FrancePROVENCE: THE LUBERON & VENTOUX
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
FranceProvence: The Luberon & Ventoux
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,560 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday explores beautiful region of Provence between the Luberon Hills and Mont Ventoux. Cycling through colorful and spectacular scenery, you visit charming villages, incredible historic monuments, world-class vineyards, Provencal markets that are a feast for the senses, and much more besides. This multi-faceted tour follows country lanes with a focus on not only experiencing the best cycling routes, but also on seeing the best of Provence off the bike.
You will climb Mont Ventoux, ride through the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque and follow beautiful routes through the Luberon Natural Park. You also stay in stunning historical villages such as Bonnieux, Roussillon and Venasque.
While on the routes you visit the delights of Oppede, Gordes, Senanque Abbey and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. This is an ideal tour for cyclists who like a challenge, but who also want to experience the rich history and culture of the region.
There are two different route options each day depending on how far you wish to ride, and e-bikes are available, so the tour accessible for riders of various levels. Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
Day 1 - Bonnieux
We pick you up from Cavaillon train station (or Provence airport upon request) and transfer you to the center of Bonnieux.
Situated in the heart of the Luberon Natural Park, Bonnieux is a beautiful historic village that oozes Provenç charm and style.
We fit the bikes here and, depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short circular ride around the local vineyards.
Situated in the heart of the Luberon Natural Park, Bonnieux is a beautiful historic village that oozes Provenç charm and style.
We fit the bikes here and, depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short circular ride around the local vineyards.
Riding through the Luberon
Day 2 - Luberon Hills
On the first full day in the saddle we tour around some of the beautiful villages of the Luberon region. The ride follows quiet country lanes and cycle routes which head through vineyards, lavender fields and picturesque pine forests.
Highlights include the villages of Lacoste and Oppede. In the former you can visit an impressive castle which was once the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. While in the latter you can explore the beautifully preserved Medieval streets of Oppède-le-Vieux.
Both routes then continue to the village of Roussillon, where you spend the night. It is known for its ochre pigment which give the town a delightful red appearance.
Short Route: 36km (23 miles) / 600m (2,000ft) Elevation
Longer Route: 48km (30 miles) / 800m (2,650ft) Elevation
Highlights include the villages of Lacoste and Oppede. In the former you can visit an impressive castle which was once the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. While in the latter you can explore the beautifully preserved Medieval streets of Oppède-le-Vieux.
Both routes then continue to the village of Roussillon, where you spend the night. It is known for its ochre pigment which give the town a delightful red appearance.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 36km (23 miles) / 600m (2,000ft) Elevation
Longer Route: 48km (30 miles) / 800m (2,650ft) Elevation
Red Village of Roussillon
Day 3 - Sénanque Abbey & Gordes
The riding today continues along quiet country lanes through stunning scenery, before a short climb up to the village of Gordes - recently named 'the most beautiful village in the world'.
After admiring its beauty, the longer route detours via the dramatic Sénanque Abbey. Dating from the 12th century, the Cistercian abbey is housed in a beautiful Medieval building and is surrounded by spectacularly colorful and fragrant fields of lavender.
Both routes then continues through the village of Murs, following quiet rolling roads to the village of Sault. Situated at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Sault is perched on its own cliff, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and lavendar fields.
Short Route: 47km (25 miles) / 1,000m (3,300ft)
Long Route: 58km (37 miles) / 1,200m (4,000ft)
After admiring its beauty, the longer route detours via the dramatic Sénanque Abbey. Dating from the 12th century, the Cistercian abbey is housed in a beautiful Medieval building and is surrounded by spectacularly colorful and fragrant fields of lavender.
Both routes then continues through the village of Murs, following quiet rolling roads to the village of Sault. Situated at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Sault is perched on its own cliff, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and lavendar fields.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 47km (25 miles) / 1,000m (3,300ft)
Long Route: 58km (37 miles) / 1,200m (4,000ft)
Fragrant lavender at Sénanque Abbey
Day 4 - Mont Ventoux
Today is the most challenging ride of the holiday as you climb the legendary Mont Ventoux. One of the most famous climbs of the Tour de France, Ventoux dominates the surrounding region and is characterised by
its lunar like upper slopes.
