7 Days
From US $2,595
Self-guided Luberon in Luxury Bike Tour
Discover the soul of Provence on this unforgettable seven-day cycling journey through the heart of the Luberon, while enjoying stays in some of the finest hotels in the region.
Starting in the historic city of Avignon, where medieval ramparts and papal palaces whisper stories of the past, you’ll ease into the pace of Provençal life. Pedal quiet country roads lined with cypress trees, lavender fields, and stone villages that seem frozen in time. You’ll explore the canals of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, one of Provence’s prettiest towns, before cycling through a landscape of vineyards, orchards, and iconic perched villages.
Each day brings a new treasure, whether it’s the hilltop beauty of Gordes, the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, or the quiet charm of Venasque and Saignon. You’ll have time to pause for local lunches, browse colorful markets, and take in sweeping views over the Luberon Valley. Nights are spent in comfortable boutique hotels, with three evenings in Bonnieux giving you a perfect base for deeper exploration.
The route offers flexibility, with options for scenic loops and relaxed or more active days.
A highlight of this tour are stays in some of the finest luxury hotels in Luberon.
By the time your bike rolls to a stop on the final day, you’ll have experienced Provence at its most authentic—through its landscapes, its villages, and its gentle rhythm of life.
Whether you’re drawn by the scenery, the food, or the peaceful riding, this tour is a true taste of southern France.
Self-guided
premiere hotels
Avignon
Bonnieux
moderate
38 km / 24 mi
5
Min. 2, Max. 10
Marseille Provence International Airport (MRS)
Marseille Provence International Airport (MRS)
Highlights
Timeless Hilltop Villages
Cycle through iconic perched villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux, where stone houses cling to hillsides and winding lanes reveal spectacular views. Each village offers a unique charm—ochre cliffs, cobbled squares, and rustic cafés—capturing the essence of Provençal life and history in every corner.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | premiere Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Avignon | Hotel d’Europe (5-Star) | |||
| DAY 2 | L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | Grand Hotel Henri (4-Star) | B | 24 km / 15 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | Grand Hotel Henri (4-Star) | B | 40 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Bonnieux | La Bastide de Capelongue (5-Star) | B | 40 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Bonnieux | La Bastide de Capelongue (5-Star) | B | 49 km / 30 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Bonnieux | La Bastide de Capelongue (5-Star) | B | 38 km / 24 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Avignon
Your journey begins in the enchanting city of Avignon. Once you arrive, settle in and soak up the medieval atmosphere—ramparts, narrow streets, and charming town squares. If you’re here early, you might wander over to the Palais des Papes or stroll along the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. A sunny café on the Place de l'Horloge offers the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of local wine. Later in the day, you’ll meet your local host for a personal tour briefing. They’ll walk you through your route and get your bike fitted and ready for the days ahead. It’s a relaxed beginning to your cycling adventure through the Luberon, a region full of beautiful hilltop villages and scenic backroads.
Day 2: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
You leave Avignon behind and begin cycling toward the small village of Jonquerettes, a gentle climb that warms up your legs. From there, you descend to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a lively town known for its canals and antique shops.
You can choose to spend the rest of the day exploring the markets and cafés, or take on an optional loop of 22 kms ( 14 mi) to Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This scenic extension brings you to the source of the Sorgue River, tucked beneath dramatic cliffs and surrounded by greenery. You also pass through the village of Lagnes before returning to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Elevation: +/-100m
Day 3: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Today’s route is a loop through the Luberon countryside to one of the most beautiful villages in France. You begin in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and cycle through Pernes-les-Fontaines, a small town that lives up to its name with dozens of historic fountains.
From there, continue climbing gently to the hilltop village of Venasque, where stone houses, quiet alleys, and open views reward your efforts. There’s plenty of time to walk around and take in the views before you head back to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue by bike.
Elevation: +/-650m
Day 4: Bonnieux
Get ready for a day filled with some of the Luberon’s most iconic villages. From Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, you ride through rolling countryside to Gordes, where stone buildings rise steeply from the hillside. After a break, continue on to Roussillon, where the colorful ochre cliffs and warm-toned houses provide a striking contrast to the greenery. From here, the road brings you into Bonnieux, another perched village where you’ll spend the next three nights. The day includes more elevation, but the scenery and small-town charm make it worthwhile.
Elevation: +700m/-420m
Day 5: Bonnieux
Today you cycle across the Claparèdes Plateau, known for its lavender fields in bloom during summer. You pass through the quiet village of Saignon and have the option to visit the Agnèl Lavender Farm, a spot filled with Provençal aromas. You can also choose to detour to Sivergues, a remote hamlet tucked into the Luberon hills. The route leads down to Apt, a lively town ideal for a rest or bite to eat. Then it’s back up to Bonnieux, closing the loop on a ride filled with countryside charm and colorful views.
Elevation: +/-630m
Day 6: Bonnieux
Spend your final full day cycling through olive groves, vineyards, and quiet backroads. First, you visit Lacoste, known for its cobbled streets and the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s castle. From there, continue to Ménerbes, another lovely hilltop village. If you’re feeling energetic, extend the loop to Oppède-le-Vieux, with its partially restored stone homes and peaceful surroundings. Whichever route you choose, the day offers a classic blend of culture and countryside. Return to Bonnieux and enjoy a final evening in one of the town’s many restaurants.
Elevation: +480m/-480m
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will have a transfer back to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, giving you time to reflect on a week of cycling through the hills and villages of the Luberon.
From there, you can continue onward to Avignon or Marseille.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $1,680
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $150
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Trek or similar
Included in your trip price
Canondale Ultegra or similar
Available at a surcharge
Scott Addict Gravel 40 or similar
Available at a surcharge
Trek or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your tour begins at Avignon. The nearest international airport to Avignon is the Marseille Provence International Airport located in Marseille. It takes 1 hour to reach Avignon from Marseille by bus. Train service is also available from Marseille to Avignon.
You can also arrive at Avignon directly from Paris via the TGV intercity train. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes.
Departure
Your tour ends in Bonnieux. A group transfer to Isle-sur-la-Sogue is included in your tour price. From Isle-sur-la-Sogue, you can travel onwards to either Avignon on Marseille via train.
The closest airport is Avignon-Provence Airport with limited regional flights. For international travel, Marseille Provence Airport is the most convenient offering a wide range of domestic and international routes.
Weather
Provence is renowned for its extraordinary sunshine, boasting up to 360 sunny days a year. The region enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with dry, hot summers and mild, sunny winters. Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling and hiking, offering warm days and vibrant natural beauty—especially in May and June, when lavender and almond blossoms are in full bloom. September and October also shine with pleasant temperatures and golden light.
While summer can bring intense heat, especially in the lowlands, early morning or late afternoon rides make cycling comfortable. If you're heading out during peak summer, the higher inland elevations—such as the Cévennes or Mercantour—offer cooler conditions. Winters are usually dry and bright, with crystal-clear skies, making them surprisingly inviting. One unique feature of Provence’s climate is the Mistral—a strong, dry wind from the northwest that sweeps through the Rhône Valley.
Most common in winter and spring, the Mistral brings brilliant blue skies and crisp air, but rarely disrupts summer travel. Rainfall is occasional and typically concentrated in brief, heavier spells during the transitional seasons.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Good
May
Good
June
Best
July
Best
August
Best
September
Best
October
Best
November
Mixed
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
This route is largely on paved surfaces.
We provide an app-based navigation system that can also be used offline. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we will share the login details ahead of your trip. Since the app works offline, it helps conserve your phone's battery during use.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
We provide 24/7 emergency support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
Yes, we can provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Yes, panniers will be provided.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
