France: Biking Provence
Seven days. Cycling, on paved, quiet Luberon lanes. Some hills, and a very challenging ride up Mont Ventoux, famous as part of the Tour de France route. Take the van uphill if you prefer!
This is rural France at its full-blooded finest – a journey in time and glorious space, with mesmerizing smells, entrancing scenery, captivating history, unparalleled southern French hospitality, and Provençale tastes combining heaven with earth. The cycling is fabulous, on quiet roads through lush countryside, with options for both relaxed hedonists and eager explorers. From St.Rémy-de-Provence, you will ride to the hilltop fort of Les Baux, influenced by troubadours through the ages. From there, you will head towards the hills of the Luberon, declared a natural park because of its profound beauty. Medieval villages perched on hilltops look down on farms and vineyards interlaced with roads so well suited to quiet cycling that many of them have petite cyclists on the road signs! You will explore one quiet, stone village after another, sometimes stopping at sunny street side cafés or resting at little fountains, watching farmers tend their lines of vines, or tasting wine and honey, and sometimes riding on long routes through quiet and beautiful terrain, always resting in tranquil lodges. You will cross the Luberon Plateau toward your splendid hotel near the foot of Mont Ventoux. You may be inspired to climb, on a road painted with encouragement to the world’s greatest athletes. You may choose, instead, to take a lift to the top and be thrilled by a 24km descent! You can visit the best-preserved theatre of the Roman Empire in Orange. Nearby, the headiest of the Rhône wines can be tasted at Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This trip’s colours, scents, and tastes enhance the sunshine magnificently, filling each day with the sensual pleasure that makes French exploring so rewarding.
The Plan:
Day 1: 25km (15 mi) Meet your guides in Avignon at 09:00 or St. Remy at 10:30 for bike familiarization. After lunch in St.Remy, ride to the hilltop ruin of Les Baux, to explore this medieval courting ground before returning to St. Remy. Today is planned as an easy introduction to your bikes, to give you time to unwind after the rigors of travelling, and to give you time to explore St. Remy by foot later in the afternoon. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
La Cigalle et la Fourmi, www.lacigaleetlafourmi.fr; or
La Fragrance, Saint Rémy de Provence, www.fragrance-saintremy.com
*Upgrade option Domaine de Valmouriane, www.valmouriane.com $175pp extra
Day 2: 65km (40 mi) Beginning at the hilltop of Les Baux, you will cycle through Les Alpilles on your way to Cavaillon. After crossing La Durance, you will make your way along the cycle route to Ménerbes, on the North slopes of the Luberon, seeing your first “perched village” at Oppède le Vieux. You will finish at one of the most famous and photographed villages in Provence, where your swimming pool and exquisite dinner will complement a walk around this medieval enclave. BL
Hotel Les Bories, www.hotellesbories.com; or
Le Mas des Romarins, Gordes, www.masromarins.com
Day 3: 95km (55 mi) with shorter options. Today’s loop ride is a fabulous exploration of some of Provence’s extraordinary sights. First, you will stop in Roussillon, painted in the red, orange, and yellow hues of ochre, mined in the nearby hills. Optional hike through the forests to visit the monks in their secluded valley at Abbaie de Senanque. En route to Menerbes, you will pass through perched villages and gorgeous countryside. Menerbes was made famous in Peter Mayle’s books “Toujours Provence” and “A Year in Provence”. You will also pass through Lacoste, with its castle ruins, and Bonnieux, where you can enjoy views from the church at the top of the village before returning to Gordes for dinner. BL
Same lodging
Day 4: 70km (42 mi) A big day with several climbs and a spectacular ridge ride. Your first stop is the Abbaie de Sennanque, where the monks grow lavender and fill their peaceful valley with melodious chants between work. Mid-morning stop in Venasque to see the ruins there, then on to Gorges de la Nesque for an out of this world ride. Finish near Sault. BLD
Hostellerie du Val de Sault, www.valdesault.com; or
Pierre de Lune, Sault, www.provence.guideweb.com
Day 5: 68km (43 mi) Circumnavigate Mont Ventoux. Finish at the remarkable “hotel village” - Crillon le Brave. The exceptionally comfortable hotel includes all the houses at the top of the village, and offers restaurant choices. BL
Villa Noria, Modène, www.villa-noria.com; or
La Condamine, Crillon-le-Brave, www.lacondamine.info
Upgrade: Hostellerie Crillon-le-Brave, www.crillonlebrave.com ($150pp; 2 nights)
Day 6: 60km (36mi) Loop ride including Mt. Ventoux. The first half of this ride is an uphill climb (understatement), one of the most famous in the Tour de France. Those who want can take the van to or from the top. The second half is a rapturous descent, to be navigated with caution. The summit is 1909m-6263ft, and it’s usually about 11 degrees Celsius – 20 degrees Fahrenheit - cooler at the top than at the bottom. The van will be close by throughout the ride and cyclists are asked to use caution and good judgement in their attempt to ride this loop. There is an alternative self-guided 50km (30mi) option for those who prefer, cycling through Villes sur Auzon, and the historic village of Mazan, at the foothills of Mt. Ventoux. BLD
Same lodging
Day 7: 09:00 departure for transfer to Avignon train station, TGV station, or hotel. B
The Details:
| Start: | Avignon, 09:00; or St. Remy de Provence, 10:30 day one. TGV train from Paris CDG airport is a direct connection. |
| Finish: | Avignon, 10:30 day seven. |
| Guided Cost: | $3795 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, light picnic lunches, 3 dinners, route notes and maps, luggage handling, van and guide support) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2995 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, route notes and maps, luggage transfers) |
| Single Occupancy: | $1115 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195; Racing: $275 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 18-24. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Apr 16-22; May 14-20; Jun 18-24; Sep 17-23. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are April to early November. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
