From Aix-en-Provence: 2-Hour Wine & Scenery Sidecar Tour

A Unique Way to Explore Provence: The 2-Hour Wine & Scenery Sidecar Tour from Aix-en-Provence

Imagine gliding through the Provençal countryside in a vintage sidecar, the wind in your hair, and spectacular views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain unfolding before you. That’s exactly what the From Aix-en-Provence: 2-Hour Wine & Scenery Sidecar Tour offers. This experience combines a scenic motorcycle ride along Cézanne’s famous route with a relaxed visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting. From the moment I first read about it, I was intrigued by how this tour promises a blend of adventure, authentic landscape, and local flavors—all in just two hours.

What I love about this experience is how it puts you right in the middle of Provence’s natural beauty. The scenic Cézanne Road, a designated historical monument, is a highlight that brings art, history, and landscape together. The second plus? The chance to meet passionate local winemakers during a laid-back wine tasting. Plus, many reviews praise the guides—particularly Kevin—for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. On the downside, two hours isn’t long, and you’ll want to be prepared for a bit of a wind-in-your-hair ride, which might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer a more stationary experience. But overall, the blend of scenery, culture, and a touch of thrill makes this a memorable Provençal outing.

Key points / Takeaways

Beautiful Scenery: The ride takes you along Cézanne Road, a designated historic monument, with unbeatable views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain—what better way to see Provence’s landscape?
Authentic Experience: The vintage sidecar adds a sense of adventure and nostalgia, making the journey feel unique and personal rather than just another bus tour.
Expert Guides: Guides like Kevin and Eric are praised for their friendliness and deep local knowledge, which enriches the experience with stories and tips.
Wine Tasting: The visit to a local vineyard offers a relaxed chance to meet winemakers, learn about the terroir, and sample quality wines—an essential part of Provençal culture.
Flexible Pickup & Drop-off: The tour includes hotel pickup from several central Aix-en-Provence locations, making logistics easier.
Limited Duration: While the two-hour format offers a quick, impactful experience, it also means you’ll want to maximize each moment; there’s no time for many additional stops.

Exploring Provence in a Vintage Sidecar: The Adventure Begins

When I picture Provence, I think of rolling hills, olive groves, and the kind of landscape that inspired Cézanne. This tour captures that magic perfectly. Starting from Aix-en-Provence, you’re picked up at one of six convenient locations, including the Paul Cezanne Statue near La Rotonde, a bust that’s become a symbol of the town. From there, the adventure kicks off with an exhilarating ride along Cézanne Road, the only one in France officially listed as a historical monument. This isn’t just a scenic route—it’s a journey through art history and local culture.

I love how the tour is designed to give you a real sense of Provence’s landscapes. You’ll stop at Sainte-Victoire Mountain, perhaps the most iconic backdrop in Cézanne’s paintings. The guides know this area well and are eager to share stories about Cézanne’s connection to the mountain, which makes the scenery more meaningful. You’ll also get some fantastic photo opportunities, especially from the roadside vantage points that overlook the mountain and surrounding vineyards.

The highlight for many travelers is the vineyard stop. Here, you’re introduced to passionate winemakers, and the relaxed tasting allows you to savor wines that reflect the local terroir. The guides often make sure you understand the wine’s character and the tradition behind it. One reviewer, Micah, noted that the wine tasting is a “great experience,” and that the vineyard itself is also an art gallery—a delightful surprise for art lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

What to Expect During the 2-Hour Ride

This tour’s itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully curated. You start with a pick-up from your chosen location—options include the Paul Cezanne Statue, luxurious hotels like La Villa Gallici, or the Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel. Once on the sidecar, the ride lasts about 45 minutes, heading up Cézanne Road and winding through picturesque villages and open countryside. The guides, like Kevin or Eric, are both knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed throughout.

Next, the group stops at Sainte-Victoire Mountain, a stunning natural landmark that Cézanne painted repeatedly. Here, you’ll have time for photos and a guided tour, learning about the mountain’s significance and its influence on Cézanne’s art. The views are breathtaking—a true emblem of Provence’s rugged beauty.

Afterward, you’ll head to the vineyard, where the trip becomes more leisurely. The guided tour of the vineyard is a chance to learn how wine is made locally, with a casual tasting that emphasizes quality over quantity. The vineyards are often described as peaceful retreats, and the tasting is usually paired with stories from the winemakers, creating a more intimate experience. Many reviews commend the tasting as a highlight, from Eric and Kevin’s engaging explanations to the chance to buy bottles directly from the vineyard.

Finally, your guides will drop you back at your original pickup point or at a nearby hotel, providing a smooth end to a memorable trip.

The Guides: Knowledge and Friendliness Matter

One consistent theme in reviews is how much the guides contribute to the experience. Kevin and Eric are praised for their friendly demeanor, local knowledge, and ability to make every rider feel safe and engaged. Sigríður called Kevin “great,” and many appreciated how he shared stories that made the landscape come alive.

Kevin, in particular, seems to excel at balancing safety, humor, and information. My sense is that the guides’ passion for the area really enhances the trip, making it more than just a ride—it becomes a small, personal adventure. If you’re lucky, you might even get helpful tips about other local spots or wine recommendations.

Price and Logistics: Good Value for the Scenic Ride

At a two-hour duration, the tour offers a compact but rich experience. The price reflects the personalized nature—private groups, guided tours, wine tasting, and hotel pickup all contribute to the value. Considering many reviews mention the quality of the guide and the beautiful scenery, it’s a worthwhile investment for a special way to see Provence.

Booking is flexible, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to plan without stress. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and helmets and gloves are provided, ensuring safety and comfort. Keep in mind, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and the ride may be windy—so pack accordingly if you’re sensitive to weather.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a blend of adventure, scenery, and culture in a short time. It suits travelers who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, beautiful landscapes, and authentic local experiences, plus those who appreciate a good glass of wine. It’s especially appealing for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a memorable story to tell.

If you’re an art lover, the connection to Cézanne’s inspiration adds a special layer. For wine enthusiasts, the vineyard visit offers insight into Provençal winemaking traditions. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, stationary experience or dislike wind on a motorcycle, this might not be your first choice.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This tour offers a compact, exhilarating way to see some of Provence’s most iconic scenery while tasting excellent local wines. The guides’ warmth and knowledge make the experience feel personalized, and the vintage sidecar adds a sense of fun and nostalgia. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a memorable, photo-worthy adventure that combines natural beauty, art, and wine.

Just remember, two hours flies by quickly. If you want a deeper dive into Provence’s villages, olive groves, or lavender fields, you might want to consider longer tours or different experiences. But for a short, joyful ride with a taste of wine and stunning vistas, this sidecar tour hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from several central Aix-en-Provence locations, including the Paul Cezanne Statue and select hotels.

How long is the ride? The motorcycle ride lasts about 45 minutes, with additional time at stops for photos and tasting.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women? No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the nature of motorcycle riding.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak both English and French.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

How many stops are there? There are two main stops: Sainte-Victoire Mountain and the vineyard.

Can I buy wine at the vineyard? Yes, wines are available for purchase, and the vineyard is described as an art gallery as well.

What should I wear? Dress comfortably for outdoor riding; bring sunglasses and layers if needed for weather.

How do I book? You can reserve through GetYourGuide, where the experience is available, and you can choose your preferred start time.

This adventure through Provence in a vintage sidecar offers a rare combination of scenic beauty, cultural depth, and lighthearted fun. Perfect for those wanting to make the most of a short stay, it’s an experience that’s likely to leave a lasting impression—and maybe a few great photos, too.