Classic or Luxury Famous Villages of Provence
France Bike Tours
Cycle in Provence and enjoy fine food, great wine, & stunning scenery!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1165 Rates
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Overview
A true cycling experience in Provence through a landscape of tremendous beauty and diversity. Choose between handpicked luxury hotels or classic accommodations, on routes that have been designed to allow time for sightseeing in historical towns, relaxing, and tasting its renowned wines, olive oils, cheeses, black truffles, & sun-drenched produce.
Whether you’re a novice or keen rider, Provence is a biking paradise with endless miles of diverse landscapes, from its thyme-laden hills in the Alpilles mountains, the beautiful hilltop villages in the Luberon, the vineyards, olive groves, spectacular views, & untouched treasures. You can stop as frequently as you like to take it all in, the true spirit of a slow holiday.
Savour provencal food & wine bursting with the flavors of the sun, chat with the locals as you walk through the market stalls, and cycle on beautiful routes which will create a memorable cycling holiday.
Highlights
- The diversity of the Luberon mountain range
- Châteauneuf du Pape, unrivaled king of Rhône Valley wines
- Colorful markets
- Avignon and the famous Pope’s Palace
- Olive groves, pine trees, & oak forests
- Hilltop villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, & Roussillon the Colorado Provencal
- The Provencal Venice: Isle sur la Sorgue
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Day 2: Avignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - St Laurent des Arbres - Avignon, 42 mi. (68 km) +/-310m elevation
Day 3: Avignon - Isle sur la Sorgue, 12 mi. (20 km) optional loop Isle - Pernes les Fontaines - Venasque - Isle sur la Sorgue, 25 mi. (40km) +/-650m elevation
Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Roussillon - Isle sur la Sorgue, 38 mi. (61km) +575m/-575m elevation
Day 5: Isle sur la Sorgue - Eygalières - St Remy de Provence, 23 mi. (37km) +/-200m elevation
Day 6: St Remy - Fontvieille - Les Baux - St Remy, 26 mi. (42km) +400m/-400m elevation
Day 7: Transfer to Avignon, depatureAll distances are approximate.
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Our local representative will meet you today or tomorrow at your hotel in Avignon for a detailed welcome & orientation meeting followed by a bike fitting session (dependent on your arrival time). Avignon is one of Europe’s most culturally rich towns, all packed within its 14th-century ramparts and recognized for its beauty and rich history. Take the afternoon to walk this walled city! Highlights include the Place du Palais, next to the Place de L'Horloge, & the ruined bridge of Le Pont Saint-Benezet over the River Rhone. There are lots of museums to visit and many cafes and restaurants for fabulous food and drink.Sample hotels:
Classic - Hotel Central (3*)
Luxury - Hotel D'Europe (5*)Day 2: Avignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - St Laurent des Arbres - Avignon, 42 mi. (68 km) +/-310m elevation
Leaving Avignon and heading north, you’ll cycle through farmers' fields on small country lanes, passing old farmhouses and orchards of all kinds. Heading northward, the landscapes slope gently upwards and you enter the famous Côtes-du-Rhone wine-making village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here you can have nice bistro lunch on a sunny terrasse, and why not stop for a wine tasting at one of the many renowned wineries before looping back through the countryside and the Isle de Barthelasse to Avignon, where you will spend your second night.Sample hotels:
Classic - Hotel Central (3*)
Luxury - Hotel D'Europe (5*)Day 3: Avignon - Isle sur la Sorgue Sorgue, 12 mi. (20 km) optional loop Isle - Pernes les Fontaines - Venasque - Isle sur la Sorgue, 25 mi. (40km) +/-650m elevation
From Avignon, you'll take a little-known cycle path following a river and out of the city. A short climb takes you up to the village of Jonquerettes before heading back down to the valley and reaching the pretty town of l’Isle sur la Sorgue. This veritable island of a village is carved into a circle by the waters of the Sorgue, with quaint quayside antique shops and a labyrinth of narrow roads in the center. A picnic lunch in l’Isle on the grass by the quays is recommended. From the comforts of your island town, you can add a loop ride through the Pays des Sorgue, its back roads lined with cypresses and old farmhouses. You'll reach Pernes-les-Fontaines with its 40 fountains, its Romanesque church, & mansion. Continuing along tiny country roads you'll reach medieval Venasque, labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. From Venasque, you'll pedal towards lost hamlets through cherry orchards and Muscat vineyards, all the way down to Isle. Isle sur la Sorgue is also called the Provencal Venice with its many water wheels and canals where you will spend the next two nights.Sample hotels:
Classic - Hotel Cantosorgue (2*)
Luxury - Grand Hotel Henri (4*)Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Roussillon - Isle sur la Sorgue, 38 mi. (61km) +575m/-575m elevation