There are two options to tackle the climb. The more challenging route heads to Bedoin and tackles the classic Tour de France side of the climb, with gradients around 9% or 10% for an interminable length of time!
The more civilized option from Sault is still a challenging climb, climb to over 1900m (6,300ft) altitude. But the gradients are more gentle and the scenery more pleasant here.
After enjoying the spectacular views from the top of Mont Ventoux, both routes return for a well deserved rest in Sault.
Short Route: 52km (32 miles) / 1,300m (4,300ft) Elevation
Long Route: 78km (48 miles) / 1,900m (6,300ft) Elevation
There are two options to tackle the climb. The more challenging route heads to Bedoin and tackles the classic Tour de France side of the climb, with gradients around 9% or 10% for an interminable length of time!
The more civilized option from Sault is still a challenging climb, climb to over 1900m (6,300ft) altitude. But the gradients are more gentle and the scenery more pleasant here.
After enjoying the spectacular views from the top of Mont Ventoux, both routes return for a well deserved rest in Sault.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 52km (32 miles) / 1,300m (4,300ft) Elevation
Long Route: 78km (48 miles) / 1,900m (6,300ft) Elevation
The barren upper slopes of Mont Ventoux
Day 5 - Gorges de la Nesque & Venasque
The ride today has some climbing, but is mostly downhill, allowing your legs to recover after Ventoux. It is a beautiful ride which follows a balcony road above a dramatic gorge formed
by the Nesque River.
The route passes by a charming abbey, before arriving at your destination of Venasque.
During the late Medieval period, Venasque was the capital of the entire region; it was the seat of powerful feudal lords, who later allied with the Pope in nearby Avignon. The impressive old town is perched on a hill top with spectacular views overlooking both the valley and the imposing Mont Ventoux.
Short Route: 46km (29 miles) / 500m (1,650ft) Elevation
Long Route: 61km (38 miles) / 750m (2,500ft) Elevation
The route passes by a charming abbey, before arriving at your destination of Venasque.
During the late Medieval period, Venasque was the capital of the entire region; it was the seat of powerful feudal lords, who later allied with the Pope in nearby Avignon. The impressive old town is perched on a hill top with spectacular views overlooking both the valley and the imposing Mont Ventoux.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 46km (29 miles) / 500m (1,650ft) Elevation
Long Route: 61km (38 miles) / 750m (2,500ft) Elevation
Picturesque colours in autumn
Day 6 - Vaucluse Region
This final day in the saddle begins by heading south through the charming Vaucluse region of Provence. We leave Gordes on rolling roads that wind through picturesque forest, before arriving at the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Situated at the source of the River Sorgue, this natural beauty spot has been highly regarded since ancient times, when it was the center of a pagan cult. Fontaine makes for a great coffee stop, with the charming hilltop
castle and 15th century paper watermill well worth exploring.
From Fontaine you can extend the route to the Luberon hills, visiting the village of Maubec, where it is possible to visit a local winery. The day ends in the lively town of Cavaillon, where you can enjoy a short but spectacular hike along the limestone cliffs to a hermitage.
Short Route: 35km (21 miles) / 400m (1,400ft Elevation)
Long Route: 53km (32 miles) / 700m (2,350ft Elevation)
From Fontaine you can extend the route to the Luberon hills, visiting the village of Maubec, where it is possible to visit a local winery. The day ends in the lively town of Cavaillon, where you can enjoy a short but spectacular hike along the limestone cliffs to a hermitage.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 35km (21 miles) / 400m (1,400ft Elevation)
Long Route: 53km (32 miles) / 700m (2,350ft Elevation)
Quiet Country Lanes
Day 7 - Possible Extensions
The tour comes to an end today after breakfast in Cavaillon. It is a short walk from the hotel to the railway station, from where you can get regular
trains to Avignon, Marseille and Provence Airport.
You may also wish to extend the holiday, by spending extra nights in this part of Provence, or one of the other attractive destinations nearby, such as the French Riviera, Arles or Avignon.
Please Contact us if you would like to discuss the options for extending this itinerary.
You may also wish to extend the holiday, by spending extra nights in this part of Provence, or one of the other attractive destinations nearby, such as the French Riviera, Arles or Avignon.
Please Contact us if you would like to discuss the options for extending this itinerary.
Avignon City Walls
This tour explores the best of Provence. You visit the most beautiful villages in the region, cycling between them on quiet country lanes through vineyards and beautiful scenery.
