Pedalling in Provence: The Luberon Valley
- Cycle the classic Luberon Valley of Provence
- Lavender scented country lanes
- Pedal and picnic among the vineyards of Provence
- Explore the bewitching hilltop town of Bonnieux
- Wander the glowing red-ochre streets of Roussillon village
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in L'Isle Sur la SorgueJust a 30 minutes train journey from Avignon, L’Isle Sur la Sorgue charms you from the moment you arrive. Peppered with riverside cafes and artisan shops, the local market is the largest Luberon region on Sunday.
Depending on your arrival time, your bike fitting will be today, or 9am the following morning.Â
La Prevote is located in the old town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue. The River Sorgue runs through this former 17th century convent and immediately slows your pace for the week head.
This hotel establishment in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is open all year round and offers many 3-star services: warm bar, comfortable rooms, tasty breakfast, swimming pool with panoramic view, meeting room and many more. other.
Located in the heart of town this hotel combines both elegance and refinement. As you cross the threshold you will immediately appreciate its personalized service, lovingly decorated public spaces and beautiful rooms.
If you are in town on market day, then why not pick up some local produce for a picnic lunch before heading east into the lush Luberon Valley, carpeted with vineyards, olive orchards and fields of lavender. To reach Bonnieux requires some pedal power, but the gradual climb to Bonnieux is punctuated with photo-worthy views across the Luberon.
Approximate Ascent: 291m / Descent: 7m
This incredibly charming chambre d’hote offers spacious and unique rooms. The views from the terrace over the Luberon, and even to Mont Ventoux on a clear day, are simply special. At the end of your walking day enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
This lovely lodging is much more than just a B&B. The rooms all lead out onto the terrace, gardens and swimming pool area. The breakfasts and warm welcome are highlights and while you are here you are sure to relax in these beautiful surroundings.
An extremely charming and welcoming family-owned hotel, the Clos du Buis is very conveniently located at the entrance to Bonnieux. Guests can treat this hotel as though it is their own home, relax by the pool and enjoy the views over Mont Ventoux and the glorious Provençal countryside.
It’s easy to lose time in the charming lanes of Bonnieux but for those of you that wish to ride, today’s journey heads via the villages of Lacoste and Menerbes. A short downhill leads up into the sleepy village of Lacoste. From here, the route rises and falls to the artistic hangout of the 12th century, Oppède Le Vieux. An afternoon of rolling cycling then leads back to Bonnieux.
Approximate Ascent: 507m / Descent: 501m
This lovely lodging is much more than just a B&B. The rooms all lead out onto the terrace, gardens and swimming pool area. The breakfasts and warm welcome are highlights and while you are here you are sure to relax in these beautiful surroundings.
An extremely charming and welcoming family-owned hotel, the Clos du Buis is very conveniently located at the entrance to Bonnieux. Guests can treat this hotel as though it is their own home, relax by the pool and enjoy the views over Mont Ventoux and the glorious Provençal countryside.
Start the morning with a freewheel down to the town of Apt, the gateway town for Haute Provence farmers fruits, vegetables and crafts. Beyond Apt lies Gargas, where town life gives way to vineyards and the route gently climbs to the red-ochre village of Roussillon, where you will spend the next three nights. There is the choice to shorten today’s route by cutting out Saint Saturn les Apt if you so wish.
Approximate Ascent: 239m / Descent: 298m
Shorter ride option: Distance: 27km via Apt and Gargas only - Approximate Ascent: 214m / Descent: 244m
This delightful hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you can relax in its delightful gardens or by the pool. The rooms reserved for you all have air-conditioning.
Upgrade Option: From your superb appointed room you can enjoy views over the ochres of Roussillon. Both charming and refined they are designed to reflect traditional Provençal tones.
The deep red colours of Roussillon offer a warm welcome, no matter the time of day. The former centre of Ochre mining, villagers today still paint properties in one of the 40 shades of red! A former residence of Samuel Beckett, it’s easy to forget about cycling today as there is time to explore your hotel's charismatic streets, viewpoints, and poolside.
This delightful hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you can relax in its delightful gardens or by the pool. The rooms reserved for you all have air-conditioning.
Upgrade Option: From your superb appointed room you can enjoy views over the ochres of Roussillon. Both charming and refined they are designed to reflect traditional Provençal tones.
Pedalling west, the must-see village of Gordes clings spectacularly to the hillside. A popular summer artists retreat, Lhôte and Chagall, were inspired by their time in Gordes. Tuesday is the famous farmers market, and if you can’t make that, a visit up to the Renaissance Chateau is quintessential Provence architecture.
Approximate Ascent: 621m / Descent: 614m
This delightful hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and you can relax in its delightful gardens or by the pool. The rooms reserved for you all have air-conditioning.
Upgrade Option: From your superb appointed room you can enjoy views over the ochres of Roussillon. Both charming and refined they are designed to reflect traditional Provençal tones.
