FranceBEST OF PROVENCE
Guided Cycling Holiday
FranceThe Best of Provence
Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: €1,710 EUR
We explore the best of Provence in Southern France on this fully guided and supported cycling holiday. We follow quiet lanes, with a focus on exploring the rich history, art and culture of the region.
We stay in some of the most beautiful towns and villages, visit unforgettable sights and ride through spectacularly colorful scenery.
The tour begins in the stunning Luberon Natural Park; from there we cycle through the lavendar fields, olive groves and vineyards of Provence. We visit incredible historic monuments in Arles, Glanum and the Luberon Region. We visit the locations that inspired Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne and countless other artists, and we sample the delicious local wine and gastronomy.
The tour is suitable for riders of all levels, with two different route options each day depending on how far you wish to ride; and we follow quiet roads and cycling greenways away from traffic.
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.
We also run a more challenging self-guided version of this tour.
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.
Vineyards of the Luberon
Day 2 - Luberon Villages & Roussillon
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.
After lunch in an excellent local restaurant we continue to the village of Roussillon, known for its ochre pigment which give the town a delightful red appearance.
Short Route: 36km (23 miles)
Long Route: 48km (30 miles)
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.
After lunch in an excellent local restaurant we continue to the village of Roussillon, known for its ochre pigment which give the town a delightful red appearance.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 36km (23 miles)
Long Route: 48km (30 miles)
Today we ride through the Luberon region
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, we continue to 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.
The route then continues to our hotel in the village 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: 27km (17 miles)
Long Route: 41km (25 miles)
After admiring its beauty, we continue to 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.
The route then continues to our hotel in the village 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: 27km (17 miles)
Long Route: 41km (25 miles)
Fragrant lavender at Sénanque Abbey
Day 4 - Vaucluse Region
This ride today 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 Saumane-de-Vaucluse, home to a pleasant castle, before we return back to the Luberon region for lunch and the possibility of a wine tasting. 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: 34km (21 miles)
Long Route: 46km (29 miles)
From Fontaine you can extend the route to Saumane-de-Vaucluse, home to a pleasant castle, before we return back to the Luberon region for lunch and the possibility of a wine tasting. 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: 34km (21 miles)
Long Route: 46km (29 miles)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Day 5 - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Glanum
Today you head west following mostly flat or gently rolling roads towards the Alpilles region of Provence. Following cycle routes and country lanes we ride through orchards and
picturesque farmland, framed by the Alpilles (Little Alps) in the background.
Highlights on the route include the town of St-Remy-de-Provence. St-Rémy is an intensely colourful and captivating market town, full of the delightful sights, smells and sounds that make the Provence region so special. Here we stop for lunch and you can visit both the Van Gogh museum and the Roman ruins of Glanum.
The day finishes with a short climb and descent to our hotel in the village of Maussane.
Short Route: 33km (20 miles)
Long Route: 40km (24 miles)
Highlights on the route include the town of St-Remy-de-Provence. St-Rémy is an intensely colourful and captivating market town, full of the delightful sights, smells and sounds that make the Provence region so special. Here we stop for lunch and you can visit both the Van Gogh museum and the Roman ruins of Glanum.
The day finishes with a short climb and descent to our hotel in the village of Maussane.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 33km (20 miles)
Long Route: 40km (24 miles)
Gallo-Roman Town of Glanum
Day 6 - Baux & Arles
The ride today crosses the Alpilles and heads south-west, towards the historic city of Arles. The day begins with a short climb up to the picture-postcard village of Baux.
Built on a rocky outcrop, the Medieval streets of Baux are fascinating to explore. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the small village was the capital of a vast feudal state, which controlled huge areas of Provence.
From Baux we descend on quiet lanes, passing an impressive Roman aqueduct as you head into the Camargue region. You enter Arles on cycle lanes, passing the Langlois bridge immortalized by Van Gogh.
The ride finishes in the historic heart of Arles - a city which is home to some of the finest Roman ruins in Western Europe, including an amphitheatre, a theatre, baths and a forum complex.
