Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
A seductive landscape of olive groves and orchards, fascinating 'perched' hilltop villages, outstanding natural produce and the light of Van Gogh and Cezanne... welcome to the Luberon. Some say this is Provence at its finest focused on pure French 'joie de vivre': markets, wine, nature and scenery. This is the real Provence, full of character.
A sweet dolce vita of a climate and pure clean air which just breathes the incredible contrasts between a rich, and variable natural environment : the blue strides of lavender, the subtle nuances of green in the forests, the flamboyant and blinding colours of the cliffs of ochre, or the austere white of the limestone hills. Ride through some of the Luberon's best-loved villages include Gordes, St Remy de Provence, Baux de Provence and Roussillon.
It's impossible not to be charmed by the traditional architecture, the medieval churches and the view itself. These villages are worthy of a painter's palette: the mauve nuances of lavender set off the gold of Provencal villages, all under the verdant preview of nearby Mont-Ventoux.
The cycling is mostly on plains or gentle foothills and we have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages. There are only occasional (unavoidable) short stretches on major roads. One or two parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long-distance views.
Avignon has everything needed to enchant you with its art de vivre and rich architectural heritage. The largest Gothic palace in Europe and epicentre of the city, the Palais des Papes was the residence of pontifical sovereigns during the 14th century.
Towards the edges of the city, the Pont d'Avignon - celebrated across the world - is also an amazing must-see witness to the city's history. Avignon, surrounded by its ancient ramparts, is very suitable to explore on foot. Through its narrow streets, you can discover many old monuments: chapels, churches, buildings from the Middle Ages, and eighteenth and nineteenth century hotels particuliers; art can be found on every corner, a veritable open-sky museum.
You stay at HOTEL LE MAGNAN.
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This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Head south on the Viarhona cycling path along the Rhone river. Then continue along country lanes to the beautiful medieval villages such as Beaucaire and Tarascon. Ride past the orchards and meadows towards St Remy de Provence which inspired Van Gogh with its light, sunflowers and famous cypress trees. You will feel mesmerized by the Provencal charm and character of this town surrounded by trees and offering numerous shady squares to relax and enjoy a glass of local wine on a terrace. Wander in the streets on Van Gogh steps.
You stay at HOTEL LE CASTELET DES ALPILLES.
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This charming and elegant hotel is located near the centre of Saint-Rémy de Provence. Previously a 20th century farmhouse, it was converted into a hotel in 1952 and three generations have run it since. Rooms all have private bathrooms, with a shower or bath tub, and most have a view of the Alpilles. Buffet breakfast is served in the dining room or on the terrace on warmer mornings.
Today's ride leads you to Baux de Provence.
Nestled in the Alpilles Mountain, carved in an arid white rock, Baux de Provence embodies Provencal charm. Acquaint yourself with the architectural diversity of this small town as you walk past the beautiful citadel and impressive decors enhancing the allure and traditions of the countryside. Don't miss the Carrieres de Lumieres, a gallery in a former quarry that's now dedicated to extraordinary, immersive art exhibitions.
The route then winds to Cavaillon on pleasant little country roads with beautiful views of the Alpilles.
You stay at HOTEL DU PARC.
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Hotel du Parc is la 19th century manor house, located in Cavaillon town centre. This picturesque town is at the foot of Saint Jacques hill. Breakfast is taken in their charming dining room and is an unlimited buffet where you have sweet and savoury options. There are 40 air conditioned, comfortable rooms, all with en suite bathrooms with shower or bathtub, TV and wi-fi.
The Luberon is full of medieval villages perched on its heights. Ride through some of the most beautiful ones such as Menerbe, Lacoste, Bonnieux. There's nothing like strolling their sleepy lanes at siesta hour or stopping at a terrace overlooking the orchards of olive trees. Continue to Roussillon, an extraordinary geological wonder: One of the most famous sites in France's sunny south, containing one of the world's largest natural concentrations of ochre, the industrial extractions of which have shaped a truly unique pictorial landscape.
You stay at MAISON DES OCRES.
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Located in the village of Roussillon (classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) La Maison des Ocres features wonderful views over Gordes and the valley. It is artfully decorated, and offers 18 comfortable rooms across 3 floors. Each room has an en suite and all the amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. They have an unheated outdoor pool, open from April to September, with deckchairs available at the poolside.
Today's route will lead you to Provence treasures: Hidden in the middle of the lavender expanses, stands a jewel of Romanesque architecture: Senanque Abbey. Since the 12th century, this building has been home to a monastic community of Cistercian monks. Here, stop, breathe and relax.
Continue to Gordes one of the region's most famous and another of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Made up of wonderfully photogenic houses, terraces and gardens, Gordes is dominated by its Renaissance chateau, which also houses a museum. Explore its streets, crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.
You stay at HOTEL DU PARC.
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In the heart of the charming village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, this hotel has retained the intimate and warm character of a human-sized house while offering the comfort of modern amenities. Enjoy the restaurant by the water’s edge, a terrace, a very bright lounge with a piano, a bar, a 6000 m² park with deckchairs beside the Sorgue and petanque bowling area.
Ride to Isle sur la Sorgue, surrounded by the river, this is a charming town to potter around, with narrow streets filled with quaint cafes, little antique shops, old bridges and water wheels, not to mention a bustling market every Sunday.
Then continue through classical Provencal countryside past cherry orchards, fig trees, olive groves and meadows that provide an abundance of sun-drenched fruits and vegetables and cross pretty villages.
You stay at HOTEL MAGNAN.
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This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: HOTEL MAGNAN, AVIGNON.
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This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £400.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Marseille airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
