A Week in Provence
This moderate cycling introduces the Provence of Peter Mayle's novels. Discover the beautiful, diverse landscape of the Luberon with the cypress dotted plains of Saint Rémy and the brightly coloured village of Roussillon.
What's Included
Starting Days
You can choose to begin this holiday on any day of the week. This holiday is not available during July and August as some paths are closed due to the risk of fire.
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Arrive Avignon day 1
- Summary
Explore Avignon with its Place du Palais, next to the Place de l’Horloge and the ruined bridge of Pont Saint-Benezet over the River Rhône. You stay at Hôtel Boquier.
- Hotel
Hôtel Boquier
AvignonWithin easy reach of Avignon's main sights, this quaint guesthouse is run by Pascal and Sylvie, who will do their best to ensure all guests have a comfortable stay. The 12 individually decorated rooms have private bathrooms with showers, and cyclists can leave their bikes safely in the private courtyard.
Facilities
- En suite rooms
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- TV
Board
- Cuisine
Breakfast is served in the dining room. Avignon has a range of restaurants for your evening meal.
2
Avignon to Saint Rémy day 2
- Summary
Cycle into the quaint town of Barbentane before climbing up on the Montagnette, with sweeping views of the plains. Pass through the charming villages of Graveson and Maillance before reaching Saint Rémy de Provence.
- Hotel
Bastide de Lourmarin
LourmarinSituated a short walk from Lourmarin's historic downtown, this four-star hotel is in a traditional Provencal farmhouse set in peaceful surroundings. The rooms are comfy and well equipped, and there's a garden and swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
Facilities
- En suite rooms
- Air-conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Satellite TV
- Heated swimming pool
- Sauna
- Spa/health centre
Board
- Cuisine
A buffet breakfast is available.
22 mi
(35 km)3
Circuit from Saint Rémy day 3
- Summary
Leaving Saint Rémy, visit Saint Paul de Mausole, the monastery converted into a rest home for the mentally ill, where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Continue along the winding paths of the Alpilles mountains through landscapes of pine trees and wild flowers until you reach Les Baux de Provence, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.
28 mi
(45 km)4
Saint Rémy to Oppéde day 4
- Summary
Continue eastwards to the lost village of Eygalières. Ride through farmland and orchards until you cross the Durance river to reach the lively town of Cavaillon. Bustling with restaurants and cafés, groceries and quaint boulangeries, it is the perfect place to pick up a picnic. Stay at Hôtel Belle de Nuit.
- Hotel
Hôtel Belle de Nuit
OppèdeThis pleasant, rustic hotel set in the traditional village of Oppède offers a warm welcome and a comfortable stay. Laura and Roger speak fluent English and go out of their way to make guests feel at home. The five rooms are simply decorated, but full of character and the quiet location makes for a peaceful stay.
Facilities
- En suite rooms
- Free WiFi
Board
- Cuisine
Breakfast includes fresh fruit, yoghurt, baked goods and coffee. Guests can have their evening meal at the hotel or choose a restaurant in the village.
25 mi
(40 km)5
Circuit from Oppéde day 5
- Summary
Cycle through hilltop villages and along roads lined with 500 year-old shepherd’s huts, cherry orchards and truffle oak plantations. Pause in the village of Bonnieux to explore its tiny squares and 12th century church. Then ride to the town of Ménerbes, with its massive stone homes sitting vertiginously above a ledge.
23 mi
(37 km)6
Oppéde to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue day 6
- Summary
Today, head to the town of Gordes, its noble grey stone homes winding up in dizzying circles to the Renaissance castle that crowns the village. Then ride to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a village completely encircled by the clear green waters of the Sorgue river. Stay at Hôtel Les Névons.
- Hotel
Hotel les Nevons
L'Isle-sur-la-SorgueSet on the banks of the River Sorgue, Hôtel Les Nevons is located at the heart of L'Isle-sur-La-Sorgue, an enchanting Provencal town. There is a roof top swimming pool and sun terrace, as well as elegant rooms decorated in a typically Provencal style, some with a balcony or terrace.
Facilities
- En suite rooms
- Air conditioning
- Satellite TV
- Swimming pool
- Solarium
- Convivial bar
Board
- Cuisine
Home-made jams are served with breakfast every morning. After your cycling, you can sample some excellent regional wines in the hotel bar. There are many excellent restaurants to tempt your palate within a short walk of the hotel.
35 mi
(56 km)7
Circuit from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue day 7
- Summary
Pass through the Pays des Sorgues to reach Pernes-les-Fontaines with its 40 fountains, Romanesque church and mansions. Cycle through peaceful landscapes and the village of Monts de Vaucluse, northern Luberon. Venasque, a medieval town, is labelled as one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’.
24 mi
(39 km)