Short Route: 39km (24 miles)
Long Route: 48km (29 miles)
Built on a rocky outcrop, the Medieval streets of Baux are fascinating to explore. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the small village was the capital of a vast feudal state, which controlled huge areas of Provence.
From Baux we descend on quiet lanes, passing an impressive Roman aqueduct as you head into the Camargue region. You enter Arles on cycle lanes, passing the Langlois bridge immortalized by Van Gogh.
The ride finishes in the historic heart of Arles - a city which is home to some of the finest Roman ruins in Western Europe, including an amphitheatre, a theatre, baths and a forum complex.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 39km (24 miles)
Long Route: 48km (29 miles)
Quiet Country Lanes
Day 7 - Possible Extensions
The tour comes to an end today after breakfast.
You may wish to extend the holiday by spending extra nights in Arles or one of the other attractive destinations nearby, such as the French Riviera, Marseille or Avignon.
Please Contact us if you would like us to help you extend your holiday in the region.
You may wish to extend the holiday by spending extra nights in Arles or one of the other attractive destinations nearby, such as the French Riviera, Marseille or Avignon.
Please Contact us if you would like us to help you extend your holiday in the region.
Avignon from across the River Rhone
This tour explores the best of Provence. We visit the most beautiful villages in the region, cycling between them on quiet country lanes through vineyards and colorful scenery.
The holiday also has a keen focus on the rich history of the region. We visit the ancient Gaulish-Roman city of Glanum, ride over the Pont du Gard aqueduct and explore various castles and chateaus almost every day.
We also take advantage of the region's famous gastronomy, touring around the charming villages of the Luberon and take lunch everyday in our favourite local restaurants.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
The holiday also has a keen focus on the rich history of the region. We visit the ancient Gaulish-Roman city of Glanum, ride over the Pont du Gard aqueduct and explore various castles and chateaus almost every day.
We also take advantage of the region's famous gastronomy, touring around the charming villages of the Luberon and take lunch everyday in our favourite local restaurants.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more 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.
Quiet Country Lanes
The routes on this tour mostly follow quiet back roads and cycling routes free from traffic.
Tasty Food
We take lunches in local restaurants, which showcase the fine gastronomy of the region.
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!
Ancient Glanum
The remains of this Gaulish city shows both Greek and Roman influences. This Hellenic style house was a result of increasing contact with the nearby Greek colony of Massilia (Marseille).
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.
Tasting Menu
This small plates tasting menu is one of the gastronomic highlights of the holiday.
Charming House
Typical of the market town of Saint-Remy.
Baux
Baux was at one time the most powerful village in the region. The Princes of Baux were feudal lords who controlled nearly one hundred villages in the surrounding lands.
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. You will have plenty of opportunities on this tour to try out the local specialities, including bouillabaisse (pictured).
Gordes
This small hilltop town is quintessential Provence. It is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards which make for a great backdrop on the bike.
Arles Roman Amphitheatre
Arles was one of the most important cities in the West of the Roman empire. It was founded as a colony by Julius Caesar and was furnished with great monuments, many of which remain standing today.
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.
Vincent Van Gogh - Pont Langlois
The Dutch artist spent several years in the region. On this tour you will visit some of the places that influenced and inspired him the most - including the Langlois Bridge in Arles, and the Saint-Paul Asylum in St Rémy.
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.
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ 11 meals: 6 breakfasts, & five lunches (four lunches taken in good local restaurants with drinks inlcuded, one picnic lunch)
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road or e-bike) (see below for details)
- ✔ Transfers to and from arrival and departure points (see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Vehicle Support on the routes
- ✔ Experienced guide cycling the routes and explaining places of interest
- ✔ Detailed information pack
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday, and we recommend our lightweight hybrid bikes or e-bikes for this tour.
If you prefer we can also provide road bikes, although the routes do change slightly for these to avoid a couple of gravel sections.
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.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
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.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as medium difficulty. The routes are mostly gently rolling, with some longer climbs up to hilltop villages such as Gordes, Baux and Roussillon.
