We have partnered with the organization that presents the hallowed title of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’ (‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’).
Thus far there are 157 villages spread across 21 regions that can lay claim to this prestigious title and with a number of them – for good reason – situated in the enchanting region of Provence.
Notwithstanding that Provence is Ride and Seek's own back yard – their operations base is here – we were also drawn to running our inaugural ‘most beautiful tour’ here because no other region so firmly embodies the essence of the organization. This prestigious classification is not just based on aesthetics but also embraces a way of life.
We still visit a number of the classic destinations such as St Remy de Provence and the Vaucluse but our itinerary incorporates so much more besides. From Les Baux to Venasque, Les Alpilles to Glanum our tour offers a broader perspective of Provence than the more regular fare.
With a rich Roman heritage we also visit some of the best preserved remnants of this great empire on our journey. Interlacing this are cultural and historical highlights from our more recent past as well as insights into more distant eras. Cycling through landscapes painted by Cezanne and Van Gogh it soon becomes clear why so many of the most distinguished poets and painters chose to make Provence home.
Along the way we will sample some fantastic vintages from the Côtes du Rhône region which complement a cuisine renown both for its flair and freshness. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients the Provencal gastronomy provides the final piece of what can only be described as the ultimate bike tour jigsaw.
Our Provence itinerary is one of our Local Plus tours which are designed for the discerning cyclist who wishes to explore a region in depth without too many hotel changes. By their nature these tours provide scope for participants to ride as little or as much as they would like. As such this tour is suitable for non-riders since there are plenty of activities to keep them busy. It also provides scope for more experienced riders to push themselves on our extra loops which include the ‘giant’ of Provence – Mont Ventoux. This is optional of course!
- The opportunity to visit and/or stay in no less than 8 Les Plus Beaux Villages.
- St Remy,
birthplace of Nostradamus and the site of the sanatorium where Van Gogh painted his final works.
- History across the ages from the Roman ruins of Glanum to Medieval Castles and Abbeys.
- Sample iconic wines from Chateauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône.
- Take up the challenge of one of the most iconic cycle routes of them all – Mont Ventoux.
- Embrace the elements of the good life that Peter Mayle so articulately depicted in his 1989 book ‘A Year in Provence’!
- A quintessential Provençal experience: the weekly market. Delight in the sensory overload.
- Ride along the Gorges de la Nesque, one of our favorite cycling routes across all the tours we run.
Day 1
Where: St Remy de Provence
Terrain: Rolling
Ride: 9 mi or 15 km
Meals: L, D
A gentle but rolling start to the tour as we ride a loop from our home at the Mas de l’Oulivie for the first couple of nights through the Parc
Hotel: Mas de l’Oulivié
Day 2
Where: Les Baux-de-Provence
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 24/37 mi or 38/59 km
Meals: B, D
We head deeper into the Parc
Hotel: Mas de l’Oulivié
Day 3
Where: Les Baux-de-Provence to Gordes
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 32/46 mi or 51/73 km
Meals: B, L
We head east into the Vaucluse region of Provence towards our base for the next couple of days Gordes. After bridging the Durance we head past some of the quieter but best villages of Provence. Oppede le Vieux is one such village whose medieval ghost town is a must wander after lunch. Menerbes is another and offers so much more than just being the setting for the Peter Mayle book. Our destination is Gordes which clings to the side of the Vaucluse plateau. The houses are arranged in tiers around an imposing Renaissance castle and so it is easy to appreciate why the village is considered a jewel of Provence.
Hotel: Mas des Rosmarins
Day 4
Where: Gordes loop to Roussillon
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Ride: 30/57 mi or 48/92 km
Meals: B, D
Gordes great location gives us great access to some spectacular riding. Today we enjoy a short loop to the villages of Saint Saturnin-
Hotel: Mas des Rosmarins
Day 5
Where: Gordes loop to Bonnieux and Lourmarin
Terrain: Hilly
Ride: 32/48 mi or 52/77 km
Meals: B, D
Once again we find a series of quiet and picturesque routes as we continue our discovery of Provence’s most beautiful villages. We ride first to the village of Lacoste for a coffee and a great view of the surrounding area. From here we climb up to Bonnieux before descending into Lourmarin for lunch under its Chateau. The cycling is again spectacular and the villages we pass through embody the essence of what this part of Provence is all about.
Hotel: Mas des Rosmarins
Day 6
Where: Gordes to Mazan
Terrain: Rolling Hills
Ride: 26/47 mi or 42/75 km
Meals: B, L, D
We leave Gordes and head north, cruising past the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senaque on our way to Venasque. After enjoying fantastic countryside riders can choose to head directly north to Mazan or take the longer meander over the Col de Murs. Today’s options are a little shorter considering the optional challenge tomorrow of Mont Ventoux! Tonight we stay in the Chateau Mazan, once home to the Marquis de Sade! Don’t worry he no longer has any involvement in the running of the hotel!
Hotel: Chateau de Mazan
Day 7
Where: Mazan loop to Gorges de la Nesque or Mount Ventoux
Terrain: Mountains
Ride: 20/39/43 mi or 32/63/70 km
Meals: B, D
Our final day on the bike takes us towards the monolith known as Mont Ventoux as we head north towards Bedoin. For the foolhardy and the
Hotel: Chateau de Mazan
Day 8
Where: Avignon
Terrain: Departure
Ride: None
Meals: B
After a leisurely breakfast, we organize a shuttle to the TGV train station on the outskirts of Avignon from where fast trains can be caught
How to Get There
Airport/s - Paris (CDG)
The international airport of Paris Charles de Gaulle is the best hub to get to the starting point of the tour by train. You will meet your guides at Avignon TGV train station.
How to Depart
Airport/s -Paris (CDG)
Private transfer by Tourissimo to the Avignon TGV train station. Upon request, guests can be taken elsewhere (additional cost).
Tour Level
Recreational/Active/Athletic - Active: 20 to 50 mi a day along rolling and hilly terrain. Climb to Mount Ventoux is very challenging but optional. Recreational rides can opt for the E-Wheel (pedal assist solution) and with that, they will be fine riding this itinerary.
Tour Price
Tour price per person in double room is USD 4,195
Private room surcharge is USD 600
Please contact our office if:
- The tour you are interested in is scheduled to start within 90 days
- You would like to make this tour private
- You would like to choose your own dates
Climate Data
In June, temperatures average 13C (56F) low / 26C (79F) max - precipitation probability 13%.
Info about food and wine
With a strong Italian and Spanish
For
Moving on you could stay light with a Nicoise salad or if you’d prefer to sample something richer the regions signature dish bouillabaisse or daube (beef stew) might suit. As an accompaniment, the black diamond – truffle- could add an extra complexity to the mix that is already accented by fragrant herbs and rich olive oils.
And to finish it off the master Chocolatier Joel Durand in St Remy could sate your sweet tooth or perhaps the master Nougatier Boyer of Sault might provide a lighter option. Or just keep it simple with some anis candles or marrons
Whatever you choose we are sure that you will be blown away by the freshness and
Provence is one of France’s serious fine wine regions, on a par with Bordeaux and Burgundy. The wines from Provence appear under 3 prefixes Coteaux D’Aix en-, Côtes de- and Les Baux de Provence – all of which you will have a chance to sample on this tour. In contrast to the cultured power of Bordeaux and the elegance of Burgundy, Provençal red wines are earthier with an almost rustic
On our