Provence Cycling Tour
The Experience of a Lifetime!
May 26th-June 1ST (sold out)
June 9th-15th 2026 (Sold Out)
September 22nd-28th 2026
May 11th-17th 2027
June 8th-14th 2027
Day 1: Aix-en-Provence to Lourmarin
Your journey begins in Aix-en-Provence, the elegant and sun-drenched capital of Provence. With its graceful fountains, bustling markets, and café-lined streets, Aix embodies the essence of l’art de vivre—the celebrated Provençal art of savoring life’s simple pleasures. Birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne, this enchanting city offers a beautiful introduction to the landscapes, flavors, and rhythms that define southern France.
From Aix, we journey into the heart of Provence and the charming village of Lourmarin, our home for the next several days. En route, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at the breathtaking Château La Coste, an extraordinary estate where vineyards, contemporary architecture, and world-renowned art installations blend seamlessly into the Provençal countryside. Take time to wander the grounds, discover remarkable sculptures, and simply soak in the serenity and beauty of this unforgettable setting.
Upon arriving in Lourmarin, settle into our inviting hotel and perhaps relax by the pool before your bike fitting and safety orientation. Then, as the afternoon light turns golden, we’ll set out on our first ride together—a gentle and scenic spin through vineyards, olive groves, and quiet country lanes, offering a perfect introduction to the beauty and pace of Provence.
As evening falls, we’ll stroll into the heart of the village for our first dinner together at a traditional Provençal restaurant. Raise a glass, enjoy your first taste of regional cuisine, and celebrate the beginning of a week filled with wonderful rides, memorable meals, and the simple joy of exploring Provence together.
Slow down. Breathe deeply. Savor every moment. Welcome to Provence—where the good life awaits.
Included: Breakfast, dinner together
Hotel: Hotel Bastide
Day 2: The Perched Villages of the Luberon
Today’s ride takes us into the heart of the Luberon, where winding roads, medieval villages, and spectacular scenery await. We’ll pedal through a beautiful canyon before climbing to the hilltop village of Bonnieux, where sweeping views of vineyards, forests, and rolling hills stretch across the Provençal countryside.
From Bonnieux, enjoy a glorious descent into the valley, cycling past vineyards, olive groves, and fruit orchards before making our way to the golden sandstone village of Lacoste. We’ll explore its charming lanes on foot and enjoy lunch at a delightful café perched on the edge of the village, with breathtaking views across the valley below. Lacoste also has a fascinating history—it was once home to the infamous Marquis de Sade, who lived in his hilltop castle overlooking the village.
After lunch, choose your own pace: continue on an extended ride through the countryside or return to the hotel to unwind by the pool or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Before arriving back in Lourmarin, we’ll make a celebratory stop at one of the region’s beloved ice cream shops—a sweet reward for a wonderful day on the bike.
This evening, we’ll stroll into the village for a very special dinner prepared by our friend Gina. We discovered her charming restaurant tucked away in a peaceful village square during one of our scouting trips and were immediately captivated by her delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and infectious joie de vivre. Tonight, we gather around the table to enjoy not just a meal, but an authentic taste of Provence and the simple pleasure of sharing good food with new friends.
Included: Breakfast, dinner together
Hotel: Hotel Bastide
https://www.hotelbastide.com/en
Route essentials: 24 miles, elevation gain 2785 ft, estimated time 3-4 hours-downhill for half the distance.
Day 3: Choose your adventure day!
This is our choice (choix) day, with options for walking, cycling, or just relaxing. It’s a day to follow your folly.
Choix 1-Stay at the hotel and relax by the pool. Tuck into a cafe in Lourmarin for lunch and people watching. Remember that in France, you are encouraged to linger for as long as you wish at a cafe. Take a stroll around the town and maybe visit the chateau. Book a massage.
Choix 2-Ride from Lourmarin to nearby villages~
Be a flâneur for the day and explore local villages by bike and make your own adventure. Talk with your guides about several rides available from your hotel with varying distances and destinations.
Choix 3-Van to the beautiful hilltop village of Roussillon. Walk the town, enjoy some souvenir shopping and a bite to eat. Let the ochre colors and incredible setting relax you before heading to a nearby vineyard for wine tasting.
Choix 4-Van to the town of Sault to begin a ride up the “Giant of Provence”-Mont Ventoux! The most fabled of all the climbs in the Tour de France, this ride will thrill you with its lunar landscapes and incredible views. We will plan to stop for lunch and take our time to make this a once in a lifetime experience.
Included: Breakfast. Dinner on your own.
