Around the Luberon by bike

The route begins in the melon capital of Cavaillon. This historic town invites you to take a trip through history via its cathedral and its ruins from Greek and Roman antiquity. Pedal towards Mérindol to visit the Ornithological Observatory of the Durance, which teems with 243 bird species. The road then meanders through sprawling vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages such as Lauris and Lourmarin. You will finally arrive in Cucuron, known as the setting of films like « Le Hussard sur le Toit » (1994) and « Une Grande Année » (2006). This magnificent Vaucluse town offers a panoramic view of Provence.

From Cucuron, you can opt for the Pays d’Aigues circuit by bike to explore southern Luberon and its scattering of mediaeval villages. In that case, add 60 km to your route.

If you stay on the Autour du Luberon route, you will cross a landscape of vines and olive fields. Visit Provençal villages like Peypin d’Aigues, which is surrounded by three hamlets and forests. Next, enjoy the Pays d’Aigues IGP wine before reaching the village of Beaumont-de-Pertuis. You are then just 25 km from Manosque, a chance for you to see for yourself if Jean Giono’s writings ring true. His reputed works extol the beauty of the landscapes of Haut-Provence.

From Manosque, there is a series of wooded massifs and olive fields as far as the village of Volx. After a break at the Ecomusée L’Olivier, set off towards Forcalquier. There, you can get lost in its narrow little streets and enjoy the cafés, restaurants, shops, and craft studios. Don’t miss the 360° view from the top of the citadel.

Another option: the Manosque Hills trail joins the Autour du Luberon route at Reillanne.

Good to know: once you cross the Durance, you can explore the Verdon by bike.

Get back on the road to Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire, a village in the heart of the Alpes de Haute-Provence. This astronomy-oriented town invites you to look up and enjoy the riches of the Provençal sky. The road continues to climb near Vachères, and then descends into the Pays d’Apt as far as the Provençal village of Céreste. After a break at Saint Martin-de-Castillon on the banks of the Calavon, you will arrive in the town of Apt – the world capital of candied fruit. Want to explore the Provençal Colorado on the way? The Ocres à Velo trail offers you an alternative 50 km circuit through this unique territory!

From Apt, join the Véloroute du Calavon: an ideal family cycle route since it runs partly on a greenway without much climbing. It coincides with the Méditerranée à Vélo (EuroVelo 8) as far as Robion. If you stay on the main route, you continue your exploration of the Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon through its hilltop villages. You can visit Bonnieux, and then Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Then continue towards Maubec hill before reaching your starting point: Cavaillon.