Short description
Van Goghs playground, Provence is bursting with colour, from dazzling sunflowers and lavender to emerald rivers and red cliffs best enjoyed with wondrous local food and a glass of dry ros.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive at Saint-Rmy-de-Provence
Transfer by taxi to our base hotel in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence, where youll be equipped with your bicycle. Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is a small town with a rich history and cultural heritage, bursting at the seams with delightful bars, restaurants and boutiques to sample on your first night.
Day 2 | Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Baux-de-Provence
After breakfast youll be equipped with your bicycle. The day is then yours to explore Saint-Rmy-de-Provence, a beautiful town of narrow streets, attractive old houses and historical buildings. Its enviable setting amongst lush green valleys full of wild flowers is part of what drew many writers and artists to Saint-Rmy-de-Provence most notably, Van Gogh who painted some of his best work here. If youd like to get on your bike today, we suggest venturing into the exquisite surrounding landscape to the village of Baux-de-Provence. From its wondrous stone fortress perched high on a rocky plateau, the views of the Alpilles are superb.
Day 3 | Saint-Rmy-de-Provence to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Today youll enjoy a beautiful scenic ride along quiet lanes, winding through sleepy villages. The route crosses the river Vaucluse at Cavaillon, an attractive town renowned for its delicious melons. We suggest visiting the fruit market, picking out a perfectly ripe sample, and eating it there and then, before continuing on your way, through rich and fertile fields of fruit, towards Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the most powerful water spring in France.
Day 4 | Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Start your day with a potter around this lovely village, heading to the source of its fame, a powerful spring situated at the foot of a steep cliff towering 230 metres high. With an annual flow of 630 cubic metres, the spring is the fifth largest in the world, feeding the crystal-clear Sorgue river, which soon turns a startling emerald. Once youve seen this mysterious wonder that draws so many tourists to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, we suggest hopping on your bike and cycling to LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue. Hugged by the river Sorgue on all sides, its known as the island city, carved up by canals running through ancient streets. Alternatively, if the emerald-green of the River Sorgue is making you want to paddle rather than pedal, you could opt to book a canoe trip to LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Day 5 | Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Roussillon
Today youll journey into the heart of the Luberon, stopping off at Gordes, one of the regions most beautiful villages, perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. Tall, white and grey stone houses (some home to film stars) rise up out of the rock on which the village is set. At its summit lies an ancient castle overlooking the hills of the Luberon. The Abbey of Senanque is a must-see here. Hidden in the green valley, its still home to Cistercian monks who make honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs. From Gordes the route continues through the lavender fields to Roussillon.
Day 6 | Roussillon to Gargas
Time to explore Roussillon, a charming village situated at the foot of the Monts de
Vaucluse. One of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries, rich reds and yellows contrasting with lush green pine trees and the vivid blue Provenal sky. A round trip route is suggested that takes you through the countryside to the villages of Gargas and Villars. The route can easily be extended to add a visit to the market town of Apt. If you fancy something different, we recommend the Sentier des Ochres hiking trail in Roussillon for a chance to get up close and personal with the striking ochre landscape.
Day 7 | Roussillon to Saint-Rmy-de-Provence
Your final day in the saddle will take you back to Saint-Rmy-de-Provence, following a cycle path on an old railway line along the Luberon valley floor. Winding your way alongside the river Cavalon, youll find yourself passing through sleepy towns and villages, such as Les Beaumettes and Coustellet. After a second pass through Cavaillon, to cross the river, youll approach your destination through orchards and farmland around Mollges. Finally, relax back in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence to enjoy a glass or two of ros on your last night.
Day 8
We say Au Revoir before transferring you direct from Saint-Rmy-de-Provence to Avignon or Marseille airport by private taxi.
Key information
- Highlights
- Fully serviced bikes water bottle and accessories
- Bed & breakfast basis as standard
- 3 & 4 star accommodation (unless otherwise stated)
- Tour information pack upon arrival
- Detailed navigational material often including GPS maps
- Local support whenever needed
- E-bikes available on request
- Flights and transfers not included as standard but available on request
- Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL
