| Months |
May, September | View Dates» |
| Price (USD) |
From $3,995 | See Pricing» |
| Start & End |
Avignon, France |
| Trip Length |
6 days | 5 nights |
| Rider Type |
2&3 | Learn More» |
| Daily Rides |
Options from 12 - 48 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 |
| Share This |
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We are celebrating our 10th anniversary with special trips to our most popular destinations including beautiful Provence. 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 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. And to celebrate our 10th anniversary we are making this gem of a trip even better with truffle themed and wine paired vineyard lunch at the famous Chateau Pesquie—an experience you won’t soon forget!
Trip Wow’s
- Enjoy rides on quiet roads that allow you to both ride and relax, or challenge yourself.
- Be a part of the weekly market, a quintessential French experience.
- Dine on the Mediterranean-inspired delights of Michelin Star Chef Xavier Mathieu and learn his secrets at his cooking school.
- Relish the sweeping views as you cycle the Gorges de la Nesque or up Mont Ventoux.
- Celebrate Trek Travel's 10th Anniversary with a truffle themed multi-course lunch surrounded by vineyards and perfectly paired wines at Chateau Pesquie.
| 2012 Trip |
Dates |
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May 27 | September 2, 16, 30 |
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Days 1-3 | 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 Michelin-rated chef Xavier Mathieu
Days 4 – 6 | Côte de Ventoux and les Dentelles
Stay at Crillon le Brave
Opt to take on the region's most famous climb, Le Mont Ventoux | Sample wine from the Cote de Ventoux or Beaume de Venise | Spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool at the extraordinary Hotel Crillon Le Brave and see why it is rated one of the top 1000 place one must see
Le Phebus & Spa Carita | Joucas, France
Located between Roussillon and Gordes, Le Ph̩bus 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, Michelin Star Chef. Drawing his inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, he reinterprets this savory fare into something even more magical!
Crillon le Brave | Crillon Le Brave, France
A Relais & Chateaux hotel, the elegant Crillon-le-Brave is an old medieval town that has been converted into an unforgettable hotel. The various buildings that comprise the hotel hang from the multiple terraces for dramatic views of Mt. Ventoux. The recently renovated hotel rooms are nestled in individual stone buildings that are scattered across the village. All the rooms are uniquely decorated to reflect the subtle ambiance of each building and each is equipped with every comfort and amenity.
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 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. 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 | 24 |
| Terrain | hilly |
Average Daily Elevation | 1,900 |
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 Provencal market in Gordes
- Wine tasting at Le Phebus
- Wine tasting in the Cote de 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.
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. I very much enjoyed Crillon le Brave.—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
