France Guided Biking Tour – Provence

2021: This tour is available to charter

This tour will be accompanied by Chuck & Judy Nichols

It can be argued that Provence is the loveliest region of France with its landscape ranging from fields of lavender and white blanketed mountains to the picturesque coast of the Mediterranean. Historians, artists, as well as wine enthusiasts flock to this region for the ancient culture, breathtaking scenery and beautiful villages. Provence is also known for its sunny and relatively mild climate as well as its gastronomic tradition built on local products: vegetables, olive oil, herbs, etc. Discover the light, scents, colors and tastes of Provence through this bike tour that will take you on an exploration of Provence’s beautiful towns and villages.  We’ve handpicked charming accommodations in special regions of Provence.

Our tour takes us to some of the iconic towns in Provence: Avignon – the capital of the Vaucluse, is filled with so many interesting things to see, you will definitely want to arrive prior to the tour to take in the sites. Pont du Gard – the Roman architects created an artistic masterpiece that is registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.  St. Remy – picturesque squares & fountains, this is where Van Gogh painted Starry Night.  Gordes – standing on the edge of the plateau with its narrow cobbled streets, this is one of the most beautiful villages in France.  Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence, focuses on this region.  Roussillon – famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The ochre façades of the houses are magnificent… shades vary subtly from light yellow to dark red, set off by the brightly painted shutters and doors.  Bédoin – a lovely agricultural village at the foot of Mont Ventoux.

2021 Price: Contact us for charter prices

Price Includes:
  • 7 nights lodging
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • Some picnic lunches
  • luggage transfers and van support with local guide/driver
  • maps and route directions
  • Chuck and Judy Nichols will personally accompany this tour and be there to handle bike maintenance and logistics.
Price Does Not Include:

International flights, bike rentals, restaurant lunches, beverages

Tour Difficulty

We rate the Provence Bike Tour in France as moderately difficult with daily distances of 50 – 75 km over hilly terrain.  For those who want the challenge, the ride up Mont Ventoux is a great experience.  A support van travels with us for anyone wanting a lift. We will be riding well-planned routes on quiet roads.

  • Difficulty: Moderately Hilly
  • Road Conditions: Asphalt
  • Carbon Road bike, Hybrid bike and electric bikes are available

Tour Highlights

  • Iconic Provencal villages
  • Excellent cuisine and wines
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Charming accommodations
  • Great cycling

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon

We meet in Avignon in the late afternoon for a tour orientation and bike fitting. Join us for a Welcome dinner.  If you would like to arrive a day early to get over jet lag, we can make additional hotel reservations for you prior to the tour.
Lodging in Avignon

Day 2: Cycling Avignon – St Remy –  74 km, Elevation +675 m

We cycle from Avignon to the fantastic site of Pont du Gard.  We will pass Graveson and Barbentane where we can visit the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet from the 10th century.  We’ll arrive in St. Remy in the late afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the town.

Day 3: St. Remy de Provence- Eygalieres – Gordes –
51 km, Elevation +450 m

A ride from Saint Remy de Provence to Gordes. We leave Bouches-du-Rhone to join the Vaucluse department with an itinerary that will take us to the top of the village of Eygalieres, a panoramic viewpoint from where you see the Durance River valley, Alpilles mountain range and the rock of Les Baux de Provence. You will cycle via the melon-town Cavaillon and Coustellet with its lavender museum. Then finish in Gordes after a last climb that will bring you to the top of this perched village, one of the most beautiful village in France!  We’ll spend 2 nights at our accommodation in the countryside just outside of Gordes.

Day 4: Gordes- Ménerbes- Gordes – 55 km, Elevation +800 m

A loop tour of Luberon natural park the surrounding area. A varied itinerary through vast forests with amazing viewpoints that will take you to a number of superb perched villages including Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes among others.

Day 5: Gordes -Fontaine de Vaucluse- Roussillon – Bédoin – 70 km Elevation + 1,000 m

Ride Roussillon first and then through the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse before reaching Bedoin, our final destination. In Roussillon, you can discover the famous ochre colored soil that is mined and used in pigment to color homes locally and far away. We will spend 3 nights in Bedoin.

Day 6 & 7:  Loop rides from Bedoin

We have saved the best for our last rides! We’ll have 2 days to enjoy some spectacular riding options from Bedoin. There are a multitude of ways to ride the loop rides below even doing some combinations.  Since this is a new tour for us, we will use our local cycling guide’s knowledge for the best way to ride in this region.

Gorges of Nesque – 65 km, Elevation +1,400 m
Tour de Mont Ventoux – 70 km, Elevation +1,500 m
Vineyards of Vaucluse – 70 km, Elevation +1,000 m

Day 8: Departure

Our tour finishes after breakfast.  We will provide transfers to the Avignon Train station departing Bedoin around 9:30 am.  If you prefer a different time, we can make other transfer arrangements for an additional cost.  Drive time is about an hour and you need to arrive at the train station an hour before your departure.