Provence Guided Tour

Provence: sun-drenched fields of vibrant sunflowers or fragrant lavender; medieval hilltop towns standing as sentries over fertile valleys of olive groves; flavorful cuisine made from fresh local produce; deep valleys, fertile plains and rocky mountain ranges, graceful, lacy and ominous all at the same time. In short, Provence is a symphony to the senses.

Experiencing Provence from the seat of a bicycle allows you a most intimate look into this magical land. Wander narrow cobblestone streets of ancient medieval villages; explore some of the greatest Roman architectural sites in Europe; lose yourself on tiny, rural back roads through lush agricultural valleys; roam through a lively outdoor market selecting your picnic items for the day, to be savored on a terraced hillside near heavily laden cherry trees begging to be sampled or shady town center of a tiny Provençal village.

The cycling simply cannot be beat. From beginner to advanced, all levels can be accommodated. Cyclists looking for a challenge will have endless options, including the legendary ascent up Le Mont Ventoux. Those wanting to enjoy this cyclist’s paradise at a slower and less arduous pace can choose the easier options or take a van shuttle over certain sections.

Our Provence hubs are concentrated in the less populated, cycle-friendly areas of the Vaucluse, the Luberon and the Alpilles. Each area, though sprinkled with similarities here and there, has a character all its own, expressed through the unique history of the villages, the diverse terrain and the varying agricultural products.

A standard 8-day Provence cycling adventure would typically combine the Provençal regions outlined below. We can easily accommodate any specific requests you might have.

The Vaucluse and The Lubéron

Principle villages of the Vaucluse: Orange, Rochegude, Vaison la Romaine, Buis les Baronnies, Malaucène, Gigondas, Séguret, Sablet.

Highlights: spectacular vistas, heady wines, forested mountains, lacy ridges, a Roman "spa", the fruit basket of France, lavender, lavender, lavender.

Fragrant lavender fields in July

Cycling: Easy to very challenging. The Vaucluse is situated north of Mont Ventoux. It comprises level cycling for those desiring fewer hills, to some of the most challenging.

Principle villages of the Lubéron: Gordes, Rousillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Fontaine de Vaucluse, Lourmarin.

Highlights: perched villages and ruins, unending lavender fields, Peter Mayle's Provence, underground river sources, World War II resistance stronghold. Quite a few of the villages are Plus Beaux Villages - France's most beautiful villages.

Cycling: The cycling is moderate, with challenging routes for those desiring them. The Luberon is a flat valley lined by two ranges to the north and south. The best villages and sights are up into these two hilly ranges. Most climbs are .5 to 1.5 miles in length, with optional longer climbs.

Les Alpilles, Le Pont du Gard and Avignon, the city of the Popes.

Principle villages of the Alpilles and nearby: St. Rémy, Tarrascon, Beaucaire, Les Beaux de Provence, Uzès.

Highlights: medievel fortresses, the Impressionist palette, olive groves and sunflowers, Roman ruins, quintessential Provençal villages, lazy outdoor cafés bedecked in bright yellow and blue fabrics. Also available is a great cooking school and inn!

Cycling: Easy to moderate. Not as hilly as the Lubéron, and quite a few flatter segments, but some good climbs as well.

Principle villages near Avignon: Castillon du Gard, Uzès, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Tavel, le Pont du Gard.

Highlights: the Roman imprint and ingenuity, unsurpassed world-renowned wines, countryside rides among the sunflowers, the 13th century playground of the Popes.

Cycling: Easy to moderate. Nice country rides.