Guided Provence and Luberon Bike Tour

Your journey begins in the beautiful city of Avignon, reachable in about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Paris by TGV or roughly an hour from Marseille Airport.

Set beside the flowing Rhône River, Avignon is famous for its grand Papal Palace and its lively old town filled with history, cafés, and charming streets. Spend your free time exploring the city’s warm atmosphere and make sure to walk across the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet, a historic landmark that has watched centuries go by.

In the evening, at 6:00 PM, you will meet your guide and fellow participants at the hotel for a friendly introduction to the tour. The first day ends with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, giving you a perfect taste of Provence and setting the mood for the adventure ahead.

After enjoying a filling breakfast, the day starts with a quick bike adjustment session to make sure everyone is comfortable for the ride ahead. Soon after, we begin our journey through the peaceful landscapes of the Rhône Valley, an area known around the world for its prestigious vineyards. As we leave Avignon behind, the route takes us along quiet countryside roads lined with orchards, open fields, and charming stone houses typical of Provence.

Our main destination today is the storied village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, celebrated for its powerful red wines and breathtaking vineyards. Winemaking here dates back to the 14th century, when the Popes encouraged cultivation in this region. We pedal through rows of vines rooted in distinctive red pebbles and warmed by the Mediterranean sun, with the steady Mistral wind adding to the unique growing conditions.

A visit to a renowned winery gives us a chance to taste the village’s signature blends and learn about its rich winemaking heritage. The route then continues through St-Laurent-des-Arbres, Lirac, and Tavel, a village often called the homeland of rosé wines. After a scenic loop, we return to Avignon for dinner and another peaceful evening in this historic papal city.

Elevation Gain: +200 m Activity: Wine tasting

After breakfast, we begin the day by crossing the Durance River and rolling into the peaceful Provençal countryside. The route takes us past old stone farmhouses, olive groves, and wide stretches of cultivated fields that capture the true charm of rural Provence. A gentle climb leads us up the Montagnette ridge, where beautiful viewpoints open up over the surrounding landscape. At the top, we reach the serene St. Michel de Frigolet Abbey, a quiet retreat hidden among pine trees.

From here, we descend to the plains and continue riding through the villages of Graveson and Maillane. Maillane is especially significant as the home of Frédéric Mistral, the Nobel Prize winning writer who dedicated his life to preserving Provençal culture and language. The journey then leads us to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a picturesque town set at the base of the Alpilles range.

Saint-Rémy is closely connected to the life of Vincent van Gogh, and we visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the former hospital where he created some of his greatest works, including Starry Night. Nearby, the ancient site of Glanum offers a fascinating look at Roman ruins that date back to the first century. In the evening, we gather for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, ending the day on a warm and flavorful note.

Elevation Gain: +250 m Activity: Entrance St Paul de Mausole & Glanum

We begin our morning by wandering through the lively Wednesday market in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The colorful stalls are brimming with fresh fruits, local cheeses, olives, and handmade crafts, giving us an authentic taste of Provençal life. After soaking in the market’s atmosphere, we set off on a scenic ride into the Alpilles mountains. Our climb takes us to Les Baux-de-Provence, a striking hilltop village with ancient roots and panoramic views over the valley below.

After exploring the village’s cobbled streets and historic corners, we descend to Maussane-les-Alpilles for a visit to a traditional olive mill. Here, we learn about the production of the region’s award-winning olive oils and enjoy tasting the fresh varieties. Continuing our ride, we pass through Eygalières, a picturesque village of stone houses and quiet lanes. The route winds through orchards and farmland, with a stop at a local estate for a wine tasting. Finally, we cross the Durance River and arrive in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town famous for its canals, water wheels, and charming café scene. Once we settle into our hotel, we enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Elevation Gain: +350 m Activity: Olive oil & wine tasting

We set off for a ride filled with breathtaking views and postcard-perfect villages. Today’s route takes us through some of Provence’s most iconic hilltop towns, each offering timeless charm and spectacular scenery. We begin by cycling to Gordes, a dramatic stone village perched high above the valley and officially recognized as one of the most beautiful in France. After exploring its winding streets, we continue to Roussillon, famous for its vivid ochre cliffs and colorful façades.

Our journey carries us through a series of equally enchanting villages, including Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, and Oppède-le-Vieux, each with its own unique character and stunning setting. We follow quiet country roads, enjoy sweeping views across the Luberon Valley, and pause often to take photographs and soak in the scenery. By late afternoon, we return to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for our second night, ready to relax and enjoy the charm of this canal-side town.

Elevation Gain: +1000 m

We start our day with a scenic ride through one of the most picturesque areas of Provence. Quiet roads wind past cherry orchards, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages as we leave L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and make our way toward Venasque, a village officially listed among the most beautiful in France. Here, we stop to admire the 6th-century baptistery, one of the oldest in the region.

From Venasque, we follow the foothills of Mont Ventoux, passing through scenic villages such as Malemort-du-Comtat and Mazan. In Villes-sur-Auzon, we have the option to take a stunning detour through the Gorges de la Nesque. With an average gradient of just 3 percent, this quiet road offers a gentle climb and dramatic views over the canyon, making the extra effort truly worthwhile.

Our day concludes in Bedoin, a lively village at the base of Mont Ventoux, popular among cyclists and full of local charm. Once we settle in, we enjoy a relaxing dinner at our hotel and reflect on the day’s unforgettable scenery.

Elevation Gain: +600m

We begin the day surrounded by vineyards and limestone peaks as we ride into the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, a region famous for its bold red wines and stunning scenery. Leaving Bédoin, we follow quiet roads through the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, enjoying sweeping views and the peaceful rhythm of the countryside.

Our first stop is Beaumes-de-Venise, celebrated for its sweet Muscat wines and charming setting. From there, we continue to Gigondas, a prestigious wine village with a long history of winemaking. Here, we visit a local estate for a tasting of the region’s robust red wines. We then ride through Sablet and Séguret, two picturesque hilltop villages with narrow cobbled streets and panoramic views, ideal for short breaks and photos.

The day concludes in Vaison-la-Romaine, a lively town full of Roman history and Provençal charm. We explore ancient ruins, wander the medieval upper town, and gather for a festive farewell dinner in the evening.

Elevation gain: +660 m Activity: Wine tasting

After breakfast, a group transfer takes participants from Vaison-la-Romaine back to Avignon, where onward travels continue individually. Whether heading home or extending the stay in Provence, everyone leaves with lasting memories, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for the region’s landscapes, wines, and villages.

For those who wish to linger a little longer, there is the option to stay an extra night in Vaison-la-Romaine, a town rich in history and Provençal charm. Visitors can explore impressive Roman ruins, stroll across the ancient bridge, or wander the cobbled streets of the medieval upper town. It is a peaceful and rewarding way to conclude the journey at a slower, more reflective pace.