Biking in Provence
Itinerary
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Day 1 Avignon
Travel to Avignon, easily reachable from Marseille and Lyon airports by train and shuttle bus in under 2 hours. If possible we recommend arriving with plenty of time to explore this charming city! With a walled medieval centre, towered over by the magnificent Papal Palace, and the unique 11th century Pont d’Avignon (or bridge of Saint-Bénézet) that was never completed, the city is the perfect place to wile away an afternoon.
If you are hiring bikes our local partner will meet you for a fitting this evening or tomorrow morning. -
Day 2 Cycle to l'Isle sur la Sorgue
Leave cosmopolitan Avignon behind and begin your journey into the Provençal countryside. Pedal through the suburbs of Avignon on cycle paths and quiet roads to reach the village of Le Thor dominated by its 12th century Romanesque Notre-Dame-du-Lac church. From here it’s possible to take an optional detour to visit the Grottes de Thouzon cave system and marvel at how nature has sculpted the underground limestone.
After rolling into L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, renowned for it’s antique markets, why not indulge in a refreshing sorbet while dipping a toe in the Sorgue River? Spend the afternoon wandering between the antique shops, boutiques and eateries lining the town’s winding streets.Distance: 29 km
Ascent/descent: +106/-75m -
Day 3 Cycle to Gordes
Today’s ride winds its way through the vineyard and olive grove dotted countryside between L’Isle Sur La Sorgue and the hilltop village of Gordes. Stop en route in the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse—the site of the largest spring in France, and source of the Sorgue River. Enjoy a cool drink on a shady café terrace, walk along the banks of the river and gaze into the emerald waters that spring from the base of the imposing limestone cliffs before hopping back into the saddle and tackling the rolling terrain between Fontaine de Vaucluse and Gordes.
The uphill approach to Gordes is rewarded with unrivalled views onto the village—the buildings of Gordes look almost draped over their hilltop home as they extend down to the valley floor below. Why not spend the afternoon relaxing poolside before sampling the local cuisine?Distance: 23 km
Ascent/descent: 448/-156m -
Day 4 Cycle to Mont Ventoux
Hop back into the saddle for a challenging but rewarding day of pedalling punctuated by regional highlights. Soon after leaving Gordes you’ll pass the Abbaye Senanque—this 12th century Cistercian monastery has been home to monks for over 900 years. If you’re travelling during lavender season you’ll see why the abbey has become a regional icon—rows upon rows of lavender planted in fields around the stone abbey. After the ascent to Col Des Trois Termes enjoy descending through a spectacular limestone gorge leading to the lovely hilltop village of Venasque overlooking the vineyards below. Soon you’ll be cruising between vineyards of the Cote de Rhone to arrive in Bedoin—renowned among road cyclists and Tour de France fans for it’s position at the base of legendary Mont Ventoux.
Distance: 27 km
Ascent/descent: 601/-627m -
Day 5 Cycle to Chateauneuf du pape
Leave the hills behind today for an easier ride through towns and villages of vineyard blanketed countryside to reach the wine-connoisseurs mecca of Chateauneuf du Pape. There are plenty of picnic spots and opportunities to lunch along the route as you wind your way across the rich AOC-vine growing plains to reach Chateauneuf du Pape.
After a delicious dinner, accompanied by local wine, why not take an evening stroll up to the chateau viewpoint to watch the sunset over the Provençal hills?Distance: 41 km
Ascent/descent: +224/-445m -
Day 6 End of the trip
After breakfast we have arranged an onward travel transfer to Avignon’s TGV train station. Avignon has good train links across France; Marseille and Lyon airports are reachable in under 2 hours.
Period & budget
When to travel?
The best period for travelling is during the following months:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Terms and conditions
Inscription
Facturation
Annulation
- Cancellation up to 45 days before the agreed beginning of the trip: You will be charged 20 % of the travel's price, in addition with every non-refundable expenses for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
- Cancellation between 44 and 15 days before the agreed beginning of the trip: You will be charged 50 % of the travel's price, in addition with every non-refundable expenses for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
- Cancellation less than 14 days before the agreed beginning of the journey: You will be charged 100 % of the travel's price, in addition with every non-refundable expenses for additional services booked on request (internal flights, site entrance tickets, activities…)
Modification du contrat
Prix et révision des prix
Cession du contrat
Insurance
Practical info
My local agent
Quentin
- Natif de l'arrière pays provençal, j'arpente depuis mon plus jeune âge les alpes du sud et les massifs provençaux en rando et vélo. C'est avec plaisir que je partagerai mes coups de coeur afin que vous puissiez profiter au mieux de votre séjour à nos côtés.