Provence Bike Tour
Conquer Mont Ventoux, a cycling legend.
Discover medieval hilltop villages like Gordes and Bonnieux.
Savor farm-to-table and truffle-inspired cuisine.
Explore the stunning Gorges de la Nesque.
Immerse in local culture and wine with expert sommeliers.
Bid farewell with a scenic Luberon loop.
Immerse yourself in Provence's beauty.
Roam through Provence's captivating scenery.
Dive into Provence's diverse vistas.
Discover hidden gems in Provence's regions.
Explore Provence's picturesque landscapes.
Experience the allure of Provence.
Itinerary
Welcome to Southern France and the start of your Provence bike tour! You will arrive in Château de Mazan and get settled in to your hotel. Enjoy the local delicacies and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Hotel in Mazan
You will begin in Mazan, a quiet village in the Vaucluse department of Provence, home to Mont Ventoux.
Head out on a warm-up loop as you take your first pedal strokes on your way to Beaumes-de-Venise with its stunning views of the surrounding region. Hillsides covered in lush vineyards speckled with sleepy villages accompany you on your ride with the mighty Mont Ventoux in the background.
Hotel in Mazan
34 km and 380 m of elevation gain
The Gorges de la Nesque awaits today, as you pedal along one of the most beautiful rides in the Vaucluse. An enormous limestone massif, the gorges have been carved over millennia by the meandering Nesque River. Remains of Neanderthal inhabitants have been discovered in this river valley.
With cliffs measuring 600 feet, your climb is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The ride takes you back to Château de Mazan for a relaxing afternoon and then it’s on to a decadent dinner in the beautiful setting of the hotel’s restaurant.
Hotel in Mazan
75 km and 1,155 m of elevation gain
Today is set to be a memorable day as you’ll get the chance to take a try at the Géant de Provence (Giant of Provence): le Mont Ventoux. This classic climb from Bédoin is renowned throughout the cycling world as one of the most challenging ascents in the Tour de France. This is one of France’s most unique climbs, with forested switchbacks giving way to a long ascent across a moonscape to cycling’s famous landmark – the distinctive tower on top of Ventoux.
This mountain has both crowned champions like Chris Froome and Alberto Contador, and witnessed tragedy, like the stories of Tom Simpson.
Hotel in Gordes
58 km and 1,861 m of elevation gain
Following your morning café au lait and pain au chocolat, head out for another ride in paradise. Today’s ride is indicative of the quintessential beauty and simplicity of Provence. This morning make sure you have your camera ready as you ride through Gordes; a picture-perfect, stone-built village perched on the hill.
Afterwards, make your way to Venasque, which boasts one of the most wild, rugged and stunning passes in all of Provence; and it’ll take your breath away. Visit Fontaine de Vaucluse, a charming town built around a river. Tonight, you are free to explore Gordes for dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants.
Hotel in Gordes
83 km and 1,202 m of elevation gain
Today, you’ll visit an area of Provence legendary for its medieval hilltop villages, rolling hills, and quiet winding roadways. Orchards of cherry trees and vineyards line your route as you pedal to the Roussillon open-air market. Then, ride over the Pont Julien, a 2000-year-old Roman bridge that spans the Calavon River. Explore the cobblestone streets and art galleries of Bonnieux and find your perfect bistro lunch.
A spectacular view of the Château Lacoste beckons as you climb to this quaint village. Post-lunch will lead you through the villages of Ménerbes and Oppède le Vieux, tucked along the Lubéron ridge.
Hotel in Gordes
52 km and 760 m of elevation gain
All good things must come to an end, and now, sadly, it’s true for our cycling adventure in Provence. This morning you’ll have the chance for one last loop in the Luberon; a beautiful spin along the valley floor to the dramatic limestone cliff that towers over the village of Lioux.
Prepare to depart from France and the beautiful region of Provence. You’ll take together with you endless memories and experience gathered along this incredible journey.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Accommodation as per itinerary
Luggage transfer
Optional Extras
Description
Embark on a remarkable cycling adventure through the heart of Provence, where each day promises unforgettable moments. Challenge yourself to conquer the iconic Mont Ventoux, a legendary ascent etched in cycling history. Pedal through enchanting medieval hilltop villages like Gordes and Bonnieux, where cobblestone streets and art galleries await your exploration.
Indulge your palate with the region’s culinary delights. Explore the awe-inspiring Gorges de la Nesque, where towering cliffs and meandering rivers create a breathtaking backdrop. Immerse yourself in local culture as you share wine with expert sommeliers and embrace the art of pétanque, a Provencal favorite.
As your journey nears its end, relish one last ride through the Luberon valley or savor a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to your guides and fellow travelers, knowing you’ve experienced the very best of Provence’s hidden gems. This cycling trip is an exhilarating blend of adventure, culture, and cuisine, leaving you with cherished memories of a truly remarkable journey through the heart of Southern France.
Set out on a tailor-made adventure with our self-guided expedition. Our specialists curate a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences, allowing you the liberty to navigate at your own pace.
Enjoy the flexibility to pause and investigate as you desire, hand-selecting your destinations along the journey. And, take comfort in the knowledge that our dedicated 24/7 support is available to assist you at every juncture.
Map
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Things to know
Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.
Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.
Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.
Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.
We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.
We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.
Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.
The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.
Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.
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