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PROVENCE: ESSENCE OF THE LUBERON

8 Days/7 Nights - Self-Guided - Approx. 260 kms

The Luberon Mountains are in the heart of the Provence and are a protected area due to their particular landscapes. Remember the incredible stories written by Peter Mayle in his book,’A Year In Provence’? Or the novels of Jean Giono describing the region around Manosque? That’s the scenery you can expect as the tour leads you into an extraordinary world of colour and senses. Forgotten medieval villages clinging to steep hills, everchanging landscapes and areas of Provence that are off the tourist track. Along the way, experience exquisite cuisine and typical French accommodation.

The lavender fields generally bloom from the beginning of June to the middle of July.

GRADE: Moderate to challenging. A good level of fitness is required as the tour leads you through the Luberon Mountains. Electric bikes can be hired in advance. Please ask for the Provence Vineyards and Villages tour if you want a less challenging tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Avignon

Arrive Avignon, and make your own way to the hotel 5km from Avignon Centre (approx. €18 by taxi). Dine and stay at a hotel with swimming pool and excellent restaurant in a quiet country setting on the Isle of Bethelasse. Free parking is available. If you prefer to stay in Avignon old city centre, there is a €65 euro supplement per person.

Day 2 Avignon – Eygalieres / Cavaillon (approx. 45 km)

9:30 am: Tour briefing and bike delivery. Leave Avignon and cycle through the petit Crau to St Remy de Provence, once protected by its 14th century wall, some of which still stands today. Then onto to Cavaillon, famous for its melons where you stay the night.

Day 3 Cavaillon – Lourmarin (approx. 45km)

Continue along the south side of the Luberon mountains along the Durance Valley. Cycle through typical villages like Merindol, Lauis perched on a cliff and the vineyards to Lourmarin where you will spend the night.

Day 4 Lourmarin – Gargas (approx. 35km)

Cycle through beautiful landscapes on your way to Rousillon, known for its distinctive ochre rock. Pass by villages that are listed as some of "the most beautiful villages in France".

Day 5 Gargas – Isle sur la Sorgue (30km)

Leave the orange/red hues of Rousillon village and continue towards Isle sur la Sorgue, know as the 'Venice of Provence' due to its waterways and canals.

Day 6 Luberon Circuit (15 - 40km)

Today you have several options. Cycle to the perched town of Gordes and nearby Abbey Senanque, a Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields; or the stunning village of Fontaine de Vaucluse.

Day 7 Isle sur La Sorgue – Avignon (30km)

Today cycle through the landscape of the Durance and fruit plantations back to Avignon.

Day 8 Avignon

Your tour ends after breakfast at the county hotel with a swimming pool, where you started the tour (5km/ €18 taxi from Avignon). You can choose to stay in Avignon old city centre for an additional €65 per person.