8 Days & 7 Nights

4.8

Pedalling in Provence: The Luberon Valley

Cycle the classic Luberon Valley of Provence
Lavender scented country lanes
Pedal and picnic among the vineyards of Provence
Explore the bewitching hilltop town of Bonnieux
Wander the glowing red-ochre streets of Roussillon village

Pedal through classic Provence, cycling the Luberon’s seductive landscapes and myriad of ancient hilltop villages. By day, fuel the legs with rustic breads, fig jam and goats cheese, whilst in the evening relax with a chilled glass of local Grenache blanc. From the emerald island town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue enjoy riverside dining before riding east into the lavender carpeted valley of the Luberon. Explore the bewitching hill town of Bonnieux, where crumbling ramparts meet stylish pavement cafes. Ride to the red-ochre artists town of Roussillon and onto the artists cliff top village of Gordes. With ample opportunity to relax poolside, the return trip to L’Isle sur la Sorgue journeys through the sleepy village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, source of the River Sorgue, ideal for your last platter of Provencal foods.

From $2,080.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in L'Isle Sur la Sorgue

Just a 30 minutes train journey from Avignon, L’Isle Sur la Sorgue charms you from the moment you arrive. Peppered with riverside cafes and artisan shops, the local market is the largest Luberon region on Sunday.

Depending on your arrival time, your bike fitting will be today, or 9am the following morning.

Overnight L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

La Prévôté | Bed and breakfast

La Prevote is located in the old town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue. The River Sorgue runs through this former 17th century convent and immediately slows your pace for the week head.

Hotel Les Nevons | 3 Star | Hotel

This hotel establishment in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is open all year round and offers many 3-star services: warm bar, comfortable rooms, tasty breakfast, swimming pool with panoramic view, meeting room and many more. other.

Grand Hotel Henri | 4 Star | Hotel

Located in the heart of town this hotel combines both elegance and refinement. As you cross the threshold you will immediately appreciate its personalized service, lovingly decorated public spaces and beautiful rooms.

Day 2 Cycle to Bonnieux 20 miles / 33 km

If you are in town on market day, then why not pick up some local produce for a picnic lunch before heading east into the lush Luberon Valley, carpeted with vineyards, olive orchards and fields of lavender. To reach Bonnieux requires some pedal power, but the gradual climb to Bonnieux is punctuated with photo-worthy views across the Luberon.

Approximate Ascent: 291m / Descent: 7m

Overnight Bonnieux

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Une Sieste en Luberon | Bed and breakfast

This lovely lodging is much more than just a B&B. The rooms all lead out onto the terrace, gardens and swimming pool area. The breakfasts and warm welcome are highlights and while you are here you are sure to relax in these beautiful surroundings.

Le Clos du Buis | Hotel

An extremely charming and welcoming family-owned hotel, the Clos du Buis is very conveniently located at the entrance to Bonnieux. Guests can treat this hotel as though it is their own home, relax by the pool and enjoy the views over Mont Ventoux and the glorious Provençal countryside.

Les Terrasses du Luberon | Hotel

This incredibly charming chambre d’hote offers spacious and unique rooms. The views from the terrace over the Luberon, and even to Mont Ventoux on a clear day, are simply special. At the end of your walking day enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.

Day 3 Loop Ride to Menerbes 20 miles / 32 km

It’s easy to lose time in the charming lanes of Bonnieux but for those of you that wish to ride, today’s journey heads via the villages of Lacoste and Menerbes. A short downhill leads up into the sleepy village of Lacoste. From here, the route rises and falls to the artistic hangout of the 12th century, Oppède Le Vieux. An afternoon of rolling cycling then leads back to Bonnieux.

Approximate Ascent: 507m / Descent: 501m

Overnight Bonnieux

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Une Sieste en Luberon | Bed and breakfast

Le Clos du Buis | Hotel

Les Terrasses du Luberon | Hotel

Day 4 Cycle to Roussillon 21 miles / 34 km

Start the morning with a freewheel down to the town of Apt, the gateway town for Haute Provence farmers fruits, vegetables and crafts. Beyond Apt lies Gargas, where town life gives way to vineyards and the route gently climbs to the red-ochre village of Roussillon, where you will spend the next three nights. There is the choice to shorten today’s route by cutting out Saint Saturn les Apt if you so wish.

Approximate Ascent: 239m / Descent: 298m

Shorter ride option: Distance: 27km via Apt and Gargas only - Approximate Ascent: 214m / Descent: 244m

Overnight Roussillon

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Les Sables d’Ocre | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

This delightful hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you can relax in its delightful gardens or by the pool. The rooms reserved for you all have air-conditioning.

