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Back to Travel Alpilles and Luberon
France, Provence
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€ 960/person (including taxes)
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7 Days
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Self-guided tour
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1 Leisure level
Whether you’re a novice or keen rider, Provence is cycling paradise with endless kilometers of diverse landscapes, spectacular views and untouched treasures. Embark on this self- guided tour around the Alpilles mountains and Luberon region riding through the vineyards, olive groves and hill top villages that years ago inspired some of the greatest works of art – think Van Gogh, Cézanne and Mistral.
Day 1
Arrival in Avignon
Check into your hotel, ideally located in the centre of Avignon. Recognised for its beauty and rich history, we really recommend you take the afternoon to walk the walled city. Worthwhile sites include the all-important Popes Palace, the remains of the St-Bénézet bridge and the Jardin du Rocher des Doms.
Night in Avignon
Day 2
Les Baux de Provence
For this first stage, you leave Avignon on tiny country roads to join Beaucaire and Tarascon, two old trading towns with remnants from the 15th century. You will end the day in Les Baux de Provence, a village perched on a rocky plateau in the heart of the Alpilles. The village is officially classified and labelled as “one of the most beautiful villages in France”, so during your two nights in Les Baux de Provence make sure to take a stroll around town.
40km with 300m+
Night in Les Baux de Provence
Day 3
Loop around the Alpilles
A day entirely dedicated to the spectacular Alpilles limestone mountains. You will cycle through sun-kissed landscapes, surrounded by olive groves, pine trees and oak forests. You’ll see everything from the roman ruins of Glanum in the picturesque town of Saint Rémy de Provence, to the sunflower fields that so famously inspired Vincent van Gogh. The night will be spent back in Les Baux de Provence
40km with 400m+
Night in Les Baux de Provence
Day 4
To the Luberon
Today you will traverse the Alpilles massif to reach the Luberon. You will cycle through the town of Cavaillon, known for its melon and then though Coustellet, where you can stop by the Lavander museum. The day will end in Gordes, a picture perfect village with cobblestone streets and stunning views of the Luberon valley. You will be happy that Gordes will be your base for the next 2 nights.
50km with 500m+
Night in Gordes
Day 5
Loop in the Luberon
Off the saddle, start today with a 1h30 walk in the gorgeous natural quarries of Roussillon. Sculpted by storms, these former ochre deposits are fiery red in colour and often used in the construction of Provencal houses. You’ll then make your way to Oppede, a hill top village closed off to cars and once the perfect hiding place for a commune of artists fleeing the occupying German army during World War II. Similiarly, the village of Lacoste is lined with cobblestone streets and beautiful old houses.
45km with 600m+
Night in Gordes
Day 6
Loop in the Luberon
Built in the 12th century, the Abbey of Senanque is still run by an order of monks and will be your first stop for the day, before heading to Vénasque. The village’s picturesque main square, beautiful chapels and restful cafés are a good incentive for a short stop here. Later, you’ll head towards Provence’s highest peak, Le Mont Ventoux and explore the vineyards at its feet. Your home for the evening is the village of Bédoin where the infamous Tour de France begins its ascent toward the summit.
30km with 400m+
Night in Bédoin
Day 7
End of Trip
Relax and enjoy your last breakfast, before transfers to Avignon (included)