7-Day Provence Cycling Tour: Canyons, Vineyards, & Villages

Overview

7 days | Moderate | 5.00 From $5,178 ( USD ) Sun on our back, the smell of lavender in the air, and a ribbon of perfect tarmac rolling out ahead of us. That’s Provence when we ride it right. Over 7 days, we cycle through vineyard country, roll into beautiful hilltop villages, and ride deep into the region’s wild side, from the ochre cliffs of the Provençal Colorado to the sweeping canyon roads of the Gorges de la Nesque. The riding is smooth, the views are insane, and the stops are just as memorable as the miles. With handled logistics, we can focus on the good stuff. Legs turning, wheels rolling, glasses clinking, and Provence doing what it does best. Duration: 7 days | Season: May through October | Group size: Up to 12 people. Accommodation: We stay in a handpicked mix of boutique hotels and Provençal estates that really elevate the trip. In Avignon, Hôtel De Cambis puts us right in the historic center, with a stylish, intimate feel in a beautifully restored building. In the Luberon, we stay at Le Moulin, a beautifully restored former mill set right by the Sorgue River, with a relaxed, design-forward feel, lush gardens, and a pool. Near Sault, Le Val de Sault offers a quieter setting in nature, with panoramic views, a pool, and spa facilities. We finish at Château de Gigognan, a classic Provençal estate surrounded by vineyards, where the setting is calm, refined, and perfect to unwind after the ride. Difficulty: Moderate: For experienced cyclists with good fitness, cycling up to 65 km (40.4 mi) & 6 hours per day, with up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of elevation gain. Included: An experienced, EU-certified biking guide with extensive knowledge of the area | 7-day Provence cycling tour (6 days of cycling) | Accommodation for 6 nights in 4-star hotels and Provençal estates | All meals (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners) | Bike rental (trekking bike) | Luggage transport (1 bag per person, max 15 kg) | Support vehicle during all cycling days | Transfers and visits included in the program. Add-ons: Single occupancy room, E-bike rental, Paris-Avignon or Geneva-Avignon transfer. Not included: Flights, Travel to/from Avignon, France, Airport transfers, Beverages, Personal expenses, Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above, Insurance, Guide gratuities. This fully supported, 7-day guided cycling trip through Provence focuses on one thing: riding the best roads in the region without wasting time on anything else. We link quiet backroads, vineyard-lined valleys, and classic routes into smooth, well-paced days, riding through the Luberon’s hilltop villages and into the wild landscapes of the Provençal Colorado and the Gorges de la Nesque. Expect flowing rides and just enough climbing to keep it engaging without turning it into a grind. Everything is taken care of, from logistics to support on the road, so we can stay in the moment. Off the bike, it’s all about long lunches, local food, great wine, amazing lodgings, and soaking up that easy Provençal rhythm. Day 1: Arrival in Avignon. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you in the hotel in Avignon at 5 pm. We will have some time to seize the day however we want, and later we’ll all have a nice dinner together. Accommodation: Hôtel De Cambis, Avignon. Meals: Dinner. Day 2: Roussillon to Lourmarin. We transfer to Roussillon in the morning, then set off riding through the heart of the Luberon, linking some of Provence’s most iconic hilltop villages. The route takes us to Gordes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Ménerbes, and Bonnieux, with constant views over the Calavon valley. Along the way, we stop at Mas des Infirmières for a wine tasting before continuing to Lacoste, set beneath the château of the Marquis de Sade. It’s a full day of riding that blends scenery, heritage, and local flavor. Accommodation: Le Moulin, Lourmarin. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Cycling: 57 km (35.4 mi), 4–5 hours. Elevation gain/loss: +750 m (2,460 ft) / -850 m (2,790 ft). Day 3: The great loop around the Luberon. We set out from Lourmarin and ride toward Bonnieux, climbing gradually through vineyards and classic Luberon scenery before continuing deeper into the range. The route takes us over the quiet Col de l’Aire dei Masco, near the highest peak of the Luberon, with a mix of secondary and gravel roads adding a more remote feel. A long descent through the Combe de Lourmarin brings us back into the valley. Toward the end of the ride, we visit Bastide du Laval for a guided olive oil estate tour. Accommodation: Le Moulin, Lourmarin. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Cycling: 52 km (32.3 mi), 4 hours. Elevation gain/loss: +/- 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Day 4: The Provençal Colorado. We leave Lourmarin and ride across the Apt plain toward Rustrel, where we stop to explore the Provençal Colorado, a former ochre quarry with striking cliffs and unique rock formations. After the visit, we’re back on the bike, climbing steadily toward Sault. The landscape opens up along the way, shifting between forest, farmland, and wide plateau views as we approach the foothills of Mont Ventoux. Accommodation: Le Val de Sault, Sault. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Cycling: 62 km (38.5 mi), 6 hours. Elevation gain/loss: +900 m (2,955 ft) / -550 m (1,805 ft). Day 5: The Gorges de la Nesque. We start from Sault with a descent through the Gorges de la Nesque, one of the most scenic rides in the region, with cliffs and viewpoints opening up along the way. From there, we continue across the Comtat Venaissin plain to Pernes-les-Fontaines, known for its historic center and many fountains. The ride finishes at Château de Gigognan, set among vineyards, where we visit the estate and enjoy a wine tasting. Accommodation: Château de Gigognan. