Provence Lavender Bicycle Tour Itinerary
Day One: L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Your guides will greet you upon arrival in Avignon and take you through the countryside to the antique capital of Provence and home to more than 300 antique dealers and flea markets, l’Isle sur la Sorgue. The “Island on the Sorgue” is criss-crossed by lovely canals and rivers, which is why it is often known as the 'Little Venice'. 80 antique dealers await your visit, with a range of prized objects and furniture. Toast your welcome with the region’s rosé during your bike-fitting, safety talk and map review, then take a quick stroll around town before you hop on your bikes off to your first hotel, over the Plateau de Vaucluse. Tonight you will enjoy the stunning views of the Luberon from your bedroom window at Chateau la Roque. Tonight we dine by candlelight in our hotel’s garden enjoying local treats from our chef.
Meals: Dinner
Destinations visited: L’Isle sur la Sorgue Market, La Roque sur Pernes
Distance cycled: 11 kms / 7 miles
Day Two: Plateau de Vaucluse
Cycle through the captivating landscape that attracts visitors to Provence time and time again. Ride through the quaint towns of St Didier and Venasque before continuing into the hills of the Plateau de Vaucluse for clear views from afar of the Mt Ventoux, this year’s infamous Tour de France “Hors Category” climb. Today your guides will prepare an unforgettable picnic lunch among the shady plane trees with many of Provence’s local specialties. We will descend into the valley that brings us to the Abbey de Senanque. Prepare yourselves for photo opportunities among the fields of lavender in front of this fully functioning Cistercian Abbey. Gordes is classified as “one of the most beautiful villages in France", with its narrow cobbled streets threading their way through tall houses, built against the rock, clinging onto its flanks and whispering the tales of a thousand legends. This afternoon you have the option of either strolling the grounds of the hotels, relaxing by the pool, or taking an extra ride to see the ‘Mur de la Peste’ (Wall of the Plague) in Cabrieres d’Avignon, built to protect the papal palace in Avignon from the spread of the plague. Tonight, with views over the Luberon Valley, our chef will delight you with his creative presentation of authentic provençal fare.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Lunch/ Dinner
Destinations visited: St.Didier, Venasque, Abbey de Senanque, Gordes
Distance cycled: 21 km/ 13 miles
Day Three: Roussillon loop
Tuesday is market day in Gordes! Make sure you take the time to stroll around the streets of town to get a sampling of the fresh herbs, goat cheese, wines, and provencal fabrics before descending out of town on your bikes. Our first stop is for an olive oil tasting at the local mill in Gordes built amongst 200 year old olive and cherry trees. Here you get a full explanation of the process involved in making some of the world’s best olive oil – it takes 5kg of olives to make 1 liter of olive oil. Then you will ride your way towards Roussillon to meet the local potters and explore the famous Ochre cliffs which surround the village, responsible for the ochre-colored homes. The deep green pine trees against the brilliant blue sky express the magic of color in the beautiful light of the Luberon. We will enjoy a nice café lunch, lost in the colorful streets in town. On the return journey stop in for a taste of the Côtes de Luberon wines at a beautiful winery at the foot of the village. Dinner tonight is at our favorite local restaurant where all the dishes are as seasonal as they come with ingredients purchased at the day’s market.
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Les Gros, Roussillon, Joucas
Distance cycled: 35 km/ 22 miles
Day Four: Essence of the Luberon
Today you will check out of your hotel and leave the town of Gordes behind. Cycle past rustic stone villages perched along ridges overlooking vineyards: Menerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux. In Menerbes you will be treated to a truffle and wine tasting during lunch at the House of Truffles and Wine. Then continue on to cycle through the heart of the “Petit Luberon.” Lacoste was once the home of the infamous French author, the Marquis de Sade; the views from the ruins of his chateau are not to be missed. Peer out across the valley floor with its patchwork of orchards and vineyards, towards the equally picturesque perched village of Bonnieux. In some of the narrow streets of this hilltop town you'll see vaulted passages and some very lovely fountains amongst the quaint artisan shops. Your adventure continues through to Lourmarin where you’ll find plenty of cute deco shops and café terraces offering pastis. Notice the typical Mediterranean architecture with its winding narrow streets, lovely old restored houses, and well shaded public squares where you can immerse yourself in the gentle Provencal ambiance. Tonight you are on your own for dinner, so perhaps stroll into town to try the local pizzeria or one of many of the lively bistros.