The longer routes are similar in terms of terrain, with mostly rolling roads and occassional climbs. You can choose whether to do the shorter or longer ride on any given day.
We hate cycling alongside traffic, and so ride on a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The vast majority is paved, but there are some short gravel sections. These can be avoided if you are on a road bike or prefer to stay entirely on paved roads.
If you are interested in the tour, but concerned about the hills, we recommend renting an ebike for this tour.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
The longer routes are similar in terms of terrain, with mostly rolling roads and occassional climbs. You can choose whether to do the shorter or longer ride on any given day.
We hate cycling alongside traffic, and so ride on a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The vast majority is paved, but there are some short gravel sections. These can be avoided if you are on a road bike or prefer to stay entirely on paved roads.
If you are interested in the tour, but concerned about the hills, we recommend renting an ebike for this tour.
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 €50.
If you are already staying in Provence, we may be able to pick you up from elsewhere in the region - just let us know when before the tour begins.
The holiday ends in Arles. Arles train station is only 300m from the hotel, from there you can get easy and fast connections to Marseille airport, or to other cities in Provence and beyond.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region.
On request we can also provide a direct transfer from Provence International Airport (Marseille) and Avignon train station for a supplement cost of €50.
If you are already staying in Provence, we may be able to pick you up from elsewhere in the region - just let us know when before the tour begins.
The holiday ends in Arles. Arles train station is only 300m from the hotel, from there you can get easy and fast connections to Marseille airport, or to other cities in Provence and beyond.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region.
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.
What is the weather like?
Provence is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year, with little rain. This tour is enjoyable year round, although temperatures can be a bit too hot at times in July and August, and it can
also be quite cool in the middle of winter.
So we generally run the guided tour in Spring and Autumn (Fall), when the vineyards are out and the weather is often perfect for cycling.
There is always the possibility of getting caught in a shower though, so we recommend to bring a rain jacket, just in case.
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 on 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.
Can non-cyclists come on the trip?
Absolutely! Non-cyclists are more than welcome.
Although cycling is a big part of the holiday, we also do a lot off the bike. Usually non-cyclists ride in the support vehicle and can explore the various towns and villages along the route.
How big are the groups on your tour?
We usually limit the groups to a maximum of 10 people. We find that if there are many more than that, it can become a bit unwieldly. We think that smaller groups also provide for a more
personal experience, as well as enabling to book more easily in some of our favourite restaurants.
Who is leading the tour?
All of our guided tours are led personally by the founders of Cycle Fiesta - Ian & Lucia.
See our about us page for more information.
Can I do this as a private guided tour?
Yes, we can run this as a private tour for groups of six or more people. Please get in contact with us to discuss dates and any changes you would like to make
When is the best time to see the lavender?
The lavender is in bloom in Provence during June and July.
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 some articles of interest on the website to provide you with more background before your trip. We also provide extensive trip notes, including points of interest
and a detailed history of the region.
To begin with, check out our guide to Roman Provence.
Le Clos Du Buis
This independent boutique hotel in the heart of Bonnieux is full of Provençal charm. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated, while the garden and pool make for a nice area to relax.
It is also a great location for exploring the village of Bonnieux and the surrounding Luberon hills.
It is also a great location for exploring the village of Bonnieux and the surrounding Luberon hills.
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.
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.
Hotel Aurelia
A 3-star hotel in the village of Maussane with charming rooms. The hotel has a large swimming pool within its grounds, which is great for relaxing after a day in the saddle!
Hotel Acacias
A very comfortable 3-star hotel in the historic center of Arles. The hotel has chic rooms and a is situated inside the ancient city walls, less than a five minute walk from Arles amphitheatre and main square.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
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.
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.
²Other Dates
Groups of eight people or more contact us to arrange a private guided tour starting on any date. Similar tours that you may be interested in:
SpainGuided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: €1,780 EUR
*Bike Hire Included
SpainGuided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level:
Price: €1,680 EUR
*Bike Hire Included