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Cycling: 65 km (40.4 mi), 5.5 hours. Elevation gain/loss: +500 m (1,640 ft) / -1,200 m (3,940 ft). Day 6: Cycle loop to Avignon. We ride toward Avignon along the Rhône via the ViaRhôna, an easy and scenic route without major difficulty. Arriving in the city, we explore its historic center, including the Palais des Papes, the ramparts, and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. It’s a relaxed final ride that ends with time to take in one of Provence’s most iconic cities. Accommodation: Château de Gigognan. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Cycling: 35 km (21.7 mi), 3 hours. Elevation gain/loss: +100 m (330 ft) / -100 m (330 ft). Day 7: Departure. After breakfast, we transfer back to the train station in Avignon, marking the end of the trip. Meals: Breakfast. Lodging & food: 4-star hotels and amazing Provençal estates. We stay in a handpicked mix of boutique hotels and Provençal estates that really elevate the trip. Food: We’re on full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7, so everything is taken care of. We start each day with breakfast at our accommodations, then stop for fresh picnic-style lunches prepared by our guide using local, seasonal ingredients. In the evenings, we sit down to dinner at our hotels, enjoying regional Provençal cuisine in relaxed settings. Things to know: What's included? (See above). How fit do I need to be? This Provence cycling tour is designed for experienced cyclists with good fitness who are comfortable spending several hours a day in the saddle. You should be used to regular riding and able to handle sustained efforts, including climbs. The terrain varies throughout the week, with some noticeable elevation gain that shouldn’t be underestimated. You’ll be cycling up to 65 km (40.4 mi) & 6 hours per day, with up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of elevation gain. What do I need to bring? All you’ll need to carry during the day is a small bag with your picnic and your belongings for the day. Your luggage is transported by taxi and is limited to one piece of luggage per person. Please limit your luggage to 1 bag per person, max 15 kg. We recommend packing with both a carry-on and a checked bag. In your carry-on, keep all essential items like your passport, travel documents, medications, and key cycling gear such as shoes and a jacket, anything you wouldn’t want to lose if your luggage is delayed. Your checked bag can hold the rest of your clothing and personal items. Delays with checked luggage are still fairly common, so it’s worth making sure you have the essentials with you when you arrive. How is luggage handled during the trip? We keep things simple with a two-bag system. Your main bag (max 15 kg / 33 lbs) is transferred daily by vehicle to your next accommodation, so it’s always waiting for you at the end of the ride. You won’t have access to it during the day, so anything you might need should be carried with you. For riding, we use a saddlebag (provided with bike rental) or a small backpack to carry essentials like layers, rain gear, snacks, water, and personal items. If you’re bringing extra luggage you don’t need on the trip, you can safely store it at the starting hotel in Avignon and pick it up at the end. What bike will I be riding? A trekking bike rental is included on all cycling days on this tour. It’s a VTC/trekking bike (Trek FX2), a versatile and lightweight option that’s well-suited for road and mixed-surface riding throughout Provence. It comes with 700c wheels, multiple gears for climbing and cruising, and durable tires that handle a variety of terrain comfortably. The bike includes a helmet, phone mount, saddlebag, and anti-theft lock, so you’ll have everything you need for the week. Group sizes and age requirements: For this Provence cycling tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. A Provence cycling tour can be arranged for larger groups. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Provence cycling tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Is a single occupancy room available? The price for this Provence cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Getting there and meeting location: The starting point of your Provence cycling tour is Avignon. To get there, most people fly into Nice Grande Provence Méditerranée (NCE) and Montpellier Méditerranée airport (MPL). From there, you can hop on a train or rent a car to reach Avignon. You will meet your guide at the hotel in Avignon at 5 pm on Day 1 (check-in available after 3 pm). Safety measures and insurance: We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Deposit and cancellation policy: Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking. If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued. If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued. If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued. Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period. We handle the logistics; local guides lead the way. Our team has been all over the world skiing, hiking, biking, climbing, and sailing. And when it comes to finding the sickest trails or just having the most fun, nothing beats hanging with passionate local guides. Our travels have taken us to meet some of the most amazing guides around the globe. This inspired us to create 57hours, a platform that lets you focus on the adventure with best guides while we take care of the nitty-gritty details.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included