution.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this massive structure is the exquisite architecture that was used in its design.  Crafted in the style of Renaissance, the chateau boasts some unique features which set it apart from other castles in the area.  For instance, it features a courtyard that is open, as opposed to the traditional closed-off style.  This was a somewhat risky design move as it rendered that part of the castle defenseless; however today it provides a lovely, welcoming feel to visitors.

The Chateau de Villandry is also host to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.  All of the gardens were expertly designed to be perfectly symmetrical, with paths intersecting at right angles.  There are a variety of different types of gardens to stroll through, including ornamental flower gardens, a water garden and vegetable gardens where 40 different types of veggies are grown.  Visitors are consistently amazed by the spectacular colors, from the red tomatoes, purple eggplants and yellow peppers of the vegetable garden to the vivid blooms of the multitude of oriental flowers that grow throughout.  There’s even a love garden which features color-coded sections of flowers each representing a different feeling or emotion.

In 1906 the Chateau de Villandry was purchased by Joachim Carvallo and has remained in his family ever since.  It continues to be a point of interest for travelers from around the world.  No trip to France would be complete without a visit to Villandry and this spectacular castle.  Take a stroll around the grounds, admire the incredible architecture and take in a view of the magnificent gardens from the towers above.  It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

With many tour providers to choose from, just what sets Discover France apart from the rest?  The answer could be several-fold, with superior service, unique adventures and masterfully crafted itineraries.  But what truly makes Discover France the best tour company to work with is our expert guides.  They bring to the table years of experience, extensive schooling, and a variety of other skills.  Best of all, they know how to have fun and make every trip an unforgettable adventure.  Here are a few of the many reasons why everyone loves Discover France guides.

Certified Professionals

At Discover France, we don’t take chances when it comes to guiding our valued customers.  It takes rigorous training to become a professional bike tour guide and our experts have been through it all.  Every one of our guides has their Brevet d’Etat, or Diploma (State Certificate) of Educator in Sport Specialized in Cycling Sports Activity, which typically takes about two years to achieve.  DF guides aren’t “trip leaders” but real and knowledgeable cycling guides, certified experts at what they do.  Simply put, our guides are the most qualified and certified professionals available, and for us that makes them the best in the business.

Locals

One of the most important components to safely guiding guests is communication.  While our guides all hail from France, they are all bilingual and some are even multilingual, ensuring that you will be paired with the perfect leader for you and your family or group.  Yet because France is their home, essentially their “back yard”, our experts are intimately familiar with all of the country’s most scenic routes and back roads.  This gives our guests the security of knowing that all of the turns and obstacles that lie before them are already anticipated by their guide.  It also provides the benefit of getting to experience some of France’s most breathtaking paths and passages and other hidden gems like the best local pubs.

Always Prepared

The guides who work with Discover France always come prepared because they are true professionals.  They start early and go to sleep late just so they can always remain one step ahead and provide our clients with the most unforgettable journey possible.  They are flexible and remain ready to roll with any unforeseen adventures that may arise, and they always have happy, positive attitudes.  What’s more, our guides are experts at the machinery they ride.  They know everything there is to know about bikes and can quickly and efficiently handle any mechanical problems that may occur during a trip.

Passionate

Our guides love what they do and it shows!  To them cycling is much more than just a means to get from here to there or a way to stay in shape.  It’s a way of life – a passion that engulfs them to the core.  Some of them have even quit lucrative careers just to be able to ride and guide others.  And because the Discover France guides love cycling so much, they want to share that love with others.  Our ultimate goal is to create an unforgettable experience that will stay with each guest for years to come.  We want to share our passion for cycling and show you all of the things our beautiful country has to offer.

So what are you waiting for?  Grab your bike and come ride with us.  See for yourself why Discover France’s guides are the best in the industry.  We promise you it’ll be the adventure of your life!

Enhanced 2012 Tour de France Program

For Non – Cyclists Who Can’t Get Enough of the Excitement

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Nov. 30, 2011 – Discover France http://www.discoverfrance.com, a French company, invites devotees of Tour de France (TDF) to join a variety of non-cycling trips offering VIP access to the pageantry of this international competition.

“We’ve had such enthusiasm from our ‘camp followers’ that in 2012 we’re providing even more access to VIP sites,” announced Loren Siekman, owner. “There are so many die-hard cycling fans who can’t get enough of the excitement we’ve tweaked our non-cycling trips to include more VIP access and more route highlights than ever before. Just because you can’t follow the tour on bike doesn’t mean you should miss these special opportunities.” Siekman noted that Discover France is one of the few officially licensed operators that run these tours, so they are granted the best access and the best viewing.