Hotel: Hotel Bastide
Day 4: Lourmarin to St-Remy-de-Provence.
This morning, we bid au revoir to the Luberon and set our sights westward toward Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a vibrant village and longtime artists’ haven nestled at the foot of the rugged Alpilles Mountains.
We’ll roll out together, enjoying a gentle descent to the village of Lauris, where we join a scenic gravel path tracing the Durance River. Much of today’s ride follows this beautiful waterway, offering peaceful countryside, expansive views, and a wonderful sense of the slower pace of rural Provence.
After crossing the Durance, we’ll pause at the remarkable Abbaye de Silvacane, one of Provence’s finest examples of Cistercian architecture. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey’s graceful Romanesque design and serene setting provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history.
From there, our route continues along a completely traffic-free voie verte (greenway), meandering for approximately 10 kilometers through the picturesque landscapes of the Durance Valley. The easy riding and beautiful scenery make this one of the most relaxing and enjoyable days of the tour.
Our journey brings us to the charming town of Mallemort, where we’ll settle in for lunch at a traditional French brasserie and enjoy some time to soak up the atmosphere of village life. After lunch, you may choose to take a shuttle to our hotel in Saint-Rémy and get an early start to your evening, or continue on an optional extended ride featuring a steady climb through the heart of the beautiful Alpilles mountains before descending into Saint-Rémy.
Today is a delightful blend of quiet valley cycling, fascinating history, and quintessential Provençal scenery as we make our way from the Luberon to the enchanting village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Included: Breakfast, ticket to abbaye visit, dinner together~
Hotel: L’Auberge de Saint-Remy
https://www.aubergesaintremy.com/en/
Total distance: 24 km (15 miles) Lourmarin to la Roque d’Antheron 14 km approx; La Roque d’Antheron to Malemort 10 km approx (downhill out of Lourmarin, then route is flat along the river)
Day 5: St-Rémy to the Pont-du-Gard.
Today you have the choice of spending a relaxing day in St. Rémy or a day on the water canoeing the Gard river.
After breakfast, those choosing the river adventure will depart Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and head to one of the crown jewels of southern France—the magnificent Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world.
Before our river adventure begins, we’ll stop in a village near our launch point for lunch at a beloved local café. Relax, enjoy authentic regional cuisine, and soak in the unhurried pace of Provençal village life.
Then it’s time for a change of pace as we climb into our canoes and set off down the crystal-clear Gardon River. Drifting beneath the soaring arches of the Pont du Gard is a truly unforgettable experience. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this extraordinary Roman aqueduct stands as a testament to ancient engineering and provides a spectacular backdrop for our paddle.
Included: Breakfast, picnic, canoe rental, dinner on your own.
Hotel: L’Auberge de Saint-Remy
https://www.aubergesaintremy.com/en/
Let's Explore!
Let's Explore!
Day 6: St-Remy to Les Baux loop ride
This morning, we’ll visit the medieval fortress town of Les Baux. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful village perched on the cliffs of the Alpilles (little Alps). You’ll have the option today of going by van or bike to Les Baux. Due to its strategic position, Les Baux was a medieval powerhouse, and the Lords of Les Baux commanded all of Provence for generations.
We’ll take a leisurely morning stroll through the village of Les Baux and tour its medieval chateau, ancient cobblestone streets, and artisan shops. After exploring the village, we’ll gather for lunch together and sample local wines and the renowned olive oil of this region. No tour of Les Baux is complete without visiting the cavernous limestone quarry, Les Carrieres de Les Baux. We’ll plan on walking down the hill or pedaling to the quarry after lunch.
Inside the cool spacious caves of the quarry you’ll enjoy an immersive exhibition dedicated to Pablo Picasso. Larger than life images of the master artist’s paintings are cast on the ceilings, floors, and walls of the cave, accompanied by a musical composition created for this experience.
You’ll have the option of returning to the hotel after your visit to Les Baux, or continuing on for a longer ride to explore the Alpilles mountains.
Tonight we’ll walk to a special restaurant for our final dinner , a moment to celebrate our adventure together in Provence!
Included: Breakfast, admission to Les Carrieres, final dinner together.
Hotel: L’Auberge de Saint-Remy
https://www.aubergesaintremy.com/en/
Total distance: 22 km: (St-Remy to Les Baux 10.4 km; Les Baux to St-Remy 10.9 km
Day 7: We’ll have a final breakfast together and reminisce over our adventure in Provence with Let’s Explore! We will assist you with your train connections, or suggest other places of interest to explore in the nearby area. Hopefully, we’ll see you again on upcoming tours in France. Bon voyage!
