An Old Classic, as Good as Ever
We’ve been pedaling through Provence for decades, and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t thrill to revisit every well-trod trail and much-visited town. This trip reads like a what’s what of Provencale must-sees: the almost lunar landscapes of the Alpilles, the vineyards and villages of Peter Mayle’s Luberon Valley, the open spaces of the Vaucluse, along with teeming food markets, homespun bistros, fields of lavender, and a friendly game of boules with a pastis (anise-flavoured liqueur) in hand.
Bistro trips offer more independence (more meals on your own), and the hotels are likely to be stylish 4-stars instead of off-the-chart. But the heart of every one is exactly the same as our marquee trips— incredible scenery, events, insider access and B&R guides. Find out more about our Bistro trips »
Trip Details
Moderate
Avignon to Avignon
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price per person from: $3,995
Single supplement: $600
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
Pedal from the square of the village of Maillane to the dramatic landscapes of Les Baux, one of France’s most picturesque villages.
Loop through the Alpilles towards a privately-owned garden for a memorable picnic and then into St-Remy for some shopping and an expert-led Van Gogh tour.
Catch the spectacular St-Remy weekly market, then cross the Durance River and head to our Luberon hotel for some downtime poolside.
Experience Peter Mayle’s Provence on two wheels, pedalling through Roussillon, Ménerbes, and Lacoste before a pre-dinner wine tasting.
Visit the lively town of Gordes and a nearby medieval monastery en route to a gourmet picnic in the village of Murs before rolling in the beautiful gorges of Venasque.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast at the hotel in Mazan, then au revoir in Avignon.
Hotels
Mas de l’Oulivie, Les Baux de Provence
Hotel Mas de l'Oulivié is located 2 km from “the most beautiful village of France,” Baux de Provence. Resting at the foot of the Alpilles, this boutique and eco-friendly hotel uses the influences of Provencal architecture to create a genuine haven of peace and harmony. All 25 rooms and suites open onto the countryside, the surrounding olive grove and the lush Mediterranean gardens. View hotel website »
Le Roy Soleil, Menerbes
Le Roy Soleil is a beautifully restored and luxurious 17th century country inn offering the utmost comfort and charm in its cozy, warm atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to explore surrounding olive groves and vineyards, dine under the mulberry trees, and wander through the luscious lavender and rose gardens of one of the most serene and peaceful settings in Provence. View hotel website »
Château de Mazan, Mazan
Nestled at the foot of the legendary and scenic Mont Ventoux, this chateau is located in the charming village of Mazan. In this elegant 18th century building, the former residence of the famous Marquis de Sade, guests enter a sumptuous setting blending charm, gourmet dining and comfort. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. Most of the riding on this trip is quite manageable, becoming slightly more challenging on Day 4 in the Luberon Valley. However, where the hills are challenging, the B&R van is there to help out weary riders. All the riding is on quiet roads and even some bike paths. Daily distances average 50 km (31 mi.), with the option for a 100 km (62 mi.) Century Ride on Day 5.
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, three lunches, three 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 smaller villages and felt like we were really immersed in French culture. We love to ride so asked the guides to challenge us and they delivered extra miles that allowed us to see amazing country and add an extra helping at mealtimes without feeling any guilt!”
— 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 Renaud … …
- 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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