Meal: Breakfast / Gourmet Lunch
Destinations visited: Menerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Lourmarin
Distance cycled: 40 km/ 25 miles
Day Five: Le Grand Luberon
After another extravagant breakfast you will cycle past by the cemetery where the author Albert Camus lies before heading to Cucuron. Here you will discover noble houses or modest ancient washing places and of course the splendid “Bassin de l’Etang”, a lovely pond in the center of the village, with magnificent two-hundred old planes trees, typical of southern France. You will also find several fountains all over town; prior to 1952, when running-water was installed in the village, they were the meeting-place of all women. One is called LE VALA, it was built against the IXth century rampart. The washhouse gave women an opportunity to meet, chat (too much some people would say) and sometimes quibble and quarrel. Now you will only find tranquility in these cobbled streets. Find a nice café in the shade to enjoy a large salad with freshly picked seasonal vegetables. Our leisurely cycle back to the hotel will put you in the mood for relaxation by the pool. Our last evening’s dinner will be enjoyed together at Le Comptoir, where the chef prides himself on embracing the concepts of simplicity and purity, while unleashing the true flavors of his creations. Enjoy!
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Lourmarin, Cucuron, Vaugines
Distance cycled: 40 km/ 25 miles
Day Six: Au Revoir
After eating a relaxing breakfast, say goodbye to the Luberon however you see fit. Take a last loop ride around Lourmarin, sip a traditional French café, and finish your shopping in the spectacular village. We’ll see you off at the train station as you head on to your next destination.
Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction
TRIP TOTAL: 147KM/ 92 MILES, averaging 32km/ 20 miles per day.
The Luberon can be hilly. Optional longer rides available each day.
A few words and phrases you’ll definitely find useful in Provence:
- Pastis: sweet, anise-flavored aperitif, served ice cold.
- Tapenade: puréed or finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil.
- Calissons: candy with a paste of candied fruit and ground almonds topped with a thin layer of white icing.
- Crème brulee: Provence’s favorite custard.
- Herbes de Provence: a mixture of herbs available in a sachet so you can take a little of Provence home with you.
- Promenade digestive: the long walk you’ll feel like taking right after dinner at almost any restaurant in Provence.
Luberon Additional Information
Where do we meet on the first day of the Luberon bike trip?
Your two DuVine guides will meet you at the train station in Avignon on the first morning of the tour. Contact your DuVine tour coordinator at least 60 days prior to your trip to review any pre- & post-travel plans you have or wish to make.
Where does the Luberon bike trip finish?
We will depart the hotel in the late morning for the train station to catch a TGV train to Paris, or any other destination of your choice.
How do I go about making my travel arrangements?
DuVine Adventures is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans. Whether you are looking for a suggestion for a hotel in Paris or assistance with rail tickets, simply call us at 888-396-5383 or 617-776-4441 or you can email us at info@duvine.com.
What is not included on your Luberon bicycle trip?
Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way.
How should I tip my DuVine guides?
If you appreciate the service your DuVine Adventures guides provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from 150 to 200 euros per guide.
What travel documents will I need for my bike trip?
All travelers to France are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport, and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.
What is the weather going to be like in the South of France?
May, June, September and October in Provence usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with cool evenings. Rain is rare in Provence but always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear.
What is the average daily mileage?
The average daily mileage is about 25-30 miles - rolling terrain. There will be daily options for riding additional, or fewer miles.
How should I get in DuVine shape?
The best way to prepare for your DuVine bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle. We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches — the kind of terrain that you will find on your Provence bicycle tour. We have different riding options everyday and, of course, great van support.
How should I pack?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list is enclosed.
