After your arrival in Avignon, our team will transfer you to our bike shop in Bedoin or directly to the quaint town of Mazan. From either town, you may ride a loop around the fabulous Dentelles de Montmirail mountains, if you have the time and inclination. The jagged peaks resemble lace, or dentelles, and are surrounded by countryside of equal beauty. The calm country roads travel through the wine-making villages of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Séguret before approaching Vaison-la-Romaine, one of Europe’s largest archaeological sites. After Vaison-la-Romaine, you might hit more traffic, but fret not; the drivers here are quite accustomed to cyclists. Before reaching Mazan you’ll have the option to ride up to the tiny village of Suzette (1,080 meters/3,540 ft), a modest ascent that, if you so choose, will add 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the day’s ride.

Follow the path of Tour de France riders as you ascend Mont Ventoux, the highest point in Provence. The 1,910 m (5,700 ft) climb is often a dramatic scene of the race; although we predict a drama-free ride, the views from the top are certainly sensational! The descent from Mont Ventoux takes you past the plateaus of lavender fields stretching far and wide. Dinner and overnight in Sault, a charming retreat of a town with marvelous sweeping vistas of lavender fields — all the more dazzling when in bloom in July!

Note that an alternative route will take riders to Sault via the breathtaking Gorges de la Nesque.

While all of Provence is stunningly beautiful, you’re in for beauty overload on Day 3. You may visit up to three of France’s officially labeled “most beautiful” villages, depending on the route you take. The well-preserved buildings of your first destination, Venasque, are perched high above a valley, offering impressive views. Your next destination, the Luberon Regional Park, is within sight! Once amidst the park’s greenery, you have the option to visit Gordes, beautiful village number two, also built on a hilltop.

Depending on what’s available at booking time, your final ride through the Luberon will take you to one of two destinations. Should accommodations be made for you in the ‘beautiful village’ of Roussillon, your stay there will be as warm as the ochre-colored buildings. If your tour takes you to nearby Gargas, dinner will be off a special menu at one of the restaurants associated with Coquillade Provence, a 5-star luxury “Relais & Chateaux” hotel.

After breakfast, our team will transport you to the walled city of Avignon. From there, the rest of France is only a train ride away.