Provence bike and barge tour, France

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This Provence and Camargue cycling vacation is natural low carbon, as little transport is used on the tour. We use locally owned and run accommodation. Provence is famed for its local markets, and shopping here instead of at supermarkets or chains is a fantastic way to support the community. By doing this, they reduce the food miles associated with dining at franchises and chains. Vegetarian options are available throughout.

At our head office in the UK we recycle paper, card, plastic and metal cans and we always try to avoid using physical travel documents. The office runs on renewable energy, much like many of our chosen hotels. Our paper marketing communications also utilise recycled materials, to help reduce our impact on the earth. Clients are encouraged to take the train instead of flying, and are offered the chance to offset any flights they do take. We encourage all our staff to cycle when they can and are part of the Cycle to Work scheme. We also like to take part in charity bike rides together each year.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
We've been delivering vacations by bicycle for over 40 years, encouraging this environmentally friendly activity is at the absolute core of our business. Whilst on this tour, you'll cycle through beautiful stretches of countryside, where green spaces allow for local wildlife to flourish. By sticking to clear paths and trails, you help ensure the delicate ecosystem of Provence is protected.

On this tour, the Camargue National park is a major stop, filled with rare and endangered wildlife. We encourage all of our clients to respect the local wildlife, keeping a safe distance and not disturbing them. Marshlands have incredible biodiversity but are susceptible to damage from human activity. Visiting the Camargue in this softer way not only helps protect the ecosystem, but also supports the regional conservation efforts.

Whilst cycling in Provence, we provide all cyclists with a refillable water bottle and share some top tips on how to support the local environment. Our clients are told how best to respect the local region, including tips on how to reduce waste, especially in hotels. By sticking to well marked cycle paths, our cyclists avoid any unnecessary damage to the local French environments. By respecting the places we love to visit, we ensure they're left for future generations to enjoy and respect.

On this tour, the Camargue National park is a major stop, filled with rare and endangered wildlife. We encourage all of our clients to respect the local wildlife, keeping a safe distance and not disturbing them. Marshlands have incredible biodiversity but are susceptible to damage from human activity. Visiting the Camargue in this softer way not only helps protect the ecosystem, but also supports the regional conservation efforts.

People

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Our previous, older bikes are donated each year, so that they can be reused and not wasted. We also work very closely with World Bicycle Relief, who provide life-changing Buffalo Bikes to those in developing countries. These bikes provide freedom of movement to many in remote areas.

LOCAL ECONOMY
Provence is famed for its local markets, and shopping here instead of at supermarkets or chains is a fantastic way to support the community. By doing this, they reduce the food miles associated with dining at franchises and chains. This also benefits the local economy, so our tours can help be a force for good in the region. The historic center of Avignon, visited on this tour, in particular holds many respected local artisans who practice ancient crafting traditions ranging from silversmithing to lavender-infused soaps. Not only can you find wonderful gifts for friends and family here, but you are also supporting the local economy and the historic Provence traditions.

Our cycle experts and destination managers will also advise our clients to respect local cultures and traditions when visiting the area and its historic or religious sites, including appropriate dress. They will also discuss other ways you can consider your impact on the community such as asking for permission before taking someone’s photograph and learning a few words in the local language – often hello, goodbye and thanks is a good place to start. This tour visits many historical sites, like the Papal Palace. Respecting the local traditions and customs associated with this cultural site is very important, and all clients are reminded of this.