Day 1: Avignon
Individual arrival in Avignon. If you have time, visit the ancient medieval city of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes, which is a short walk from your hotel. At the appointed time, a staff member will equip you with your bicycles and the informational material for your trip through Provence on a racing bike.
Day 2: Avignon – Bédoin/Mazan (102 km; +750/-630 m)
Beyond the city walls, the vast countryside and the treasures of Provence await you. Heading southwest along the Rhône River, the route leads you to a region called Gard, home to the famous Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, a wonderful feat of art and engineering. Here you will have the opportunity to swim or go canoeing in the river below, if you wish. Next on today's itinerary are the wine regions of Tavel and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which you will explore by pedalling through expanses of vineyards and maybe stopping for a tasting: Tavel is famous for its rosé wines, while Châteauneuf-du-Pape is known for red wines. You will recognize the castle from which this famous designation takes its name. After a visit to the charming town of Carpentras, you will conclude your day of road cycling at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
Day 3: Mazan – Sault (41; +920/-260 m or 61 km; +1930/-1270 m)
Today you can choose to climb Mount Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, or opt for an easier route through the Nesque Gorges. The first option allows you to cycle on a classic route on Mount Ventoux, which touches the sky at 1912 meters: this famous summit has appeared in the Tour de France 15 times since 1951. The second option descends along the walls of the Nesque Gorges, passing by the Chapelle Saint-Michel, a small 12th-century chapel hidden under a cliff. You’ll spend the night in Sault, a village as historical as it is beautiful. Surrounded by fields of lavender, during the bloom your road bike tour in Sault might resemble a frameless 3-D Monet painting.
Day 4: Sault – Roussillon (67 km; +850/-1310 m or 68 km; +890/-1360 m)
Among the many picturesque settlements on your route, Gordes is sure to catch your eye: perched on a hill above poppy fields, it boasts of being one of the most beautiful villages in France. Just north of Gordes is the Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by some of the most photographed lavender fields in Provence. You will then cycle to Roussillon, another beautiful village in France! Here you can dine and stay among the town's distinctive ochre buildings.
Day 5: Roussillon – Forcalquier (55 km; +600/-360 m or 94 km; +1560/-1320 m)
Leaving Roussillon, you will find yourself surrounded by nature as you cross the Luberon Regional Natural Park. You will then pedal towards Bonnieux, nestled on a cliff, and the hamlet of Buoux, a popular destination for rock climbing. We recommend a stop in Saignon, another charming hilltop town, for a picnic lunch or a coffee. If time permits, we advise you to climb the Rocca of Saignon, an ancient lookout that offers unbeatable views of Mont Ventoux. Definitely worth a stop is Simiane-la-Rotonde: dominated by the rotunda of the medieval castle, the old village, rich in charm, invites you to stroll along its cobbled and flower-filled streets, lined with beautiful houses and art and craft shops, and to visit the picturesque covered market from the 16th century, which offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape. In Banon, you can taste the locally produced cheese of the same name. You will pedal up to Forcalquier, where you will spend the night.
Day 6: Forcalquier – Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (58 km; +680/-580 m)
From Forcalquier you will pedal towards the coast up to Manosque which, despite its walls, is a welcoming and open city. Once you leave the Durance River Plain, you will leave behind the Luberon and enter Alpine Provence. The small village of Gréoux-les-Bains was a famous Roman bath site and is still frequented for its hot springs. Continuing, you will reach the Valensole Plateau. Prepare for the unparalleled sensory experience of being surrounded by the fragrance and beauty of lavender fields. Today's destination is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a truly unique village known for its decorative ceramics: a waterfall drops from the surrounding cliffs directly into the town centre.
Day 7: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – Saint-Paul-de-Vence (122 km; +2350/-2820 m or +2240/-2710 m)
The beautiful Verdon Natural Park is the backdrop for today's stage. The turquoise waters of the Verdon River carve the limestone rock, creating one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe, while the road continues east through a quiet and pristine valley. Take a break in the small village of Gréolières, both for a snack and to explore the ruins of the area: the next villages along the route could simply be a handful of houses! You will then cycle through the Gorges du Loup, spectacular gorges that will thrill you. As you continue south along the route, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and later the views of the artistic city of Saint-Paul-de-Vence as you sip a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at the end of your road bike trip in Provence.
Day 8: Saint-Paul-de-Vence
After breakfast, services end. There is the option to arrange a transfer to Nice to continue your holiday with some relaxation on the beach.