Provence Cycling Tour
190kms - 500kms ❖ 2,500m - 4,500m ❖ 5 nights/6 days ❖ from 2400€ pp.
Carbon Fibre road bike or an E-bike included.
The region of Provence, France conjures up images of endless rows of lavender and grape vines. Then there are the pale greens of the olive trees lining your quiet cycling path. The colours and smells in the markets in Provence absolutely must be experienced to be believed. Those of you touring Provence by bike in July or August will hear the buzz of the Cigales (Cicadas), but realistically those are the busiest (for traffic) and the hottest months. They should be avoided if you are thinking of a French cycling vacation in Provence. Late April, May, early June and September to mid October have perfect riding conditions. Late October works too, but daylight is in much shorter supply.
Provence cycling Difficulty 4/10
Our Provence Cycling week can generally be described as easy to moderate and the optional daily ride extensions can make your bike trip a little tougher in distance and climbing. There is one flat-ish day, while all the rest have some rolling hills. This is definitely not Iowa or Manitoba and of course is van-supported. We have great E-Bikes in Provence if some of you wish to “flatten the hills.” You will not be the first to do so. What is important is that you cycle in France at least once in your life!
Our Provence Bike trip is also one of our itineraries where you can change bikes mid-week. If you find that you would like to switch to an E-Bike during your bike trip, we can do that! Of course extra charges will apply and bike choice is based on availability.
In the case where the entire group wants bigger or longer rides, that’s no problem. We can ramp up each day to ±100kms. TTT has roughly 40 days of superb riding in our bike trip route inventory in Provence. We know that we can find many that you will love to ride!
We also have a one day Gourmet Cooking Class!
If some of your group would like a break from the saddle and spend a day with a well renowned French Chef (English speaking), we have an option for you. In the morning you accompany Chef Jean Marc to the local market and select your ingredients for your menus. Return to his house in the Regional Parc of the Luberon to prepare your creations under his guidance. Groups from two are welcome. Ask us for more details.
Provence Itinerary
Day 1. Cabrières Loop 1
Meet your guide at the Avignon TGV train station at 11h00 for your 45 minute transfer to your beautiful new home for three nights just outside of Cabrières d’Avignon. We will have a bike fitting and safety session, then we are off to the Fontaine de Vaucluse and L’Isle sur la Sorgue, aka the "Venice of Provence."
30 - 100kms
Day 2. Cabrières Loop 2
Beautiful loop ride to the villages of Gordes, Roussillon and Goult. These are the three "must see's” in the area. Sip a cafè au lait or wander through the narrow streets. Huge ride extension available to Murs and beyond, via the Plateau de Vaucluse and two of the nicest gorges for cycling. One was recently re-paved for the Tour. Yes, that Tour.
45 - 115kms
Provence Cycling
Quiet Provence Roads
Day 3. Cabrières Loop 3
Another fantastic rolling ride from our Bastide (hotel). We cycle to and through Robion, Ménerbes and Oppède les Vieux. Our ride takes us on a quiet residential route in the forest, hidden from traffic. We also have a big hilly extension available to an area where few cars or people have yet to be seen.
40 - 90kms
Day 4. Cabrières to Lourmarin
We change hotels today and ride to Lacoste and Bonnieux via one of the nicest and easiest climbs you may ever ride. Then we cross over the ‘Luberon Parc Naturel.’ Today ends with a fantastic 10k descent (slightly busier road) in a secluded gorge all the way to your hotel in Lourmarin. Nice ride extensions are available as always. If you like cycling down a Gorge, we have a beauty!
45 - 75kms
Day 5. Lourmarin Loop
Short or long loop rides. Flat (-ish), rolling or really hilly. We loosely follow the “Route des Châteaux du Sud Luberon.” Wait till you see our favourite village! Options include a short ride to a pretty lake for a swim if the weather is hot. Or you could sit poolside in Lourmarin and give your bike a rest.
30 - 120kms
Day 6. Trip end.
Bike Trip end, but not before your visit to the best market in Provence. The Lourmarin Market is renowned in France as one of the best.
Trips that end in Lourmarin have a group transfer to Aix en Provence or Marseille airport at noon.
Optional day 7, cycle Lourmarin to Aix-en-Provence
One of our Gorges in Provence.
If you have chosen to ride an extra day with TTT, we have a beautiful ride to Aix en Provence. Three little bumps to pedal up and over, then a superb downhill all the way to your hotel in the center of Aix. If you are riding this on a Friday, you get treated to another HUGE market Saturday morning … right in front of your hotel!
It's amazing how the landscape changes on the ride from Lourmarin to Aix-en-Provence. Say goodbye to your two-wheeled carbon or electric friend in Aix and sip a cool crisp rosé in the centre of this vibrant town with about 10,000 students doing the same.
After breakfast the following day in Aix, your Tour de Provence with TTT c'est fini (sadly).
38 -70kms
PROVENCE Bike Trip Details
Starting from 2400€ per person for a group of 6 riders in shared (double) accommodation.
What's included?
5 Nights hotels and breakfasts
5 evening meals
Pre trip (from Avignon) and post trip (to Aix en Provence) transfers*
Aluminium / Carbon Road bike / Hybrid bike or Hybrid E-Bike.
Custom maps.
Downloadable GPS routes for your phone or Garmin.
Ride profiles
Guide.
Support Van.
Photo slideshow of your trip.
We can easily make this a shorter or longer trip. Let us know what you would like.
What's not included?
Lunches
Drinks at dinner. Hotel mini-bars.
* Pre and post trip transfers. All transfers happen as a group and within a pre - determined time frame.
We can easily arrange a private transfer if you wish. Extra charges will apply.