A freewheel down to the Luberon Valley floor sweeps west onto an easy-going cycle path to the emerald green waters of Fontaine de Vaucluse. A Macs favourite, Fontaine de Vaucluse is an excellent spot for a spot of riverside lunch, and only a few km’s from L’Isle Sur la Sorgue, there is no reason to hurry on.
Approximate Ascent: 275m / Descent: 518m
La Prevote is located in the old town of L’Isle sur la Sorgue. The River Sorgue runs through this former 17th century convent and immediately slows your pace for the week head.
Located in the heart of town this hotel combines both elegance and refinement. As you cross the threshold you will immediately appreciate its personalized service, lovingly decorated public spaces and beautiful rooms.
Depending on your onward travel plans, you may have time to explore further the streets and cafes of L’Isle Sur la Sorgue.
This trip has a carbon score of 3kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 3kg is equivalent to 10 miles in a medium-size gas car. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Graded easy to moderate, Pedalling in Provence covers 20km-35km each day over rolling terrain. Daily routes take in the best of the hilltop villages and picture postcard countryside. Well suited to those that actively cycle to seek out the sights, there is always the option of an Ebike if a little hill assistance is required. Each day ends in family-run hotels or B&B’s offering a warm Provencal welcome and regional fayre.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Accessible by Rail
Cycling in this region follows well surfaced roads through villages, towns and farmland. The roads are well signposted and are generally cycle friendly but please always be mindful of other road users. Our tried and tested detailed routes notes and maps, make for easy navigation during your trip.
This trip is graded easy to moderate and covers between 25km-35km on cycling days. If you cycle more than a handful of times a month as part of an active lifestyle and enjoy actively seeking new sights, this trip would suit you. E-bikes are always available if you would like a little more pedal boost during your cycling day. As this trip heads through the towns and hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley, you will find that some days offer easier flat sections of cycling whilst others may feel hillier.
Each Provencal accommodation is different and full of character. Hotels are listed below, though on occasion we may have to book you an alternative hotel, especially during the busier periods of the year. We always book an equal or better alternative hotel or bed and breakfast.
MealsÂ
Included are 7 breakfasts, which usually consist of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, yogurts, cheeses, meats and granola. If you have special dietary requirements do let us know at the time of booking.
Lunches and dinners are not included. Never too far from a village, town or market your route notes list a number of local places to dine and of course, the smell of a boulangerie is always in the air!
Single Rooms
If you're travelling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is not available to solo cyclists.
For navigation, you will use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App. Simply follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost.Â
- 3 Nights in 3* hotels and 4 nights B&B's
- 7 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Information pack
- Access to route notes, detailed maps, and GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to / from L'Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue
- Bike & E bike hire
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Additional nights along the route
- Bike & E bike hire
This trip is available to start on any day from April to October and is subject to availability. Peak months in Provence are June, July and August so we would suggest contacting us as soon as your plans are finalised.
July and August are the hottest months with little to no rainfall. The temperatures rise into the 30 degree celsius during the day. The months before and after the high season will be sunny but a little cooler, which could be preferable when cycling. Always make sure to stay hydrated, take plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a sunhat.
L’Isles Sur la Sorgue has a mainline train station. Hourly services connect through to Avignon TGV Station (33mins), where you can change for Paris, London and a small number of other European cities. For more information on trains, you can visit www.sncf.com
Nearby Airports
Avignon Airport is served by a limited number of low cost and international carriers.
Marseille Airport is around 1-hour drive. The TGV station at the airport provides a very swift connection time of 20mins into Avignon centre. Please refer to www.sncf.com for more information.
Baggage transfer as per your itinerary is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).Â
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear such as good shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Trek 7.2 hybrid bikes are available for hire. All bikes are equipped with a pannier, trip computer and spare inner tube along with a pump.Â
Many people also choose to hire an E-bike. The added battery power provides uphill assistance when required. For more information on how E-bikes work click here.
If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride. Alternatively, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about the hire bike. If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate hybrid or touring bike for this trip.Â
It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.
This trip is graded easy to moderate and covers between 25km-35km on cycling days. If you cycle more than a handful of times a month as part of an active lifestyle and enjoy actively seeking new sights, this trip would suit you. Ebikes are always available if you would like a little more pedal boost during your cycling day.Â
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially in the summer months. Please note you can start this holiday on any day of the week.Â
April through to the start of June and late September into October will have warm days with cool nights and spring flowers in full bloom. You may also experience the famous Mistral winds for a day or two.
June into July will see lavender, sunflower and vineyards at their best. Temperatures creeping up to the mid-20’s and evenings perfect for enjoying a glass of wine on the terrace.
August is no doubt the hottest month, so you may want to considered starting earlier in the day or taking longer lunches to avoid riding in the heat of the day.Â
Baggage transfer as per your itinerary is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. These costs are payable locally.
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