Hotel Le Clos de la Glycine | 3 Star | Hotel

Upgrade Option: From your superb appointed room you can enjoy views over the ochres of Roussillon. Both charming and refined they are designed to reflect traditional Provençal tones.

Day 5 Free day to explore Roussillon

The deep red colours of Roussillon offer a warm welcome, no matter the time of day. The former centre of Ochre mining, villagers today still paint properties in one of the 40 shades of red! A former residence of Samuel Beckett, it’s easy to forget about cycling today as there is time to explore your hotel's charismatic streets, viewpoints, and poolside.

Overnight Roussillon

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Les Sables d’Ocre | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

This delightful hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you can relax in its delightful gardens or by the pool. The rooms reserved for you all have air-conditioning.

Hotel Le Clos de la Glycine | 3 Star | Hotel

Upgrade Option: From your superb appointed room you can enjoy views over the ochres of Roussillon. Both charming and refined they are designed to reflect traditional Provençal tones.

Day 6 Loop Ride to Gordes and Goult 22 miles / 35 km

Pedalling west, the must-see village of Gordes clings spectacularly to the hillside. A popular summer artists retreat, Lhôte and Chagall, were inspired by their time in Gordes. Tuesday is the famous farmers market, and if you can’t make that, a visit up to the Renaissance Chateau is quintessential Provence architecture.

Approximate Ascent: 621m / Descent: 614m

Overnight Roussillon

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Les Sables d’Ocre | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

This delightful hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you can relax in its delightful gardens or by the pool. The rooms reserved for you all have air-conditioning.

Hotel Le Clos de la Glycine | 3 Star | Hotel

Upgrade Option: From your superb appointed room you can enjoy views over the ochres of Roussillon. Both charming and refined they are designed to reflect traditional Provençal tones.

Day 7 Cycle to L'Isle Sur la Sorgue 19 miles / 31 km

A freewheel down to the Luberon Valley floor sweeps west onto an easy-going cycle path to the emerald green waters of Fontaine de Vaucluse. A Macs favourite, Fontaine de Vaucluse is an excellent spot for a spot of riverside lunch, and only a few km’s from L’Isle Sur la Sorgue, there is no reason to hurry on.

Approximate Ascent: 275m / Descent: 518m

Overnight L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

La Prévôté | Bed and breakfast

La Prevote is located in the old town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue. The River Sorgue runs through this former 17th century convent and immediately slows your pace for the week head.

Hotel Les Nevons | 3 Star | Hotel

Grand Hotel Henri | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 8 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 3kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 3kg is equivalent to 10 miles in a medium-size gas car. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Graded easy to moderate, Pedalling in Provence covers 20km-35km each day over rolling terrain. Daily routes take in the best of the hilltop villages and picture postcard countryside. Well suited to those that actively cycle to seek out the sights, there is always the option of an Ebike if a little hill assistance is required. Each day ends in family-run hotels or B&B’s offering a warm Provencal welcome and regional fayre.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

Cycling in this region follows well surfaced roads through villages, towns and farmland. The roads are well signposted and are generally cycle friendly but please always be mindful of other road users. Our tried and tested detailed routes notes and maps, make for easy navigation during your trip.

Experience & Fitness

This trip is graded easy to moderate and covers between 25km-35km on cycling days. If you cycle more than a handful of times a month as part of an active lifestyle and enjoy actively seeking new sights, this trip would suit you. E-bikes are always available if you would like a little more pedal boost during your cycling day. As this trip heads through the towns and hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley, you will find that some days offer easier flat sections of cycling whilst others may feel hillier.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

3 Nights in 3* hotels and 4 nights B&B's
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
Information pack
Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to / from L'Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue
Bike & E bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike & E bike hire

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Trek 7.2 hybrid bikes are available for hire. All bikes are equipped with a pannier, trip computer and spare inner tube along with a pump.

Many people also choose to hire an E-bike. The added battery power provides uphill assistance when required. For more information on how E-bikes work click here.

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride. Alternatively, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about the hire bike. If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate hybrid or touring bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.

How fit do I need to be? How far in advance do I need to book? When is the best time of year? How do the baggage transfers work? What happens if I can't cycle a stage?

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Pedalling in Provence: The Luberon Valley

Pedalling in Provence: The Luberon Valley

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Itinerary

Other Information

Meals

Single Rooms

Nearby Airports

Cycle the Châteaux of the Loire

Dordogne Cycling

Biking in Provence

Why Macs

The Biggest Choice

Founded in 2003

23,000+ Customer Reviews

B Corp Certified