“Wow” is probably the best way to sum up the day’s ride: a never-ending barrage of scenery and gorgeous perched medieval villages. The effort put forth during your climbs will be rewarded by visits to villages classed among the most beautiful in France: Gordes and Roussillon. After visiting both Gordes and Roussillon there are two options for you today. The easier of the two returns to l’Isle sur la Sorgue via a pleasant and peaceful cycle-only path laden over a former railway line, passing former rail stations. To add some extra hilltop-villages to the mix, we’ve included an optional return via the villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, & Oppède le Vieux, all spectacular in their own right.Sample hotels:
Classic - Hotel Cantosorgue (2*)
Luxury - Grand Hotel Henri (4*)Day 5: Isle sur la Sorgue - Eygalières - St Remy de Provence, 23 mi. (37km) +/-200m elevation
You'll take scenic side roads lined with pear and apple orchards from Isle sur la Sorgue, as you descend toward the town of Cavaillon. There is a bit of traffic to cross Cavaillon, but shortly after crossing the Durance River, the tiny back roads return and the countryside is once more laden with quaint villages until you reach the village of Eygalières,. Here you can have lunch and explore the cobbled streets as well as the old stone ruins that crown the village. Beyond Eygalières, you ride along a scenic but somewhat rocky track, tucked in below the imposing limestone ridge of the Alpilles. If you'd like, you can stop at a family-run wine estate for a tasting (not included) before reaching the artsy town of St Rémy.Sample hotels:
Classic - Hotel Gounod (3*)
Luxury - Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa (5*)Day 6: St Remy - Fontvieille - Les Baux - St Remy, 26 mi. (42km) +400m/-400m elevation
If you are in town on a Wednesday, you should not miss the big market in the morning, strolling through the market stalls just like locals do! Today you can either relax and explore Saint Remy or do a loop ride through the countryside and visit Les Baux de Provence. Leaving St. Rémy, visit Saint Paul de Mausole, where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life and did some of his best work. Adjacent to the monastery is Glanum, a Roman archaeological site, its massive limestone ruins are a testament to over 2000 years of history. The route continues along the winding streets of the Alpilles mountains through landscapes of pine trees and wildflowers until reaching Les Baux de Provence, a town perched vertiginously atop a rocky crag, crowned by the ruins of its feudal castle. Take your time to explore Les Baux, its castle, & Les Carrieres de Lumieres, an ancient converted quarry displaying different artworks on the stone walls (entrance not included). You'll return to St. Rémy for your second night.Sample hotels:
Classic - Hotel Gounod (3*)
Luxury - Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa (5*)Day 7: Transfer to Avignon, depature
Why not extend your stay by cycling to the Roman city of Arles and to the flatlands of Camargue? Your cycling tour ends after breakfast and a private taxi transfer will take you to Avignon center or TGV station. We can arrange additional transfers upon request with a supplement.Hotels & Bikes
This bike tour in France features two levels of accommodations: Classic and Luxury.
The standard Classic accommodations feature very nice 2 and 3-star hotels with private facilities.
The upscale Luxury accommodations feature incredible 4 and 5-star hotels with private facilities
A sample hotel list can be found in the day-to-day itinerary.Bicycles
Standard Hybrid (included)
Trek (or equivalent) with UNISEX frames
- 27-speed
- Aluminum frame
- Equipped with Shimano parts
- Robust tires
- Upright handlebars & flat pedals
Included with the bike rental is a helmet, security vest, pump, bike computer, 1 front pannier, 1 side pannier, 1 water bottle holder, 1 lock, 1 tube, & 1 repair kit per two bikes.
Upgrade Hybrid
Cannondale C3 Alloy (or equivalent) with UNISEX frames
- 11-speed
- Aluminum frame (only 9kg)
- Equipped with Shimano parts
- Robust tires
- Upright handlebars & flat pedals
Included with the bike rental is a helmet, security vest, pump, bike computer, 1 front pannier, 1 side pannier, 1 water bottle holder, 1 lock, 1 tube, & 1 repair kit per two bikes.
Ebike
SCOTT (or equivalent)
- Various levels of assistance
- 90km of battery autonomy
- Low frame entry
- Robust tires
- Hydraulic brakes
Included with the bike rental is an informative meeting with a specialized mechanic, assistance during your tour in case of any problems, helmet, security vest, pump, bike computer, 1 front pannier, 1 side pannier, 1 lock, 1 tube, & 1 repair kit per two bikes.
Please note: During the informative meeting, you are required to supply a credit card which will be pre-authorized for €800 which is used as a guarantee until the return of the bike.
Road Bike
Cannondale Synapse 105 (or equivalent)
- 22-speed
- Carbon frame
- Equipped with Shimano parts
- Flat pedals*
- *You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals, shoes, & tools to fasten the pedals. Otherwise, flat pedals are provided.
