| Months |
September | View Dates» |
| Price (USD) |
From $3,999 | See Pricing» |
| Start & End |
Avignon, France |
| Trip Length |
6 days | 5 nights |
| Rider Type |
2&3 | Learn More» |
| Daily Rides |
Options from 8 - 60 miles |
| Beyond Biking |
Historical Site Visit, Cultural Tour, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class, Food Tasting, Shopping |
| Trip Options |
Make it Private or Choose Your Own Date |
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Connect to the essence of life–food created with care, wine produced with passion, and intimate moments shared with friends. Cycle through this ancient countryside perhaps stopping to eat cherries off a tree or to listen to Chef Xavier unveil his passion for creating his artful cuisine which you"ll enjoy. Cozy cafés and unique local markets await leisure riders while Mount Ventoux waits to be conquered for the avid cyclists. Provence is one of our most popular destinations, and for good reason, you’ll have an experience you won't soon forget!
Trip Wow’s
- Settle in to the outstanding Chateau de Rochegude—a 12th century fortress overlooking the vineyards of the Cote-du-Rhone.
- Experience an unforgettable cooking class to prepare your own fine French dishes with a Provençal Master Chef.
- Ride the epic Mount Ventoux and learn why cycling is such a cherished part of French culture.
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Paris Add On Package
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Days 1 & 2 | Le Lubéron
Stay at Le Phebus & Spa Carita
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 | Explore the ochre village of Roussillon | Explore the medieval village of Gordes on market day | Ride through the beautiful and colorful countryside of Provencal Colorado | Learn the art of great cuisine in our private cooking school with a Michelin-rated chef
Day 3 | Mazan
Stay at Chateau de Mazan
Meander through bright, colorful markets | Opt to take on the region's most famous climb, Mont Ventoux | Bicycle through the scenic landscape of Sault | Sample locally produced honey and olives
Days 4 – 6 | Cóte de Ventoux and les Dentelles
Stay at Chateau de Rochegude
Opt to take on the region's most famous climb, Le Mont Ventoux | Sample wine from the Cótes du Ventoux or Beaume de Venise | Spend an afternoon relaxing at the extraordinary Chateau de Rochegude
Paris Add On Package
Explore the city of Paris and let Trek Travel take care of the details. Purchase our exciting 3 day, 2 night add on package to enjoy before or after your trip.
Le Phebus & Spa Carita | Joucas, France
Located between Roussillon and Gordes, Le Phébus is a dry-stone walled farmhouse, where the quaint simple life of days gone by meets pure elegance. Recharge your batteries in the Carita spa or relax in your room, overlooking the tranquil waters of the swimming pool. You'll be treated to the unique delights of Xavier Mathieu–a Michelin Star Chef. Drawing his inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, he reinterprets this savory fare into something even more magical!
Chateau de Mazan | Mazan, France
Nestled in the tiny town of Mazan - only a short distance from the base of Mont Ventoux - stands Chåteau de Mazan. Originally built in 1720 during the Regency Period, the Chåteau 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 Chåteau into the quaint Hotel de Charme that welcomes tourists from all over the world.
Chateau de Rochegude | Rochegude, France
A Relais & Chåteaux hotel, the elegant Chateau de Rochegude is a magnificent 12th century fortress. It then became the summer residence of the Marquis de Rochegude and was transformed during the Renaissance. Overlooking the vineyards of Cote-du-Rhone, the hotel is luxurious and comfortable, offering an abundance of fantastic amenities. Each room is uniquely decorated.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 4 social hours, 4 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 Domane™ 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane™ 5.9 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 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 Domane or Madone, or Project One purchased 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. Temperatures during these months range between 60s to high 70s, but don’t be surprised if the Provencal sun raises temperatures to mid 80s. The mornings often start off cooler. 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 | 35 |
| Terrain | hilly |
Average Daily Elevation | 1,800 |
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 and challenging terrain. We will climb an average of 2-3 major climbs per day that combine sustained climbing with several steep sections. 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.
Some non-riding options on this trip are:
- Cooking class with a Michelin Star Chef
- Visit the Provençal market in Gordes
- Wine tasting at Le Phebus
- Wine tasting in the Cótes du Ventoux
- Explore the hilltop town of Gordes
- Spend a leisurely afternoon at the hotel or get a massage
- Explore Peter Mayle's hometown of Ménerbes
- Shop and explore the ochre village of Roussillon
- Explore the quaint village of Sault
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.
| Trip | Dates | Price (USD) |
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Sep 1-6, 2013 |
Sold Out
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$4,299 per person | $950 single occ. |
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Sep 8-13, 2013 |
Guaranteed Date* |
$4,299 per person | $950 single occ. |
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Sep 15-20, 2013 |
Guaranteed Date* |
$4,299 per person | $950 single occ. |
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Sep 22-27, 2013 |
Guaranteed Date* |
$4,299 per person | $950 single occ. |
| Paris Add On Package |
Pre/Post Trip |
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$999 per person |
Want to travel with your with friends, family, or colleagues? We can make any trip private. More»
Our dates don't fit your schedule? Use Travel Match and suggest your own date. More»
*Our 2013 trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangments for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Guaranteed trips do not include Cross Country, Santa Barbara to Taos, Pyrenees Sea to Sea, or any Race trips.
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…
I will start out by saying that I have taken three trips with Trek Travel: France, Spain, and I just returned a couple of weeks ago from New Zealand. Trek’s trips are very well run.—Bob
Great hotels, great riding, nice manageable group and awesome guides.—Leslie
As always, the scenery of the Luberon, it’s food and wine, the charming laid back pace of the Provencal. Riding the Ventoux - a highlight.—Lou
Both Christian and Leanne were exceptional guides.—Kathleen
Thanks for a great trip, memories forever.—Linda
Our guides were the best, it was like old home week meeting up with them again. They were patient with us and joined in on our fun and became part of the group.—Deb
