In La Fare-les-Oliviers, cycling is a simple and joyful way to enter Provence. You saddle up in the heart of the village, and in a few turns of the wheel, the narrow streets give way to olive groves, vineyards and the scent of garrigue. The pace slows, the cicadas chirp and the light plays in the pine groves. Bike hire La Fare-les-Oliviers: here, every ride becomes a gentle interlude.

For a leisurely outing, take the small farm roads: soft terrain, gentle relief, perfect for the whole family. Stop in the shade of the plane trees for a sip of water, slip a fougasse into the basket, and set off again to a low dry-stone wall for the picnic. Looking for views? The hills offer panoramic views over the landscapes of the Pays d'Aix and the Étang de Berre; at the top, the air smells of resin and thyme. The curious can push on to the neighboring valleys, towards an impressive aqueduct and hilltop villages, accessible via charming secondary roads.