Included with the bike rental is a helmet, security vest, pump, bike computer, 1 phone support on handlebar, 1 water bottle holder, 1 lock, 1 tube, & 1 repair kit per two bikes.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodation in 4-star/5-star hotels (luxury version) or 2-star/3-star (classic version)
- Breakfasts
- Welcome meeting on Day 1 or 2 in Avignon (in-person for luxury version, in-person or virtual for classic version)
- 27-speed hybrid bicycle with helmet, security vest, pump, bike computer, panniers, water bottle holder, lock, and repair kit with extra tube
- Luggage transfer
- Road Book with detailed cycling itineraries and integrated maps
- GPX files
- Emergency support 7-days a week
What’s Not Included
- Transportation to/from Avignon
- Bike upgrade
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks
- Entrance fees into museums & places of interest
- Travel Insurance
- Bike protection
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Any day between March 1 through November 15, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Classic Accommodations
1 person (traveling alone) 2-3 people 4-6 or more people Low season
Mar 1 - 31, 2023$ 2603 £ 1496 $ 2,417 € 1635 ₪ 6160 NZ$ 2850 NOK 18412 kr 18989 $ 1,802 $ 1950 £ 1121 $ 1,811 € 1225 ₪ 4615 NZ$ 2135 NOK 13795 kr 14227 $ 1,350 $ 1854 £ 1066 $ 1,722 € 1165 ₪ 4389 NZ$ 2030 NOK 13120 kr 13531 $ 1,284 Single supplement N/A $ 589 £ 338 $ 547 € 370 ₪ 1394 NZ$ 645 NOK 4167 kr 4297 $ 408 $ 589 £ 338 $ 547 € 370 ₪ 1394 NZ$ 645 NOK 4167 kr 4297 $ 408 Middle season
Apr 1 - Jun 25, 2023 &
Aug 1 - Nov 15, 2023$ 2682 £ 1541 $ 2,491 € 1685 ₪ 6348 NZ$ 2937 NOK 18976 kr 19570 $ 1,857 $ 2030 £ 1166 $ 1,885 € 1275 ₪ 4803 NZ$ 2222 NOK 14358 kr 14808 $ 1,405 $ 1934 £ 1111 $ 1,796 € 1215 ₪ 4577 NZ$ 2118 NOK 13683 kr 14111 $ 1,339 Single supplement N/A $ 605 £ 348 $ 562 € 380 ₪ 1432 NZ$ 662 NOK 4279 kr 4413 $ 419 $ 605 £ 348 $ 562 € 380 ₪ 1432 NZ$ 662 NOK 4279 kr 4413 $ 419 High season
Jun 26 - Jul 31, 2023$ 3207 £ 1843 $ 2,979 € 2015 ₪ 7591 NZ$ 3512 NOK 22692 kr 23403 $ 2,221 $ 2268 £ 1304 $ 2,106 € 1425 ₪ 5369 NZ$ 2484 NOK 16048 kr 16550 $ 1,571 $ 2173 £ 1249 $ 2,018 € 1365 ₪ 5142 NZ$ 2379 NOK 15372 kr 15853 $ 1,504 Single supplement N/A $ 621 £ 357 $ 576 € 390 ₪ 1469 NZ$ 680 NOK 4392 kr 4530 $ 430 $ 621 £ 357 $ 576 € 390 ₪ 1469 NZ$ 680 NOK 4392 kr 4530 $ 430 Luxury Accommodations
1 person (traveling alone) 2-3 people 4-6 or more people Low season
Mar 1 - 31, 2023$ 4943 £ 2840 $ 4,590 € 3105 ₪ 11698 NZ$ 5411 NOK 34967 kr 36062 $ 3,422 $ 2937 £ 1688 $ 2,727 € 1845 ₪ 6951 NZ$ 3216 NOK 20777 kr 21428 $ 2,033 $ 2857 £ 1642 $ 2,653 € 1795 ₪ 6762 NZ$ 3128 NOK 20214 kr 20847 $ 1,978 Single supplement N/A $ 1433 £ 823 $ 1,330 € 900 ₪ 3391 NZ$ 1569 NOK 10135 kr 10453 $ 992 $ 1433 £ 823 $ 1,330 € 900 ₪ 3391 NZ$ 1569 NOK 10135 kr 10453 $ 992 Middle season
Apr 1 - Jun 25, 2023 &
Aug 1 - Nov 15, 2023$ 5404 £ 3106 $ 5,018 € 3395 ₪ 12790 NZ$ 5917 NOK 38233 kr 39430 $ 3,742 $ 3160 £ 1816 $ 2,934 € 1985 ₪ 7478 NZ$ 3460 NOK 22354 kr 23054 $ 2,188 $ 3080 £ 1770 $ 2,860 € 1935 ₪ 7290 NZ$ 3372 NOK 21791 kr 22473 $ 2,133 Single supplement N/A $ 1576 £ 906 $ 1,463 € 990 ₪ 3730 NZ$ 1725 NOK 11149 kr 11498 $ 1,091 $ 1576 £ 906 $ 1,463 € 990 ₪ 3730 NZ$ 1725 NOK 11149 kr 11498 $ 1,091 High season
Jun 26 - Jul 31, 2023$ 6534 £ 3755 $ 6,068 € 4105 ₪ 15465 NZ$ 7154 NOK 46228 kr 47676 $ 4,524 $ 3701 £ 2127 $ 3,437 € 2325 ₪ 8759 NZ$ 4052 NOK 26183 kr 27003 $ 2,563 $ 3621 £ 2081 $ 3,363 € 2275 ₪ 8571 NZ$ 3965 NOK 25620 kr 26422 $ 2,507 Single supplement N/A $ 2069 £ 1189 $ 1,922 € 1300 ₪ 4898 NZ$ 2266 NOK 14640 kr 15098 $ 1,433 $ 2069 £ 1189 $ 1,922 € 1300 ₪ 4898 NZ$ 2266 NOK 14640 kr 15098 $ 1,433 Extra Options
