Yes, the two activities seem incompatible, but for the sake of science, I am willing to experiment.

I learned one important lesson on tour through Auvergne two years ago, when I stopped in a charming village (le Claux?) for lunch, just eight km before a 1,200 climb up Col de Serre. The lunch menu, at about eight dollars, included a view of a verdant valley, three courses, plus a large carafe of Cotes d'Auvergne that they plunked down in front of you unasked. I'll just have a sip, I said at first, which led to several glasses. Very nice. But meander is indeed the verb to describe how one rides afterward, especially on a warm day with panniers. Halfway up the col, I had to stop to catch my breath and let a sideache subside. (Though I did make it to the top and my final destination just fine.)

In the Dordogne, I also had a pretty hard day riding a mere thirty miles or so--the day after the best meal of the trip. In which case I'd have rather ditched the ride than the dinner.

So for the tours gastronomiques, I learned this much: keep the the indulgences confined to the evening and the mileage short. After all, it's supposed to be a vacation.