>

Home > Luberon, Alpilles and Côtes-du-Rhône

Luberon, Alpilles and Côtes-du-Rhône

Cet itinéraire à vélo couvre les parties les plus connues de la Provence 6
Provençal colorado in Roussillon, orcher scenery The famous Palace of the Popes of Avignon, starting point of most of our Provence bike tours This self-guided cycling trip will take you to the highlights of Provence Luberon, Alpilles, and Côtes du Rhône, our most comprehensive self-guided bike tour of Provence Stunning village of Gordes, perched on its hill Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in Provence

Cyclomundo offers guided and self-guided cycling trips in Provence, click here to see the Provence regional page.

  • Self-guided trip: Starts any day from April 1st through October 25th, 2024
  • 7 nights/8 days
  • Daily mileage: From 46 km (30 miles) to 62 km (39 miles) on hilly terrain
  • Trip starts from and ends in Avignon. Avignon is serviced by train from Paris and Lyon.
  • Accommodation in 3- and 4-star properties 
  • Level: 3 (Moderate)

 

 

 

Cet itinéraire à vélo couvre les parties les plus connues de la Provence

Luberon, Alpilles and Côtes-du-Rhône

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 1,225 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

More infos BOOK NOW !

Description

Our most comprehensive, moderate-level Provence cycling tour showcases the best of this unforgettable region, making it a perfect fit for those who’ve never been to Provence before — and even those who have! Unlike other tourists who rush to take it all in from a bus seat, you'll discover them at your own pace, on a bicycle, away from traffic and on quiet roads. 

This self-guided bicycle itinerary you to some of the best-known places in Provence, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint-Remy, Les Baux, Tarascon, Arles, Gordes, and Roussillon. Since they’re scattered in different corners — the Luberon, the Alpilles, and the Côtes-du-Rhône, to be precise — we worked hard to connect them all on quiet roads through the quintessentially Provençal scenery. You’ll ride over rolling hills up to fortresses offering panoramic views, through lush vineyards surrounding world-famous châteaux, and even back in time — the fascinating history of Provence is ever-present in the exceptional monuments of the past.

 

For travel and cycling tips to Provence, visit our "Travel and cycling tips" section.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Avignon

 

Arrive in Avignon, check in at your hotel, and set out to explore the city at leisure. The old walled city is home to plentiful gems like the Palais des Papes, making it a great introduction to the history of Provence.

D2Avignon loop through the Côtes-du-Rhône Short Option: 46 km/30 miles, 160 meters/525 ft of climbing; Long Option: 62 km/39 miles, 260 meters/850 ft of climbing

 

Today's itinerary will take you through villages that bear the names of familiar wine labels: Tavel, Lirac, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We offer two options today, so you might arrange your own vineyard visit. Stop for a sip of acclaimed rosé or a swig of the region’s most well known red — or try something you’ve never heard of before!
Grab a bottle for a roadside picnic or stick it in your luggage back in Avignon; we’ll transport it carefully!

D3Avignon — Les Baux-de-Provence 61 km/38 miles; 480 meters/1,574 ft of climbing

 

Head south towards the Alpilles mountain range, whose beauty inspired van Gogh to complete 150 paintings. You’ll find yourself in another place he immortalized: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, worth a stop for its Roman remains and medieval buildings. On your way to Saint-Rémy and Les Baux, Tarascon offers an interesting side trip. The magnificent castle by the Rhône River is one of France's best-kept medieval fortresses.

Also of interest is the Souleiado Museum, where the colorful Provençal fabric maker has been busy since 1806. Today's mileage involves some hills and climbs.

D4Les Baux-de-Provence loop via Arles 49 km/30 miles; 350 meters/1,150 ft of climbing

 

Depending on your mood, you may choose to relax, visit Les Baux, or ride the 49 km (30 miles) loop to Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Roman ruins. If you’re there on a Saturday, do not miss the open-air market! Regardless of the day, you can pay a visit to the Roman amphitheater. Whether you choose to ride or not, set aside some time to visit Les Baux and its medieval fortress.
The unobstructed views over the Alpilles make this town worth the climb!

D5Les Baux-de-Provence — Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 58 km/35 miles; 410 meters/1,345 ft of climbing

 

Today's ride will take you through the awe-inspiring Alpilles (don’t worry, it’s a low mountain range reaching 390 meters or 1,170 ft). Pretty villages such as Eygalières offer inviting terraces for lunch. A few pedal strokes further and you will enter the Luberon Regional Park.

Overnight in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a quiet little spot in proximity to the lavender country.

D6Fontaine-de-Vaucluse loop via Gordes and Roussillon 58 km/35 miles; 740 meters/2,425 ft of climbing

 

Regardless of your starting point, make sure you spend some time walking through Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, famous for its powerful spring gushing out of the ground. Climbing Luberon's hills rewards you with two of France's prettiest villages: Gordes and Roussillon will be yours to discover.

You will return to your hotel in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. 

D7Fontaine-de-Vaucluse loop via Venasque 49 km/30 miles; 640 meters/2,100 ft of climbing

 

If today is a Sunday, take a stroll through the town's Sunday market that fills the village with colorful displays of Provençal fabrics, sounds of laughter, and the sweet scents of lavender, herbs, and spices. Your bicycle ride will take you through Venasque northwards towards Mont-Ventoux, the “Giant of Provence”.

You will return to your hotel in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

D8Departure from Avignon

 

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Avignon (between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm).
Depart Avignon at the time of your choice.

Booking & Prices

  • Option A

  • 7 nights in 3-star hotels

  • 1,225 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 595 euros
  • 1,325 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 645 euros
  • 1,425 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 695 euros
  • Option A+

  • 2 nights in a 4-star hotel, 5 nights in 3-star hotels

  • 1,335 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 625 euros
  • 1,460 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 675 euros
  • 1,570 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 725 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights’ accommodation as described above
  • Daily breakfast
  • For option A only: 1 dinner (drinks are not included)
  • Luggage transfers
  • Transfer from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Avignon on Day 8 (between 8:00 am and
    6:30 pm)
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • Roadbook (provided as an app; when used as a GPS, no data plan is necessary) 
  • Tourist information (provided as part of the app). 
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 125 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 235 euros per bike. Aluminum road bikes are available at the rate of 160 euros per bike. Full-carbon road bikes are available at the rate of 210 euros per bike.

Suggested Cycling Trips