Bicycle Upgrades
1 person (traveling alone) 2+ people Upgrade Hybrid Cannondale $ 127 £ 73 $ 118 € 80 ₪ 301 NZ$ 139 NOK 901 kr 929 $ 88 $ 127 £ 73 $ 118 € 80 ₪ 301 NZ$ 139 NOK 901 kr 929 $ 88 Road Bike Cannondale $ 127 £ 73 $ 118 € 80 ₪ 301 NZ$ 139 NOK 901 kr 929 $ 88 $ 127 £ 73 $ 118 € 80 ₪ 301 NZ$ 139 NOK 901 kr 929 $ 88 Ebike $ 143 £ 82 $ 133 € 90 ₪ 339 NZ$ 157 NOK 1014 kr 1045 $ 99 $ 143 £ 82 $ 133 € 90 ₪ 339 NZ$ 157 NOK 1014 kr 1045 $ 99 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This bike tour in Provence is ideal for those who cycle regularly and are comfortable with moderate but steady climbs. The itinerary is designed with a few loop rides which can be used for rest and recovery. Each day ranges from 21 miles to 42 miles.
Airport Info
Fly to Paris.
Local Travel
All trains depart the CDG train station located directly beneath terminal 2. To get to Gare de Lyon, you must first catch the B line which departs every 15-20 minutes, and then change to the RER A line at Chatelet – Les Halles. The whole journey takes 42 minutes. Trains run between 5 am and midnight and different tickets are available depending on your requirements. Intercity trains such as TGV and TER do not operate direct services, utilizing these services is overly complex between these 2 destinations and not recommended.
Climate
Provence is famous for its 360 days of sunshine per year! The Provençal climate is characterized by the bright and ever-present sun, and dry summers. The winds and rains are sporadic.
- Winter is most often mild and sunny, with incredibly clear skies.
- Autumn & Spring, with their summer-like days, can sometimes bring more abundant rains. A great cycling season!
- May and June, when almond trees and lavender fields are in bloom, are the most pleasant months, followed by September and October.
- Summer is very hot and dry. We recommend cycling through all of Provence in the mornings and late afternoons.
*A Word about “Le Mistral” in Provence The strong north-western winds blow down the Rhône Valley, picking up speed as they head through Provence towards the Med, helping to keep the region very sunny. The Mistral generally blows in the winter and spring and considerably less during the warmer months.
Day of Rest
Three days of the itinerary are loop rides which you may use as days of rest.
Remarks
There are plenty of markets to visit during this bike tour, although they are not open every day. Below you’ll find the markets and the days they are open:
▪ Menerbes: Thursday
▪ Bonnieux: Friday
▪ Roussillon: Thursday
▪ St Remy: big one Wednesday morning
▪ Gordes: Tuesday
▪ Isle sur la Sorgue: Wednesday & a big one on SundayImportant to know
The route information will be handed over during the welcoming meeting (roadbook, vouchers). The Road Book contains a technical description of the itinerary, 1:100,000 scale maps integrated with the itinerary traced out, & emergency contacts. Additionally, the Road Book contains helpful hints for restaurants, museums, vineyards, craftsmen, where to find ATMs, etc.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
Additional nights are possible in Avignon, or in any of the overnight towns, please ask for pricing!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Walk Inn.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
- Winter is most often mild and sunny, with incredibly clear skies.
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