From Aix-en-Provence : Half-day Sidecar Wine Tour

Imagine cruising through the rolling Provençal hills in a vintage sidecar, with the sun on your face and the scent of lavender and wine in the air. That’s exactly what this half-day sidecar wine tour offers—an unusual, memorable way to explore some of Provence’s most iconic sights. If you’re a traveler who loves authentic landscapes, local wines, and a dash of adventure, this experience is likely to be a highlight on your trip.

This tour stands out because of its combination of scenic riding and cultural stops. We love how it delivers the feeling of freedom and exploration, especially with the panoramic views of Sainte-Victoire mountain and its surroundings. Another big plus: the chance to taste regional wines at two local wineries—an excellent way to get a taste of Provence’s rich viticulture.

However, it’s worth noting that riding in a sidecar isn’t for everyone—if you’re not comfortable with open-air rides or have mobility issues, it’s something to consider. Also, as it’s a private group experience, it’s best suited for those seeking a personalized touch rather than a large tour bus. Overall, it’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate both scenic beauty and local flavors, with a touch of vintage flair.

Key Points

• Scenic Sidecar Ride: Experience Provence’s vineyards and landscapes from the back of a vintage motorcycle sidecar.
• Authentic Stops: Visit two local wineries and taste regional wines, enjoying the flavors of Provence.
• Cultural Highlight: Explore Vauvenargues, where Picasso is buried, adding a touch of art and history.
• Breathtaking Views: Photo stops at the Bimont Dam and Sainte-Victoire mountain provide perfect photo opportunities.
• Flexible & Private: Small, private group tours with hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Duration & Accessibility: A four-hour adventure suitable for most, with wheelchair access and English/French guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with convenient pickup options around Aix-en-Provence, with six pickup locations including the famous Cezanne statue near La Rotonde and several elegant hotels. This flexibility makes it easy to fit into your travel plans. You’ll be asked to wait about ten minutes before the scheduled pickup time, giving you a moment to prepare for your adventure.

The tour is a private group, meaning you’ll ride with your companions—be it friends, family, or a romantic partner—adding a layer of intimacy not found on large, bus-style excursions. The ride itself lasts about 4 hours, with the actual riding time around 50-60 minutes, broken into segments with scenic stops along the way.

The Scenic Ride: Sainte-Victoire from a New Perspective

Once underway, the journey heads toward Sainte-Victoire mountain, the majestic limestone formation made famous by Cézanne. The views here are often described as “breathtaking,” with sweeping panoramas of vineyards, olive groves, and rugged cliffs. We loved the way the sidecar allows for a more intimate connection with the landscape—feeling the wind, hearing the engine, and taking in the smells of Provence.

A highlight is the stop at the Bimont Dam, where you can snap photos of the dam’s impressive structure and the surrounding scenery. Travelers often comment on how “stunning” the views are from this vantage point, making it a perfect moment to pause and capture memories.

Exploring Vauvenargues and Picasso’s Final Resting Place

Next, the tour takes you to the charming village of Vauvenargues, located at the foot of Sainte-Victoire. Here, you’ll admire traditional Provençal architecture and the peaceful ambiance of this village. The real draw is the Château de Vauvenargues, where Picasso is buried. This stop adds a touch of art history to your day, particularly appealing to those interested in modern art or seeking a meaningful cultural connection.

Travelers have appreciated the opportunity to see where Picasso chose to spend his final days, with some describing it as a “touching and contemplative” experience. While the château itself isn’t open to the public, the outside views and the significance of the site make it worth the stop.

Visiting Local Wineries for Tasting

The tour includes visits to two wineries—one south and one north of Aix-en-Provence—where you’re invited to sample regional wines. The wineries are carefully selected for their authentic craftsmanship and picturesque settings. The tasting sessions typically last about 30 minutes and are designed to give you a real sense of the local wine culture.

We found that these visits add a delightful flavor (literally and figuratively) to the day. Many reviews mention how the wines are “delicious,” and the relaxed atmosphere allows for genuine conversations with the winemakers. It’s a chance to learn about Provence’s wine traditions, such as how certain grapes thrive in this climate, and to pick up a few bottles for later.

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Return Journey and Final Views

On the way back to Aix-en-Provence, the tour makes a final stop at another winery or scenic viewpoint, offering one more chance to soak in the landscape and taste more wines. The return ride is typically about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Experience Quality and Value

At the listed price, the experience offers good value for those eager to combine scenic riding with authentic local tastings and cultural stops. The inclusion of helmet and gloves, a bottle of water, and hotel pickup/drop-off enhances convenience. Plus, the fact that you pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, provides flexibility.

Multiple reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides who cater well to different levels of comfort and curiosity. One traveler appreciated that the tour “was tailored to our interests,” and another noted that “the views alone are worth the trip.”

This experience is ideal for adventure-loving travelers who don’t mind open-air rides and want a more personal connection with the landscape. It’s also perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to taste regional varieties amidst beautiful scenery. Those interested in art, history, or Cézanne will find the visits to Sainte-Victoire and Vauvenargues particularly meaningful.

However, it’s less suitable for pregnant women or travelers with mobility issues, as the ride involves exposure to the elements and requires sitting in a sidecar. If you’re seeking a relaxed, comfort-focused experience, a more conventional tour might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

This half-day sidecar tour offers a refreshingly different way to explore Provence, blending stunning vistas, local wine culture, and a touch of art and history. It’s a well-curated experience that emphasizes authenticity and personal connection to the landscape. The views alone are enough to make it worthwhile, but the added stops at wineries and Picasso’s final resting place enrich the journey.

Whether you’re a couple, a small group of friends, or a solo traveler eager for a unique adventure, this tour delivers a memorable slice of Provence in a package that’s both fun and meaningful. Just be ready for a bit of wind in your hair—and plenty of scenic beauty to take home.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if your hotel is on the list of pickup locations, the tour provider will pick you up and drop you off at designated spots, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the actual riding time?
The scenic motorcycle ride lasts about 50-60 minutes in total, broken into segments with stops at the dam, Vauvenargues, and wineries.

Are there photo stops?
Absolutely. Stops at the Bimont Dam and Sainte-Victoire mountain offer spectacular photo opportunities.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for most, but not recommended for pregnant women or those uncomfortable being outdoors in a sidecar.

What should I wear?
Since it’s an open-air ride, dress comfortably for the weather—layers on cooler days, sunglasses, and perhaps a hat. Helmets and gloves are provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This sidecar adventure is a delightful way to see Provence from a fresh perspective—combining scenic rides, authentic wine tastings, and a dash of cultural history. It’s perfect for those who want a memorable, offbeat experience that captures the essence of this beautiful region.

You can check availability for your dates here: