Cycling, Culture & Cuisine: Our 2025 France and Italy Tours
- Higher Ground
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
Author: Will Maley
In 2025, we hosted guests across five stunning regions of France and Italy, combining world-class cycling, unforgettable food and wine, and authentic local culture. Each destination offered something unique — from sun-soaked coastal rides to serene countryside trails — creating the perfect small-group European travel experience.
Côte d'Azur, France
The Côte d’Azur — stretching from the Italian border to Cassis near Marseille — is one of the most spectacular places to visit in the south of France. Our group based themselves at Le 1932 Hotel & Spa in Juan-les-Pins, a relaxed seaside town between Nice and Cannes.
Guests experienced the full range of Côte d’Azur cycling, from the red-cliff coastal roads near Cannes to scenic beachside paths in Nice and panoramic climbs above Monaco.
Off the bike, the region delivered on its reputation for glamour and style. Long lunches overlooking the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, afternoons on the beach at Port de Fréjus, and rooftop drinks during the Jazz-a-Juan Festival made for unforgettable evenings by the Mediterranean Sea.
Drôme & Ardêche, France
Just north of Provence, the Drôme and Ardèche regions offer a quieter and greener side of southern France — ideal for cycling holidays and gourmet escapes. Guests stayed at Domaine du Colombier near Malataverne, home to both a Michelin-starred restaurant and a charming brasserie.
Highlights included exploring France’s most picturesque villages, such as Cliousclat, and dining at the intimate La Fontaine, a true local gem. In Ardèche, guests rode through olive groves and along the Gorges de l’Ardèche, one of France’s most beautiful natural wonders.
A special memory came at Bollène, where our group attended a Tour de France stage start and dined in the evening with the SBS commentary team for an exclusive Q&A — a once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience.
Provence, France
Our Provence adventure centered around Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the legendary wine village once home to the summer residence of the Pope. The region is a paradise for wine lovers and cycling enthusiasts, offering rolling hills, charming lanes, and incredible hospitality.
Guests enjoyed scenic rides, wine tastings, and lunch with Yves, our local master sommelier, who shared the history and secrets of Provençal wine. The experience reached its peak as we watched the Tour de France as it made its way towards Mont Ventoux — an iconic moment for any cycling enthusiast.d
Tuscany, Italy
Few regions embody the romance of Italy cycling tours quite like Tuscany. Centred around Siena, this tour is particularly special for us — it’s home to many of our guides and our long-time bike partner.
Our base at La Villa di STR offered the perfect mix of comfort and convenience, just a short walk from Siena’s historic center. Over five unforgettable days, guests enjoyed private winery visits, Strade Bianche and Chianti rides, a hands-on cooking class overlooking Montalcino’s vineyards, and a rooftop dinner in Siena’s piazza with our local host Michela.
Every detail reflected the region’s signature blend of authenticity, passion, and hospitality — hallmarks of our premium group experiences in Italy.
Piedmont, Italy
After launching our first Piedmont tour in 2024, we quickly fell in love with Turin and its beautiful countryside — and our guests did too.
Turin, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and Italian coffee culture, offers a perfect mix of food, wine, and culture. Our local guide Francesca led guests through the Porto Palazzo markets on a delicious food tour featuring artisanal produce, chocolate, and espresso tastings.
Beyond the city, we rode through the Langhe wine region, enjoyed a winery lunch overlooking Barolo’s vineyards, and tackled the famous Superga climb, a classic of the Giro d’Italia.
Our home for the week, Opera35 Boutique Hotel, offered boutique comfort in the heart of Turin — steps from the river and surrounded by some of the city’s best restaurants.
Experience the Best of France and Italy with Us
We take great pride in creating tailor-made European tours that go beyond expectations. From our local connections and in-depth regional knowledge to our passionate on-the-ground guide team, every detail is crafted to deliver unforgettable cycling, food, wine and cultural experiences.
If you’re planning your next group tour, corporate retreat, or personal travel adventure, we’d love to help you discover the very best of France and Italy.
Get in touch today to start planning your journey.
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