Cycling in Provence: The Luberon Valley

Pedalling in Provence: The Luberon Valley

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.8 Read 6 reviews

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.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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

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.

Navigation

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.

Should you require assistance, local 24/7 telephone support will also be available throughout your trip.

Accommodations

Each Provencal accommodation is different and full of character. Hotels are listed below, though on occasion we may have to book you an alternative hotel, especially during the busier periods of the year. We always book an equal or better alternative hotel or bed and breakfast.

Meals

Included are 7 breakfasts, which usually consist of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking.

Lunches and dinners are not included. Never too far from a village, town or market your route notes list a number of local places to dine and of course, the smell of a boulangerie is always in the air!

Single Rooms

If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is not available to solo cyclists.

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 hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day from April to October and is subject to availability. Peak months in Provence are June, July and August so we would suggest contacting us as soon as your plans are finalised.

July and August are the hottest months with little to no rainfall. The temperatures rise into the 30 degree celsius during the day. The months before and after the high season will be sunny but a little cooler, which could be preferable when cycling. Always make sure to stay hydrated, take plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a sunhat.

Getting to the Start

L’Isles Sur la Sorgue has a mainline train station. Hourly services connect through to Avignon TGV Station (33mins), where you can change for Paris, London and a small number of other European cities. For more information on trains, you can visit www.sncf.com

Nearby Airports

Avignon Airport is served by a limited number of low cost and international carriers.

Marseille Airport is around 1-hour drive. The TGV station at the airport provides a very swift connection time of 20mins into Avignon centre. Please refer to www.sncf.com for more information.

Luggage Transfer

Baggage transfer as per your itinerary is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).

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 a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in L'Isle Sur la Sorgue Day 2 Cycle to Bonnieux 22 miles / 35 km Day 3 Loop Ride to Menerbes 19 miles / 30 km Day 4 Cycle to Roussillon 20 miles / 32 km Day 5 Free day to explore Roussillon Day 6 Loop Ride to Gordes and Goult 16 miles / 25 km Day 7 Cycle to L'Isle Sur la Sorgue 19 miles / 30 km Day 8 Onward travel

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