We show you authentic Provence: the history; the colors; the charm and even the smells! Whether visiting Mont Ventoux, Roussillon, Gordes, the Luberon or dozens of other places, we want every day to provide truly memorable experiences.
Check out just a few of the many highlights of the tour in the photo album below:
We show you authentic Provence: the history; the colors; the charm and even the smells! Whether visiting Mont Ventoux, Roussillon, Gordes, the Luberon or dozens of other places, we want every day to provide truly memorable experiences.
Check out just a few of the many highlights of the tour in the photo album below:
Luberon Region
The holiday begins in the Luberon region of Provence. Home to spectacular views, quiet country lanes and stunning villages, it's ideal for cycling/
Mont Ventoux
The imposing moonscape of Mont Ventoux is a sight to behold
Quiet Country Lanes
The routes on this tour mostly follow quiet back roads and cycling routes free from traffic.
Sénanque Abbey
The colorful lavender fields in this part of Provence certainly leave an impression. But the 12th century Cistercian abbey is the real star, and a stunning example of Medieval architecture.
Lacoste Château
This castle in the Luberon region is the former home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. But with gently rolling cycling routes and beautiful hotels, this is not a tour for sadists!
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This beautiful village is built on natural springs at the end of the Sorgue valley. The stunning location of the springs has captivated people since ancient times - when it was regarded as having divine properties.
Jerusalem Windmill
This picturesque windmill is located in the small village of Gault and sits beside the castle, overlooking the valley below.
Gorges de la Nesque
A spectacular balcony road above the River Nesque is one of the best roads for riding in Provence.
Medieval Provence
Winding streets and alleyways await at every turn in villages like Baux and Gordes
Cycle Route over the Pont Julien
Our routes follow a combination of quiet country lanes and cycle routes, such as this one heading over the Pont Julien Roman Bridge.
Roussillon
This 'red village' is one of the most charming in the region. Buildings here are made from the local ochre stone, which gives them the distinctive color.
Provencal Cuisine
Sampling the Provencal gastronomy is one of the highlights of this trip. We particularly recommend trying local specialities such as daube and bouillabaisse.
Luberon Vineyards
There is plenty of chance to taste the wine from the local vineyards, either at the wineries or in the villages along the route.
Provencal Horses
Horses are a common sight in the paddocks and stables that you pass along the route.
Oppède le Vieux
This abandoned village in the Luberon hills is preserved from late Medieval times. Due to its hilly cobbled streets it is best explored on foot, where you can get a real feel for Provençal life over 600 years ago.
Roman Aqueduct
This 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct ran for around 10 miles from the Alpilles Natural Park, to feed the baths in the city of Arles. This well preserved section also features water mills where grain in the nearby fields was processed.
Cycle Route
Some of the riding follows beautiful traffic-free cycle routes, other sections are on quiet country lanes for a more relaxing cycling experience.
Gordes Viewpoint
Recently named by Travel and Leisure magazine as the 'most beautiful village in the world'; Gordes is impressive to admire from afar. We stop here for a coffee, but prefer to focus on less touristy parts of Provence.
Sault
A typical Provencal style house in the village of Sault.
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Continental breakfast each day
- ✔ Transfers to Bonnieux from Cavaillon at the start of the tour
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ GPS routes and mobile app to easily follow the routes
- ✔ Detailed information pack
- ✔ Bicycle Rental (road bikes, e-bikes or hybrids)
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday.
Carbon road bikes, e-bikes and hybrids are all available, and the choice really depends on which you are more comfortable riding. If you plan to do the longer routes, we generally recommend road bikes or e-bikes, but hybrid bikes are also a good choice for the shorter rides.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
More details the kind of bikes we offer can be found on our bicycles page. All of our bikes come with helmets and a water bottle.
Carbon road bikes, e-bikes and hybrids are all available, and the choice really depends on which you are more comfortable riding. If you plan to do the longer routes, we generally recommend road bikes or e-bikes, but hybrid bikes are also a good choice for the shorter rides.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
More details the kind of bikes we offer can be found on our bicycles page. All of our bikes come with helmets and a water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as medium for the shorter rides and chalelnging for the longer routes each day.
