Provence Villa Bike Tour

Your guides will greet you at the Marseille airport or the Avignon TGV train station, and our adventure begins! After a short transfer into the countryside, we’ll start in style at our luxurious villa with a welcome lunch. After a bike fitting, set out for a beautiful first ride through sleepy-seeming villages that host the best boulangerie, pottery studio, or picture-perfect town square. Cruise past vineyards and fruit orchards while admiring the region’s tranquil landscapes and timeless Roman architecture. Tonight, our private chef kicks off your week in the South of France with a nourishing Provençal dinner, prepared right at the villa.

Non-riders can spend the day at the villa or head to a local village to explore and enjoy an apéritif.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Avignon, Luberon
Short Option: 17 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 800 feet / 250 meters
Long Option: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 2,000 feet / 600 meters
Accommodations: Luxury Provence Villa

Today we’ll ride through the forested heart of the Petit Luberon, spanning the valley floor in a patchwork landscape of olive groves and vineyards. Pause in the perfectly manicured village of Bonnieux to enjoy the view, then break for a coffee in Lacoste (plus a quick visit to the château owned by designer Pierre Cardin). We’ll learn about Côtes du Luberon wines in a domaine near Ménerbes, then enjoy a lovely picnic prepared by your guides. This afternoon, ride or transfer back to the villa and treat yourself to a poolside glass of rosé. Stay in with dinner at the villa, or we’ll reserve your table at one of our favorite restaurants in Bonnieux.

Non-riders can visit the towns of Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Ménerbes to explore the boutique shops, art galleries, museums, and perched churches and castles.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ménerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux
Short Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,700 feet / 700 meters
Long Option: 40 miles / 65 km, elevation gain: 3,600 feet / 1,100 meters
Accommodations: Luxury Provence Villa

Follow a winding bike path that meanders through vineyards, past perched villages, and around the ruins of the Mur de la Peste—a historic wall built to stop the spread of ancient plagues! We’ll take our time riding to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse for lunch and then trade our bikes for a paddle and a canoe. Though the river is clear and inviting, only the bravest will want to take a swim—the water’s temperature is never higher than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Back on dry land, we’ll explore the charming town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and treat ourselves to an ice cream break or some antique shopping. Opt to keep reading or head back to the villa for some time by the pool. Tonight your group will be treated to an authentic Provençal feast with views over the Luberon Valley.

Non-riders can spend the morning in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue river, then join the group for canoeing and an afternoon in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This “Venice of the Comtat,” as it’s known, is wonderful for antique shopping and strolling the charming canals.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Menèrbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux
Short Option: 16 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 600 feet / 185 meters; 4 miles / 7 km canoeing
Long Option: 40 miles / 65 km, elevation gain: 2,800 feet / 850 meters; 4 miles / 7 km canoeing
Accommodations: Luxury Provence Villa

Take a day off the bikes to visit the parts of Provence that are farther afield. Head for the coast to spend a day at the beach, or visit Avignon’s medieval center and grand Papal Palace. Cross the Rhône into the region of Les Alpilles: here, the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence was home to both Nostradamus and Vincent Van Gogh. See the artist’s inspiration for his lifelike olive tree paintings, explore the vibrant boutiques and galleries in town, stock up on souvenirs at a chocolate factory, and have a laid-back lunch. This afternoon, find yourself at the famous hilltop fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence, followed by a tour of a former stone quarry that’s been transformed into a cutting-edge exhibit of world-famous painters. Finish the day tasting organic wines from a local producer at Domaine de la Vallongue (and bring back a few bottles of tonight’s pre-dinner drinks).

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence
Accomplished: Optional riding or hiking
Accommodations: Luxury Provence Villa

Our morning ride follows petite country roads to Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon. It’s market day in this hilltop town: our senses will be treated to open-air stalls of aromatic fruit, fragrant dried lavender, bars of French-milled soap, and heaping bowls of briny olives. There’s also time to seek out the scenic terraces that peer over the Luberon Valley, browse the boutiques, and visit the subterranean cave of a 15th-century olive mill. After lunch overlooking the imposing Château de Gordes, opt to ride straight back to the villa or embrace an extra challenge by climbing to the plateau above town. This afternoon, we’ll make a “pit” stop at a local olive mill for a lesson in pressing Provençal liquid gold—plus a chance to stock up on olive oil and tapenades. Tonight, meet our friend Veronique: we’ll learn to cook classic Provençal dishes in her home kitchen, then sample our creations (paired with Côtes de Provence wines) on her charming terrace.

Non-riders can explore the hilltop village of Gordes, browsing the market or perusing the medieval arcades and boutiques. A visit to the 16th-century Château de Gordes is an afternoon well-spent, with its museum, art collection, and ancient architecture. For some anthropological contrast, the dry stone dwellings in nearby Village des Bories provide a fascinating look at rural life.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Gordes, Venasque, Joucas
Short Option: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 1,300 feet / 400 meters
Long Option: 45 miles / 75 km, elevation gain: 2,100 feet / 650 meters
Accommodations: Luxury Provence Villa

For any serious cyclist, Mont Ventoux is absolutely iconic. Best known as the epic climb regularly featured in the TDF, the massif of Provence absolutely dominates the landscape. Those who are up for the challenge can spend the day tackling its slopes, but aside from Ventoux there are plenty of other rewarding rides. Another favorite is the D942 which skirts the sheer walls of the Gorges de la Nesque and reaches the village of Sault, high above a valley blanketed in purple lavender. Either route is a momentous feather in your cycling cap and a feat to remember from your week in Provence. Tonight’s farewell dinner is the perfect setting for toasting to your accomplishments.

Non-riders can visit Bédoin and Sault, base towns for the climb up Mont Ventoux. Sault is the capital of lavender production, and a visit to a lavender distillery is an intoxicating and enlightening experience. Heading back from Mont Ventoux, stop at the Abbaye de Sénanque set in a sea of lavender.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bédoin, Mont Ventoux / Gorges de la Nesque, Sault
Short Option: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 1,600 feet / 500 meters
Long Option: 62 miles / 100 km, elevation gain: 7,800 feet / 2,400 meters
Accommodations: Luxury Provence Villa

For your final morning, enjoy a quiet breakfast and relax or go for a ride down to Roussillon, soaking up one last look at the landscape of olive groves and cypress trees. Once showered and changed, your guides will transfer you to the Avignon TGV train station or Marseille airport.

Meals: Breakfast