Provence Self Guided Cycling Weekend, France

Ride through the rolling hills and lavender fields for a long weekend

Provence has been inhabited since ancient times and is so named as it was one of the first provinces outside of Roman Italy. The area stretches from the Rhone River in the west to the Alps and Italy in the east, and the landscape is dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields.

Our route takes us north of the Luberon mountain range towards the majestic Mont Ventoux, which standing at almost 2000m has become legendary as one of the most gruelling climbs of the Tour de France. We pass through a number of typical Provencal market towns from the ancient orange clifftop town of Gordes to bright red-ochre village of Roussillon and the old Roman city of Apt.

The landscape varies from the rolling hills of the Luberon to the ancient Roman ruins of the beautiful Nesque Gorges before we return to the 'melon town' of Cavaillon.

What makes this trip responsible?

Cycling is a fantastic way to travel while minimising your impact on the environment. Pedalling under your own steam we help the economy of the small villages and communities that we pass through and we use a local operator who employs local staff and uses small, family run hotels.

Take the Train

Here at Exodus we feel the need to offer our clients an alternative to air travel within Europe and to destinations where taking the train can be a viable alternative to flying.

Working in cooperation with Rail Europe, our sales team will be happy to reserve your seats and tickets can be booked 3 months prior right up until the day of departure, subject to availability. Suggested train times and further information can be found within the Trip Notes.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Start Cavaillon (accessible by rail from London: see dates and prices box).

Day 2

Follow the flow of La Durance before the first climb of the day through the historic villages of Merindol and Lauris before continuing to the Provencal village of Cadenet, at the foot of the Grand Luberon.

Day 3

Cycle along quiet country lanes and cross over the Luberon mountain range, passing through the hilltop village of Bonnieux and Apt in the heart of the Luberon Nature Reserve on our way to our base for the next two nights in Roussillon.

Day 4

Free day. Today you have the choice of relaxing in Roussillon or cycling a loop that takes in the 'Provence Collorado'. Alternatively you can take on the might Mount Ventoux, a legendary section of the Tour de France.

Day 5

Ride through a variety of pleasant scenery and delightful villages on our way back to Cavaillon.

Day 6

End Cavaillon.

Want to see more?

Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

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Images from PROVENCE CYCLING WEEKEND

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

Junk stall, Ochre houses, Roussillon Village

Cycling Through the Lavender Fields of Provence

Cycling from Sault

Provence Cycling Weekend

What makes this trip responsible?

Itinerary

Images from PROVENCE CYCLING WEEKEND