A 7 day cycling indulgence, on paved, quiet lanes of the Luberon, with some hills, fantastic gorges, vineyards, and fields of lavender. Linger in cafés, ride through oak forests, take an optional hike or ride up Mont Ventoux, dine well, and catch the unmatchable Provencal feeling! This is rural France at its full-blooded finest - a journey in time and glorious space, with mesmerizing smells, entrancing scenery, captivating history, unparalleled southern French hospitality, and Provençale tastes combining heaven with earth.

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Route Notes: A simply fantastic ride! 50-80km (30-50miles) daily, on quiet paved roads. There are a few hill climbs for advanced riders, many of which have easier alternatives for the more relaxed cyclist.

Highlights: Provence, lavender fields, vineyards & wine tasting, beautiful hilltop/cliff-side villages, quiet paved roads, Mt. Ventoux, luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, Provence.

Guided Cost: C$3995 (~US$3495) pp.dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, light picnic lunches, 4 dinners, route notes/maps, luggage handling, van & guide support)

Self-Guided Cost: C$3395 (~US$2995) pp.dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, route notes/maps, luggage handling)

Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain C$225 ( ~US$195)
Super light road C$275 ( ~US$245)

Start: Avignon, 9:00am; or St. Remy de Provence, 10:30am day one.

Finish: Avignon, France, 10:30am day seven.

Groups: May , September. Call to find out about newly scheduled trips. Custom groups any time. Contact us for dates & details.

Self guided: Departures available any time.

*All details are subject to change.
* Call or check website for new additions. Custom groups or self-guided departures any time.

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Day to Day Itinerary

 

Day 1: 25 km (15 miles). You'll meet your guides in Avignon at 09:00 or St. Remy at 10:30 for bike familiarization. After lunch in St.Remy, you will ride to the hilltop ruin of Les Baux, to explore this medieval courting ground before returning to St. Remy. Today is planned as an easy introduction to your bikes, to give you time to unwind after the rigors of travelling, and to give you time to explore St. Remy by foot later in the afternoon. Dinner included on guided trips.
Lodging: Domaine de Valmouriane, St. Remy de Provence.

Day 2: 65km (40 miles) . Beginning at the hilltop of Les Baux, you will cycle through Les Alpilles on your way to Cavaillon. After crossing La Durance, you will make your way along the cycle route to Ménerbes, on the North slopes of the Luberon, seeing your first "perched village" at Oppède le Vieux. You will finish at one of the most famous and photographed villages in Provence, where your swimming pool and exquisite dinner will complement a walk around this medieval enclave. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also on guided trips.
Lodging: La Bastide de Gordes, Le Village de Gordes.

Day 3: 95km ( 55 miles) with shorter options .  Today's loop ride is a fabulous exploration of some of Provence's extraordinary sights. First, you will stop in Roussillon, painted in the red, orange, and yellow hues of ochre, mined in the nearby hills. Optional hike through the forests to visit the monks in their secluded valley at Abbaie de Senanque. En route to Menerbes, you will pass through perched villages and gorgeous countryside. Menerbes was made famous in Peter Mayle's books "Toujours Provence" and "A Year in Provence". You will also pass through Lacoste, with its castle ruins, and Bonnieux, where you can enjoy views from the church at the top of the village before returning to Gordes for dinner. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips.
Lodging: La Bastide de Gordes, Le Village de Gordes.

Day 4: 70km (42 miles). A big day with several climbs and a spectacular ridge ride. Your first stop is the Abbaie de Sennanque, where the monks grow lavender and fill their peaceful valley with melodious chants between work. Mid-morning stop in Venasque to see the ruins there, then on to Gorges de la Nesque for an out of this world ride. Finish near Sault. Breakfast included. All meals on guided trips.
Lodging: Hostellerie du Val de Sault, Sault.

Day 5: 68km (43 miles) .  Circumnavigate Mont Ventoux. Finish at the remarkable "hotel village" - Crillon le Brave. The exceptionally comfortable hotel includes all the houses at the top of the village, and offers more than one choice of restaurants. Breakfast included. All meals on guided trips.
Lodging: Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, Crillon le Brave. Or alternative.

Day 6: Relaxed & Challenging options. Challenging option: 60.2km cycling (36.1miles). Loop ride including Mt. Ventoux. The first half of this ride is an uphill climb (understatement), one of the most famous in the Tour de France. The second is a rapturous descent, to be navigated with caution. The summit is 1909m - 6263ft, and it's usually about 11 degrees Celsius - 20 degrees Fahrenheit - cooler at the top than at the bottom. The van will be close by throughout the ride and cyclists are asked to use caution and good judgement in their attempt to ride this loop. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips.
Relaxed option: 50 km (30.0 miles) cycling and optional hike. Cycle through and visit the agricultural centre of Villes sur Auzon, and the historic village of Mazan, at the foothills of Mt. Ventoux. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips.
Lodging : Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave, Crillon le Brave. Or alternative

Day 7: 09:00 departure from inn. Transfer to Avignon train staion, TGV station, or hotel. Breakfast included.

N.B. The last four days can be changed for custom groups to include:
Day 4: Return to Gordes from Venasques. ~80km loop
Day 5: Lourmarin and South Luberon ~70km
Day 6: Jouques to Beaurecueil - loop
Day 7: Ste.Victoire hike, or Cours Mirabeau; goodbyes in Aix.  

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For Reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our France Adventure Vacation specialist.

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

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