The rides are mostly rolling or hilly, but the distances are not too long. There is one sustained longer climb to Mont Ventoux, where you can decide to climb the more gentle side (from Sault), or the steeper and harder ascent (from Bedoin).
Overall, we believe that this is a balanced tour, which has a focus on cycling, but also with a lot to see and do off the bike.
Most of the riding is on well paved roads with very little traffic and so the cycling is suitable for riders of all levels. If you are worried about the hills, we recommend using an e-bike, which will give you the added confidence to fully enjoy the holiday.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
The rides are mostly rolling or hilly, but the distances are not too long. There is one sustained longer climb to Mont Ventoux, where you can decide to climb the more gentle side (from Sault), or the steeper and harder ascent (from Bedoin).
Overall, we believe that this is a balanced tour, which has a focus on cycling, but also with a lot to see and do off the bike.
Most of the riding is on well paved roads with very little traffic and so the cycling is suitable for riders of all levels. If you are worried about the hills, we recommend using an e-bike, which will give you the added confidence to fully enjoy the holiday.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The tour begins in the village of Bonnieux. We include a transfer to Bonnieux from the town of Cavaillon. Cavaillon has a train station with regular connections to Marseille, Avignon and Provence International airport.
On request we can also provide a direct transfer from Provence International Airport (Marseille) and Avignon train station for a supplement cost of €100.
The tour ends in Cavaillon. From here you can take the train to Avignon or Marseille (including Provence Airport). Again, on request we can arrange a transfer to Provence Airport (Marseille).
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region, or if you would like to arrange a transfer to or from a different location.
On request we can also provide a direct transfer from Provence International Airport (Marseille) and Avignon train station for a supplement cost of €100.
The tour ends in Cavaillon. From here you can take the train to Avignon or Marseille (including Provence Airport). Again, on request we can arrange a transfer to Provence Airport (Marseille).
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region, or if you would like to arrange a transfer to or from a different location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
Should I do the longer or shorter routes?
This depends entirely on you! The longer and shorter routes all start and finish at the same place, and so you can decide on any given day which you would prefer to do. There is no need to commit until the day of the ride itself.
On the longer routes you see more and are able to visit more places, while the shorter routes are more relaxing and ideal if you like to take your time and go at a slower pace.
If you would like to visit the extra towns and monuments on the longer routes, but are worried about the distances, then we recommend hiring an e-bike, which will give you more flexibility.
When is the best time of year to go on this holiday?
Provence is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year, with little rain.
In Spring (April to July) and Autumn or fall (September to November) the temperature is at its most pleasant for cycling.
It can be quite cold at times in winter and we generally don't recommend doing this tour from December to February.
The tour can be started on any day of the week.
Can I change or customize this tour?
Yes, absolutely. The itinerary is very flexible and we would be happy to customize it however you wish. If for example, you would like to stay in a particular town or hotel we can arrange this.
Likewise, if you would prefer to do longer or shorter rides, including evening meals, or stay somewhere for extra nights, please let us know and we can adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Avignon or
the French Riviere.
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to visit the Alps, or any other destination in Provence or elsewhere nearby.
Do you run this as a guided tour?
Yes, for more details, check out the guided version of this holiday.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have plenty more detailed information on the website.
Check out our guide to Roman Provence
Hotel Panoramique Cesar
This boutique hotel is ideally situated in the charming heart of Bonnieux. The rooms are comfortable and well situated for exploring the surroundings.
La Maison des Ocres
This beautiful 3-star boutique hotel is situated in a traditional red maison in the heart of Roussillon. It has attractive gardens set around a swimming pool and is in a great location for exploring the charming village.
Le Nesk
You spend two nights in this very charming 3-star hotel situated on the upper part of Sault. The rooms and view are very impressive, and the hotel has good for facilities for cyclists; including an excellent breakfast!
Hôtel les Remparts
A spectacular boutique hotel housed within the Medieval walls of Venasque. This priviliged location is combined with comfortable rooms, an excellent restaurant and a central location for exploring the village.
The Originals Boutique, Hôtel du Parc
A stylish 3-star hotel in the center of Cavaillon, next to the Roman ruins and cathedral. The hotel offers stylish rooms and a very tasty local breakfast.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
| Starting Date | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Other Dates | €1,560 | €630 | Included | |
| 7th July - 3rd September | €1,740 | €730 | Included |
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
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