Biking in Provence

This tour is suitable for most regular cyclist. To prepare, we recommend riding on a few consecutive days before your tour to get accustomed to cycling back-to-back.

E-bikes can be requested if you would like a little extra boost during your cycling day.

The terrain is undulating, but not especially challenging with no technical descents. Daily ascent varies between 100m/350ft, to 600m/2000ft on the toughest day from Gordes to Bedoin.

The route follows a mixture of quiet country roads, cycle paths, and includes some short stretches on busier roads when there is normally a narrow cycle lane (or shoulder).

This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

You'll stay in hand-picked guest houses and small hotels along the way. It's not possible to have a swimming pool at every stop, and if any of these properties aren't available, we'll find you alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

If you'd like to add extra nights, we'd recommend Avignon or L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, both great bases for exploring further. If you're planning a winery tour from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, we can also arrange an extra night's accommodation there.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

On this tour, single travelers are usually accommodated in a smaller double room rather than a dedicated single room.

A continental breakfast is provided by your accommodation each morning, usually a buffet-style spread of yoghurt, cereal, breads, pastries, jams and fruit, along with coffee and tea. Dinners aren't included - some of the accommodations have their own restaurants, and where they don't you'll find a few dining options nearby. Lunches aren't included either, but you'll find small stores and cafés along the route each day to pick up supplies for a picnic lunch, and your route notes give advice on where to eat or stop each day.

You can start this tour on any day of the week from April to October, subject to availability. June, July and August are peak months in Provence, so it's worth getting in touch as soon as your plans are set if you want to travel then. The region's famous lavender normally blooms from mid-June until it's harvested in mid-August.

July and August are the hottest months, with little rainfall and temperatures often climbing well over 30°C/86°F. The shoulder months either side are sunny and a little cooler, which can make for more comfortable cycling. Whenever you travel, make sure to stay hydrated and pack sunscreen and a sunhat.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

The tour also includes a private taxi transfer from Chateauneuf du Pape to Avignon TGV train station to make your onward travel day easier. This transfer can be amended to any time in the morning to suit your travel plans.

The route is largely not signposted and follows a mixture of quiet country roads and cycle paths, with some short stretches on busier roads where there's normally a narrow cycle lane or shoulder.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Your tour begins with an included taxi transfer (around 50 minutes) from Avignon TGV train station to your first accommodation in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, for arrival before 7pm. Avignon is well connected to Marseille and Lyon airports by train and shuttle bus in under 2 hours. Alternatively, if you're combining your tour with a visit to Paris, or it's simply easier to get a direct flight to Paris, it's around a 4-hour train journey (with changes) to Avignon. Marseille and Lyon are well connected across Europe with direct flights, but if you're flying from further afield, we recommend taking an internal flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, or taking the train.

Your tour also includes a private taxi transfer from Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Avignon TGV train station for ease on your onward travel day, which can be amended to any time before noon to suit your travel plans.

You'll need your standard cycling gear. Bike hire comes with a pannier rack and bag, a pump, lock, a basic repair kit, and handlebar phone. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

Since you'll have your bike with you, shortening or skipping sections may not be easy. For the best local advice on transport options for cyclists, please consult your accommodation provider or reach out to our local bike partner, where applicable.

We hire bikes suited to the terrain, including e-bikes for a bit of extra assist, in a range of sizes - just let us know your height when booking so we can get your frame right. If you would like to bring your own bike then, in the majority of cases, this is not a problem – please contact us to talk it through. We encourage all cyclists to wear a helmet, and it is law in many countries across Europe. We recommend bringing your own helmet for hygiene and safety reasons, however on most tours you can hire one.

The following bikes are available for hire:

Hybrid Bike: Trek FX 2. 18-speed, disc brake.

E-bike: Trek Allant, Scott Sub or Moustache Samedi 27 Xroad. Bosch Powertube 500Wh battery. Aluminium frame, XS to XL sizes.

Road bike: Trek Emonda Carbon Ultegra Disc or Scott Addict Carbon Shimano Ultegra Disc.

Tandem: Lapierre x2 Fit or similar. M and L sizes.

Brand and model may vary depending on availability. Minimum age for e-bike hire is 16 years.

Please provide the following information on booking:
- Your height for bike size
- Head circumference if you wish to hire a helmet

Bike Hire Inclusions: spare inner tube, helmet (we recommend bringing your own), repair kit and pump, pannier bag (not on the road bike), handlebar bag, one lock, phone mount, and a battery charger for e-bikes.

Many people choose to hire an e-bike for the added assistance of battery power when needed. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles. Gravel and road bikes are only recommended for experienced cyclists who understand the riding position and have the fitness needed for this style of biking.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation