A New Twist on an old Classic
We’ve been enjoying every well-trod trail and much-visited town in Provence for decades. On this trip, however, we stray outside the region’s hotspots to show you our favourite hidden gems. You’ll see authentic Provence as you experience life in perched villages like Forcalquier and Pierrerue. We’ll stay in a 17th century convent, taking you inside the labs at Occitane and, from a local observatory, learn about the red-hued houses of Roussillon on a private tour through the ochre mines. It’s a classic experience—with a twist.
Trip Details
Moderate
Aix en Provence to Avignon
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price per person from: $4,995
Single supplement: $1,200
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
Pedal from the Lure Mountain to the village of Pierrerue for lunch and continue down to the village of Mane to learn how to play the local game of Pétanque at the 17th Century Couvent des Minimes.
Bike into the Lubéron valley and shop among the market stalls. Head to the Occitane headquarters to blend your own Provençal fragrance and enjoy a fantastic dinner in a private Provencale style house.
Build up your appetite for dinner on a Century Ride via Apt and the Calavon River. Our home for the next 3 nights is at the R&C La Coquillade where only B&R gets to stay!
Experience Peter Mayle’s Provence on bike, passing picturesque villages of Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes, and Lacoste before a wine tasting led by former Alain Ducasse Sommelier, Kelly Mc Auliffe.
Ride through the beautiful Vaucluse Mountains, where you enjoy stunning views and a royal picnic. Our final night dinner is specially prepared for us by the Michelin Star Chef Christophe Renaud.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast in Gargas at the hotel, then au revoir in Avignon.
Hotels
Le Couvent des Minimes, Mane en Provence
This early 17th century convent underwent many transformations before becoming the place of relaxation and well being that it is today. This luxurious hotel and a spa is surrounded by unique provencal character and is centuries of history. Opening out onto the interior courtyard, the gardens or the swimming pool, every room offers the same high standard of comfort. View hotel website »
La Coquillade, Gargas
This elegant country residence is located in the heart of the Luberon, and although some of the walls date back as far as the 11thC, the restructured hamlet is pure luxury. The unique hilltop setting is surrounded by 22 hectares of the Aureto Vineyards, home to the estate’s gold medal winning wine. From the large heated pool outside you can spy every little Luberon village. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. We'll ride along quiet, fairly flat roads, with a few large hills around the Vaucluse area and our final hotel. If the inclines are too steep—up to Massif des Cèdres, for example—the B&R van is there to help riders out. Daily distances average 50 km (31 mi.), with the option for a 102 km (63 mi.) Century Ride on one day.
Gear
The Bikes
You can't enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip you'll be riding customized Cannondales; there are three models to choose from to ensure you'll have the perfect bike. Click here for a detailed description. We also equip you with handlebar bag, helmet and water bottle.
What's Included
- All hotel accommodation
- All breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners, including wine
- Services of B&R guide(s) and support van
- Use of a customized Cannondale bike: a hybrid, a racing bike with drop bars, or a racing bike with flat bars, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet
- Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle
- All special events and private tours
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“We loved visiting the amazing countryside and smaller villages and felt like we were completely immersed in the French culture. The hotels and food (in true B&R form) were top-notch and far exceeded our expectations!”
— Thomas Bullock,
Provence Biking 2011
Notes from the Road
- Experts + Insiders: Anne ZakulaSaying Trip Designer Anne Zakula knows France would be roughly akin to saying Bill Gates knows computers. Having lived in both the Provencal countryside and the 15th arrondisement of Paris, she considers herself an “almost-local” in the French capita … …
- A Chat With Chef Christophe RenaudB&R’s Provence Biking excursion provides an opportunity to encounter the authentic tastes of Provence, care of chef Christophe Renaud and his dazzling talents at La Coquillade. This Relais & Châteaux property earned Michelin starred status in 2011 th … …
- 360 West Magazine: Pedaling Through ProvencePublished in 360 West Magazine | April 2012 | By Michael Hiller We set out just after dawn to get a head start on the day’s heat, pedaling fast under a tattered blanket of fog. The night before, a strong, …
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