New for 2012 will be passage (on a first-come, first-serve basis) on select stages in an official Tour car. More non cycling tours have been introduced, including a Champagne Tasting & Tour VIP experience that will be a two-night trip in the Champagne region as well as VIP access. Helicopter flights combined with a VIP Tour car behind the peloton can be arranged for VIP clients, available for groups of three to six and starting at 9 a.m. and concluding at 6 p.m. on the same day.

Following is a sample of non-cycling tours and Paris packages all with VIP access.

• An Opening Stages Tour includes a July 3 and 4 team time trial finish in an exclusive area complete with snacks, champagne and the best view, plus in Olonne Sur Mer hanging out with former pros, media, and tour officials and team prior to the day’s stage.
• The Grenoble + Paris Tour brings guests on July 23 and 24 to the time trial finish in Grenoble in an exclusive area complete with amenities and the best view plus from VIP Tribune Grand Palais seating viewing the winner ride the Champs Elysees with the rest of the riders.
• A Paris + Hotel program includes Grand Palais Tribune seating after a personal welcome by Tour de France hostesses, plus two nights at a four-star hotel. Or another option is to forego the hotel portion and simply enjoy the Grand Palais hospitality in addition to Triomphe, a cocktail buffet, open bar throughout the afternoon, champagne served after the final and a VIP “Tour de France” gift.

Discover France Adventures has been organizing bicycle tours and hiking tours in France since 1994 and has offices in both the USA and in France. Discover France is a pioneer in bringing self guided cycling and hiking and now multisport adventures to a broader market outside of Europe. Pure Adventures is an outgrowth of the success of Discover France Adventures, now in its 17th year in 2011.

Self-guided bicycle tours were a growth area for the cycling industry last year and it continues to be this year, according to Pure Adventures (http://pure-adventures.com/), sister company to Discover France Adventures that specializes in self guided and custom guided cycling and multisport tours in France.

Discover France Adventures award winning tours are made up of their unique self guided tours and very competitively priced guided tours. They are proud to be a continued supporter of Sustainable Travel International.

Visit http://www.discoverfrance.com for all details or contact them by phone at 800.960.2221 or by email at contact@discoverfrance.com.

Total Time to Make: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• Genoise cake batter:
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cake flour
• Chocolate buttercream:
• 7 egg whites
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups plus 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Preparation:

Bûche de Noël:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 10-inch by 15-inch baking pan with a 1-inch lip (jelly-roll pan) and line it with parchment paper. Butter the parchment or spray it with cooking spray. Set the pan aside.
2. Beat the eggs for 5 minutes, until they turn thick and foamy. Add the sugar, orange liqueur, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the eggs and continue beating for 2 minutes. Fold the flour, a few tablespoons at a time, into the whipped egg mixture. Once the flour is incorporated into the batter, stop mixing. Do not overmix or the cake will bake up into a tough texture.
3. Gently spread the batter into the prepared pan. There will be peaks of batter; gently smooth over them, but do not press the batter down. Bake the cake for 10 minutes, until the cake is just set. Invert the baked cake onto a clean, dry kitchen towel and peel off the parchment paper. Wait 3 minutes and then gently roll the cake, still in the towel, starting at the 10-inch end. Allow it to cool completely.

Chocolate Buttercream:

1. In a clean, completely dry bowl beat the egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Set them aside for a moment.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and 2/3 cup water to a boil. Allow it boil until it has reduced into slightly thickened syrup. Begin beating the egg whites on high speed again, and pour the hot sugar syrup into the eggs in a slow, steady stream. Pour the melted chocolate, espresso powder, and vanilla extract into the egg whites and continue beating them until the meringue has cooled completely, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the softened butter to the meringue, 2 tablespoons at a time, while beating on high speed, until all of the butter is incorporated into the frosting. If the buttercream becomes runny at any time in this process, refrigerate the meringue until it has chilled through and continue the process of beating the butter into the meringue.

Assembling the Buche de Noel:

1. Unroll the cake and set aside the towel. Evenly spread 2 cups (or desired amount) of the chocolate buttercream on the inside of the cake and following its natural curve, gently form it into a cake roll. Cut off the ends of the cake roll on the diagonal and reattach them in the center of the cake with a bit of buttercream to fashion a “branch” coming off the main Yule log.
2. Spread the exterior of the Bûche de Noël with enough chocolate buttercream to cover it and gently pull a butter knife or small, offset spatula through the frosting to give the appearance of rough tree bark. Add a Pere Noel figure and meringue mushrooms to complete the festive look.
3. Chill the cake before serving it, and refrigerate any leftovers.

**This makes 14 servings.