A Cyclomundo Favorite: “Cycling Through Lavender”

26‑01‑2026

It's that time of year when the vibrant purple hues of French lavender overtake your field of vision and the air is filled with their intoxicating fragrance. There's a lot to take in when you're cycling through lavender in Provence! Even in the off‑season, there's much to do in Upper Provence, such as visiting the Gorges du Verdon and an abundance of pretty villages.

But first — you must get to Manosque to begin your tour.

Getting to Manosque and From There, to Forcalquier

Your first hotel of “Cycling Through Lavender” is in Forcalquier. The closest train station is in nearby Manosque, so you must arrive there first. Here's what we recommend:

If you haven't bought your plane tickets yet, we suggest flying to Marseille, as you can take a bus to Manosque directly from Marseille Airport (MRS). Alternatively, take a train from Marseille Saint‑Charles to Manosque. A shuttle runs every 20 minutes between the airport and the train station.
You can also reach Manosque from Paris. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, head to Gare de Lyon and take a train to Manosque via Aix‑les‑Bains or Marseille; the ride lasts approximately 4.5 hours.

Once you've arrived in Manosque, Cyclomundo will arrange an included transfer from the train or bus station directly to your hotel in Forcalquier.

Your hotel is located 1 mile from the center of Forcalquier and about 17 miles from Manosque. It’s a charming environment, but a bit removed from town — which is why we arrange your transport.

If your bus or train arrives before lunchtime, bring snacks, as your hotel does not have a restaurant (though a light “country platter” is available). If you'd like to explore Manosque before heading to Forcalquier, we can delay your transfer — but note that there is nowhere to store luggage in Manosque.

In Forcalquier

Upon check‑in, speak with reception to arrange your transfer to the town center for dinner at one of the hotel’s partner restaurants.

While you're in town, take some time to stroll around, as you may not have much time before riding to Digne the next day.

If you have time, enjoy the hotel pool, wander the grounds, and unwind before your cycling tour begins.

Attractions While on Tour

You'll find many local attractions in the route notes provided by our representative, but you may want to choose your travel dates based on what there is to see and do — and of course, to see the lavender in bloom in July.

Lavender

L'Occitane factory and museum

If you want to immerse yourself in lavender, olive oil, and herbs, don’t leave Manosque without visiting the L’Occitane factory and museum. Learn about their fragrances and skincare products — and pick up souvenirs at the store.

The factory is open Monday–Friday for tours; reservations are required for English‑language tours. Call +33 4 92 70 32 08. The museum and store are open Monday–Saturday, 10:00–19:00, with prices 10% lower than elsewhere.

The factory is outside the town center, so you’ll need a taxi. Before your tour, you can take a taxi there from Manosque and we’ll arrange your transfer to Forcalquier afterward. After your cycling tour, we can arrange a transfer from your final hotel to L’Occitane; from there, you can take a taxi to Manosque station.

Siron Distillery

Learn about lavender distillation on this organic farm in Thoard. Free visits are available daily in summer (10:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00). In winter, call ahead for an appointment.

Lavenders Angelvin Distillery

Meet the owners during store visits in July and August (09:00–19:00). In the off‑season, call +33 4 92 74 80 53.

Olive Oil

Moulin Fortuné Arizzi in Les Mées is open weekends 08:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00. Free tours and tastings are available; extended tastings are offered for a fee.

Ceramics

Discover Provençal ceramics at the Musée de la Faïence in Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie. Entry is 5 euros; hours vary by season; closed Tuesdays.

Spas, Thermal Baths, and Massages

Thermal baths are available in both Digne and Gréoux‑les‑Bains. Look for massages, aromatherapy, and relaxing baths rather than multi‑day prescription treatments.
In Digne‑les‑Bains, access to the pool, hammam, and sauna costs 20 euros. On Saturdays, the thermal pool is closed but the sauna and hammam are open in the morning. See the resort website.
In Gréoux‑les‑Bains, spa services are available daily except Sunday, 14:00–18:30 (May–November). See the Spa & Fitness website.

Weekly Markets and Special Events

Manosque: Saturday morning (Place du Terreau); Wednesday morning (Promenade Aubert Millot)
Forcalquier: Monday morning; Thursday afternoon (Place du Bourguet); flea markets Sundays in July & August
Saint‑Étienne‑les‑Orgues: Wednesday morning
Digne‑les‑Bains: Wednesday & Saturday mornings
Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie: Friday morning; farmers’ market Sunday afternoons
Gréoux‑les‑Bains: Tuesday morning; Grand Provençal Market Thursday mornings
Valensole: Wednesday & Saturday mornings

Festivals and Special Events

Many events are only listed in French or not online at all. Look for signs saying “Fête” or “Festival de…”. Check with the tourist office or your local representative.

Forcalquier

Sundays year‑round: Carillon bell concert at Notre‑Dame‑de‑Provence chapel

Digne‑les‑Bains

June 20–21, 2026: Music Festival
July 31–August 4, 2026: Corso de la Lavande
August 20–23, 2026: Lavender Fair

Manosque

June: Biennial Medieval Festival (2026)
July: Musiks à Manosque festival
August: International Festival of the Luberon
September: Heritage Days (free visits to Center Jean Giono and Carzou Foundation)

Valensole

July 2026: Lavender Fair

Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie

July & August: Fridays at 21:30 — outdoor cinema
July 13, 2026: Summer dance party

References

Buses

Trains

SNCF

Tourist Information

You can find general cycling‑trip preparation tips here. Feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information.