Cycling in Provence

Before embarking on your cycling adventure, this first day is dedicated to exploring Avignon and its old town listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Panning out around the majestic Popes’ Palace, the city offers a fabulous immersion in medieval history. This Gothic palace, one of the largest in Europe, testifies to the power of the Church in the 14th century. A short walk away, Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d’Avignon, invites you to enjoy a pleasant stroll over the Rhône. Take time to wander through the cobbled streets of the historic quarter, lined with old houses and lively squares. You’ll find lots of café terraces and little restaurants there, serving Provençal specialties such as papalines (candied fruit chocolates) and Côtes-du-Rhône wines. Perfect for getting your strength up before getting in the saddle!

This first stage of your cycling tour leads you through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for their powerful red wines and unique stony soil. Along the way, stop off in Orange to discover the town’s ancient Roman Theatre – one of the best preserved in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its impressive stage wall is still standing after two thousand years… History buffs will also enjoy visiting the Triumphal Arch, another iconic Roman relic, while wine lovers will most definitely want to sample a glass (or two) of Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wines at the local vineyards – a source of great pride. The day winds up in the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape standing under a ruined medieval castle, offering breathtaking views over the Rhône Valley.

Vaison-la-Romaine is a fascinating place, offering a whirlwind voyage from Roman times to the Middle Ages in just a few steps. The archaeological site of La Villasse unveils the remains of a prosperous Roman town complete with villas adorned with mosaics, a forum, baths and paved streets. Nearby, Puymin hill harbours ancient patrician houses and a Roman theatre, still a performance venue. The Roman bridge spanning the river Ouvèze connects the lower town and medieval quarter perched on the heights. With its narrow streets and stone houses, it offers a tranquil haven far from the hubbub of the town centre. If you happen to be there on a Tuesday, don’t miss the Provençal market – a great chance to sample local olives, goat cheeses, Côtes-du-Rhône wines and more.

Day 4 whisks you away into the wilderness of Provence, between mountains and virgin valleys. The route follows the foothills of Mont Ventoux and crosses Toulourenc valley, an idyllic location dotted with villages blending seamlessly into the landscape. Stop off in Brantes, a little village clinging to the hillside, to admire the breathtaking view over the valley. The scent of Provence’s iconic lavender blooms fills the air as you arrive in the lavender capital of Sault. And even if the flowers aren’t in bloom, the local distilleries welcome you with open arms to unveil the secrets of lavender essential oil production. Last but not least, be sure to sample the local specialties such as lavender honey and olive oil biscuits before you leave Sault – you’ll find them on the stalls of the farmers’ market held every Wednesday morning.

As you head towards Apt, take a short detour along the Ochre Trail cycling route to discover the Bruoux mines, a truly unique site. This old quarry, formerly used to extract ochre, offers a fascinating show of red, yellow and orange cliffs, shaped by centuries of mining. Next, it’s time for some sweet treats in Apt, aptly nicknamed the “world’s capital of candied fruit”. The town has continued to uphold this delicate art, originally used to preserve fruit over the winter months, since the 17th century. A visit to the Maison du Fruit Confit is a must-do, unveiling the sticky secrets of these translucent delicacies with their captivating aromas of apricots, melons, pears and cherries. Apt market is also a wonderful place to sample local specialties such as truffles and Luberon wines. A tasty stop-off before hitting the road again!

Between Apt and Céreste, you’ll be exploring sections of the Tour du Luberon and Méditerranée à Vélo cycling route, along the Calavon greenway. Lined with orchards and hills, this route is swathed in the peaceful atmosphere of the Luberon’s preserved landscapes. When you arrive in Céreste, keep peddling across the village to the Roman bridge. Built over 2,000 years ago, this beautiful construction spans the Encrême river and offers a great reminder of the region’s strategic importance in Roman times. A little further on, you’ll come to Carluc priory, a medieval site tucked away in greenery, home to a 12th-century necropolis and the remains of three churches, testifying to monastic life here in the Middle Ages. The surrounding gardens, often in bloom, lend this site a truly enchanting atmosphere.

This is certainly one of the most varied day’s of your tour. Located between Vitrolles and Cucuron, Étang de la Bonde lake promises offers a refreshing and relaxing place to rest and recharge your batteries, especially when the weather is swim-worthy. In Cucuron, a large pond lined with plane trees marks the heart of the village. The stone façades, old lanes and shaded terraces form a harmonious ensemble inviting you to slow down and revel in the scenery. Continuing towards Lourmarin, the route winds through an enchanting and picturesque landscape. This gorgeous village, a proud holder of the “France’s Most Beautiful Villages” label, charms with its authenticity and Provençal atmosphere. Take time to visit the castle to delve deeper into the history of this picturesque haven, where little squares and cafés offer a simple, welcoming end to the day.

Located midway between Lourmarin and Cavaillon, the Mérindol ornithological observatory is a must-do for nature lovers. Located on the banks of the Durance river, it invites visitors to observe many different bird species, particularly during migrations. Cavaillon boasts a rich and varied heritage: its Synagogue – one of the oldest in France – and Jewish Museum relate the fascinating story of the region’s Jewish community. The Hôtel d’Agar, an 18th-century mansion, houses a mesmerizing collection of archaeological and artistic objects, while the Roman Arch recalls the city’s ancient origins. Finally, revel in a stroll through the squares, fountains and colourful markets dotted around the town centre before hopping on the TER regional express train back to Avignon the following day.