Tour de Provence Luberon

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival

   The tour operator can pick you up from either of the Avignon train stations (the TGV or the centre ville), any of the hotels in Avignon, or from other nearby locations (e.g., Nîmes airport) by arrangement. You will arrive at the hotel near the market town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where bikes are fitted and adjusted to your individual requirements.

   Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or take a short trip into the village, which is famous for its antiques and bric-a-brac market and stores. Early arrivals may wish to ride to the Fontaine de Vaucluse to see the famous resurgent spring of the river Sorgue.

   In the evening, after a briefing on the week ’s ride, you will sit down to the first of many gourmet meals, washed down with one of the excellent wines from the slopes of Mont Ventoux, whose imposing profile dominates the region.
   

   • Hotel Mas De Cure Bourse
   • Dinner

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     Hotel Mas de Cure Bourse

     Set in beautiful grounds with ancient oak trees and lovely gardens, this romantic Provencal hotel promotes rest and relaxation

   • 

     Hotel Mas de Cure Bourse

     Set in beautiful grounds with ancient oak trees and lovely gardens, this romantic Provencal hotel promotes rest and relaxation

   • 

     Hotel Mas de Cure Bourse

     Set in beautiful grounds with ancient oak trees and lovely gardens, this romantic Provencal hotel promotes rest and relaxation

2. Day 2Into the Luberon

   Today you will be heading into the heartland of Provence – the Luberon – and the picturesque villages depicted in Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. The first, and most westerly of the Luberon’s villages is Oppede-le-Vieux, followed by Ménerbes, both perched atop small climbs, with the corresponding downhill reward afterwards. You will take a leisurely route through these villages, maybe stopping for a coffee or a pastis.

   For lunch you will visit perhaps the most photogenic of the Luberon villages, Gordes, perched on a hilltop and overlooked by its 16th century château. You will be staying near Gordes tonight so the afternoon can be spent in the village itself, or by the pool at the hotel. There are also optional excursions to the Abbaye de Senanque – a perfect example of Romanesque architecture dating from the 12th century, set in a valley amongst picturebook fields of lavender – or the nearby Village des Bories – a fascinating hamlet of traditional Provencal dry-stone dwellings.
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • Mas de la Senancole, Gordes
   • Breakfast and Dinner

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     Mas de la Senancole

     A converted farmhouse with warm and inviting interiors

   • 

     Mas de la Senancole

     A converted farmhouse with warm and inviting interiors

   • 

     Mas de la Senancole

     A converted farmhouse with warm and inviting interiors

3. Day 3Gordes to Lourmarin

   Heading north from Gordes, you will swing east and south to arrive at Roussillon, perching above the ochre cliffs. Roussillon was once the major producer of ochre for paints and pigments and boasted 17 different colours. A sign-posted trail leads to the quarries where the shades of red, orange, yellow and purple rock contrast startlingly with the deep blue Provencal sky.

   From Roussillon, you will cycle over the Pont St Julien, a Roman bridge, before crossing the plain on a lovely cycle path and climbing again into Lacoste, where the ruined chateau of the Marquis de Sade looms over the village. Next is Bonnieux from whose heights give a splendid panorama of Luberon and where there are restaurants to dine in for lunch. 

   A long but gentle climb brings you to the delightful village of Lourmarin where you will spend the night.
   

   • 27.3 miles
   • Le Moulin de Lourmarin
   • Breakfast and Dinner

   • 

     Le Moulin de Lourmarin

     A former olive mill in the 18th century, stay two nights in this charming hotel located in the middle of the village.

   • 

     Le Moulin de Lourmarin

     A former olive mill in the 18th century, stay two nights in this charming hotel located in the middle of the village.

   • 

     Le Moulin de Lourmarin

     A former olive mill in the 18th century, stay two nights in this charming hotel located in the middle of the village.

4. Day 4Loop ride in Lourmarin

   No need to unpack today as you do a loop ride! Cycle through the charming villages of Peypin d'Aigues, La Tour d’Aigues and Ansouis. Enjoy classic sceneries that are typical in Provence filled with delightful hamlets, vineyards and lush valleys.
   
   On the way back to Lourmarin, taste the fruits of the vineyards you cycled past with wine tasting at a nearby chateau.
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • Le Moulin de Lourmarin
   • Breakfast and Dinner

   • 

     Le Moulin de Lourmarin

     A former olive mill in the 18th century, stay two nights in this charming hotel located in the middle of the village.

   • 

     Le Moulin de Lourmarin

     A former olive mill in the 18th century, stay two nights in this charming hotel located in the middle of the village.

   • 

     Le Moulin de Lourmarin

     A former olive mill in the 18th century, stay two nights in this charming hotel located in the middle of the village.

5. Day 5Ride to Sault

   There is a gentle climb from the start today as you go back up the road on which you came into Lourmarin. A quick downhill followed by another easy climb takes you through a couple of hamlets before descending into the market town of Apt. Savour the flat ride past vines and olive trees until you reach St-Saturnin for lunch. Prepare for another climb as you go past spectacular gorges and the ancient Chateau de Javon. Take pleasure as you emerge into the lavender fields and sheep pastures of the Plateau d’Albion along with immense views of Mont Ventoux dominating the horizon.

   A long descent takes you to the bottom of Sault before riding up through the town to the hotel. Sault is a local centre for wild products – wood mushrooms, pheasant, wild boar and other game – and one or more are likely to feature on the menu tonight as a reward for the hard work.
   
   

   • 36 miles
   • Hostellerie du Val de Sault
   • Breakfast and Dinner

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     Hostellerie du Val de Sault

     Val de Sault is a haven of peace with stupendous views to Mont Ventoux. Stunning chalet style rooms, a swimming pool and spa are complemented by a gourmet restaurant.

   • 

     Hostellerie du Val de Sault

     Val de Sault is a haven of peace with stupendous views to Mont Ventoux. Stunning chalet style rooms, a swimming pool and spa are complemented by a gourmet restaurant.

   • 

     Hostellerie du Val de Sault

     Val de Sault is a haven of peace with stupendous views to Mont Ventoux. Stunning chalet style rooms, a swimming pool and spa are complemented by a gourmet restaurant.

6. Day 6Towards Mazan

   Your final day on the saddle requires you to make a choice between climbing 1,900m (6,233ft) Mt Ventoux or cycling its southern flank with stunning views of Gorges de la Nesque. Either way the ride will be splendid.
   
   Re-group in Bedoin and swap stories over a sumptuous lunch. Get back on the bikes for a ride through the vineyards of Cotes de Ventoux before ending in Mazan where you will also spend the night.
   
   

   • 31.1 - 36 miles
   • Chateau de Mazan
   • Breakfast and Dinner

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     Chateau de Mazan

     An elegant chateau built in the 1700s with comfortable country-chic rooms

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     Chateau de Mazan

     An elegant chateau built in the 1700s with comfortable country-chic rooms

   • 

     Chateau de Mazan

     An elegant chateau built in the 1700s with comfortable country-chic rooms

7. Day 7Departure

   After breakfast, take the opportunity to swap contact details then head out for your onward journey.
   

   • Breakfast