| Months |
May, June, August, September, October | View Dates» |
| Price (USD) |
From $2,795 | See Pricing» |
| Start & End |
Avignon, France |
| Trip Length |
6 days | 5 nights |
| Rider Type |
2&3 | Learn More» |
| Daily Rides |
Options from 10 - 73 miles |
| Beyond Biking |
Historical Site Visit, Cooking Class, Shopping |
| Trip Options |
Make it Private or Choose Your Own Date |
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La belle vie spills over on this Provence bike tour. The textured landscape of Le Lubéron and the Vaucluse plateau capture a diversity and charisma that eludes description. Provence is about discovering the slower pace of life, from savoring each flavor you create at our cooking school to chatting with the locals as you walk through the market. For those comfortable at a leisurely pace, cozy cafés, village strolls, and relaxing afternoons temper the adventure of each day's ride. For avid cyclists, ready for the challenge, Provence's epic Mont Ventoux is ready to be conquered. Trek Travel's Provence biking trip offers the opportunity to indulge in all things Provencal at the perfect pace in the perfect place.
Trip Wow’s
- Experience the thrill of climbing up one of the great classic climbs—Le Mont Ventoux.
- Be enamored by the red poppies that dot the landscape in the spring or the lush hews of orange, red and gold that blanket the vineyards in the fall.
- Be a part of a quintessential French experience, the weekly market, and shop to your heart’s content.
- Visit one of the most important places in France - the kitchen - and learn the art of creating simple, flavorful food combinations that you can enjoy at home.
- Relish the sweeping views as you cycle the Gordes de la Nesque.
| 2012 Trip |
Dates |
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May 20 | June 3, 10, 17, 24 | August 26 | September 9, 23 | October 7 |
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May 13 |
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Days 1 & 2 | Côte de Ventoux
Stay at Chateau de Mazan
Meander through bright, colorful markets | Opt to take on the region's most famous climb, Le Mont Ventoux | Bicycle through the scenic landscape of Sault | Sample locally produced honey and olives | Opt to take on the region's most famous climb Le Mont Ventoux
Days 3 & 4 | Montagne d’Albion
Stay at Hostellerie Val de Sault
Cycle through the rolling hills of the Drome department | Enjoy a decadent meal at Hostellerie Val du Sault | Enjoy sweeping views of lavender fields | Treat yourself to a facial or massage at our hotel
Days 5 & 6 | Le Lubéron
Stay at Hotel le Gordos or Hotel Mas des Romarins
Explore the ochre village of Roussillon | Cycle past Ménerbes, the French hometown of writer Peter Mayle | Visit the chåteau of Marquis de Sade in the hilltop town of Lacoste | Ride over the Pont Julien, a 2000 year-old Roman bridge | Enjoy a private cooking class | Explore the medieval village of Gordes
Chateau de Mazan | Mazan, France
Nestled in the tiny town of Mazan - only a short distance from the base of Mont Ventoux - stands Chateau de Mazan. Originally built in 1720 during the Regency Period, the Chateau soon became the property of the notorious Marquis de Sade. It was here that the Marquis organized his first Theatre Festival. In 2001, the new owner, Mme Lhermie, transformed the Chateau into the quaint Hotel de Charme that welcomes tourists from all over the world.
Hostellerie Val de Sault | Sault, France
The Val de Sault is a luxurious three star hotel nestled in "lavender country" - the plains of Sault. You can relax in this calm oasis and gaze upon the stunning view of Le Mont Ventoux. Yves, the hotel owner, has taken great care with all details involved in our stay. His Provencal-Asian accents create the perfect atmosphere for your vacation. In addition to its magnificent location and stunning views, Val de Sault will lavish you with an unforgettable meal.
Hotel le Gordos | Gordes, France
Situated in the heart of the Luberon, at the entrance of Gordes, a picturesque village perched on a hill, Hotel Le Gordos offers you calm, freshness, and relaxation in a luxurious location, surrounded by a magnificent park.
Hotel Mas des Romarins | Gordes, France
Situated in the heart of the Luberon, at the entrance of Gordes, a picturesque village perched on a hill, Hotel Mas des Romarins offers you calm, freshness, and relaxation in a luxurious location, surrounded by a magnificent park.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 1 lunches, 2 social hours, 3 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Madone™ 5.2 carbon road bike, or Trek Madone™ 5.2 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.7 FX™ hybrid bike
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Madone purchase at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
May, June and September in Provence usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with cool evenings. August on the other hand can be quite hot. Rain is always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear in order to best enjoy your vacation. If you are planning on riding Mont Ventoux, we recommend bringing your fall/winter riding gear. The descent can be very cold.
What are the daily rides like?
| Rider Type | 2&3 |
Average Daily Mileage | 32 |
| Terrain | hilly |
Average Daily Elevation | 3,200 |
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Provence is best suited for our Type 2&3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 1 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is highlighted by stunning views, quiet roads & hilly terrain. There will be an average of 2-3 major climbs per day. You will be surrounded by vineyards & wonderful cherry orchards, all great spots to rest in the shade. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information.
As an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866.464.8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available, such as:
- Visit the Provencal market in Bédoin
- Explore the hilltop town of Gordes
- Visit the 2000-year-old Pont Julien, an ancient stone bridge
- Discover the ancient stone dwellings known as "bories"
- Learn the skill of playing Pétanque
- Shop and explore the ochre village of Roussillon
- Optional in-house massage and spa treatments at Val de Sault
- Learn Provencal cooking secrets in a private cooking class
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW's were from their Provence bike vacations, here is what they said…
The Provence beautiful scenery, the ride up Mt. Ventoux, the high quality bikes, our knowledgeable/helpful/friendly guides, the markets. Trek Travel lived up to its wonderful brochure! It’s not often a trip lives up to its brochure.—Bradley
Rolling Provencal terrain; outdoor markets; beautiful, breath-taking rides. Outstanding services by our guides. I love cycling. I love food. I love wine. Provence seemed to be the perfect location. I chose Trek Travel because it was important to me to ride a good quality bike.—Nancy
We cycle a lot here in Canada and have to self-support, so it was a real luxury for us! I think the trip was a perfect balance of climbing, touring and descents. I really enjoyed the loops, the terrain and the stops. —Stormy
I enjoyed them all. Very civilized, relaxing, good company, excellent hosts, best time I ever had!—Dale
This was the best supported ride I have done.—John-Pau
