Immerse yourself in the ultimate Provence cycling tour, a journey through a patchwork landscape of vibrant lavender fields, rugged limestone gorges, and ancient perched villages frozen in time . Based in the heart of the Luberon, this spectacular week is designed to show you both the iconic landmarks and the secret, quiet backroads of southern France .
We begin our adventure in the historic antiquaries hub of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, riding past medieval ramparts and winding through golden-stone hamlets . You will climb through the striking ochre cliffs of Roussillon, cross ancient Roman bridges, on the last day choose between a jaw-dropping descentof the Gorges de la Nesque or opt for the ultimate challenge: the legendary ascent of Mont Ventoux, the fearsome Giant of Provence .
Each day balances stunning rides with refined leisure. Unwind by idyllic hotel pools, savor celebrated regional gastronomy paired with local Ventoux wines, and rest each night in hand-selected, boutique accommodation .
Rated 1 out of 4 our Leisure tours are designed for active people who are looking to combine easy miles on the bike with rest and relaxation. E-bikes are available on all of our tours. Rides are up to 50 km with occasional small climbs.
Bienvenue en Provence! We collect you from Avignon TGV or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue train station . If you arrive early, wander through the historic old town, famous for hosting Europe’s third-largest antique market. Often called the Venice of Provence, this charming town is laced with beautiful, crystal-clear canals fed by the Sorgue River.
Once settled into our authentic 17th-century mas, we will perfectly fit your bike so you are ready to roll. Take a relaxed afternoon spin to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to witness the dramatic source where the Sorgue surges from deep underground, or simply relax by the pool.
In the evening, we host a brief orientation meeting followed by a delicious gourmet dinner paired with local Ventoux wines.
We roll straight into the heart of the Luberon, cycling along scenic country lanes past Robion and Maubec. Our first challenge is the steady climb to the atmospheric ruins of Oppède-le-Vieux, a medieval village once abandoned and later revived by a community of artists during the Second World War.
After a sweeping descent, we pedal through the beautiful village of Ménerbes, a favorite retreat of artists and writers. From here, we tackle the final, rewarding climb to Gordes, an iconic hilltop village crowned by its 16th-century château .
In the afternoon, enjoy an optional climb to the stunning 12th-century Sénanque Abbey, nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by fragrant lavender fields, before a well-earned dinner .
We descend from Gordes toward the striking, fiery red cliffs of Roussillon, officially listed among the prettiest villages in France. The landscape here shifts dramatically into surreal quarry trails of vibrant orange, gold, and crimson red.
We cross the ancient Pont Julien, a beautifully preserved 2,000-year-old Roman stone bridge, before climbing to the historic village of Lacoste, dominated by the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s castle. We continue to Bonnieux for panoramic valley views and a perfect local lunch stop.
A steady, quiet climb takes us onto the high Luberon plateau before a spectacular descent carries us into the chic medieval village of Lourmarin, our home for the next two nights.
No packing today! Enjoy a glorious, uninterrupted loop through the tranquil southern Luberon, or choose to rest your legs and soak up the local café culture in Lourmarin. For those riding, we follow quiet roads to Cucuron, a beautiful village bordered by medieval walls and giant plane trees.
We ride through La Motte-d’Aigues to reach La Tour-d’Aigues, home to a magnificent Renaissance château, where we stop for a relaxed lunch. In the afternoon, we glide through vineyards and olive groves into postcard-perfect Ansouis, dominated by its 1,000-year-old fortress.
We return to Lourmarin for a relaxed evening. Tonight, you are free to dine independently at one of the village’s highly regarded local bistros.
We climb back over the Luberon range via the dramatic gorge of Buoux, followed by a fast, thrilling descent into Apt, the world capital of candied fruits. After exploring the bustling town, we climb steadily to the perched village of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt for lunch against a backdrop of medieval ruins.
The afternoon route takes us through wild gorges and deep green oak forests on the southern slopes of Mont Ventoux. We finish our day on the high plateau of Sault, surrounded by sea of lavender fields.
Celebrate the day’s achievement with a refreshing dip in the hotel pool and a hearty dinner showcasing the unique alpine-Provençal flavors of Sault.
Today brings the crown jewel of our tour: the legendary ascent of Mont Ventoux . We tackle the climb from Sault, the gentlest of the three routes, ascending steadily through pine forests before emerging onto the famous, lunar-like limestone summit at 1,912 meters . We stop at the memorial to Tom Simpson before enjoying a breathtaking descent to Bédoin .
Scenic Cruise Option: If you prefer a gentler day, enjoy a magnificent, traffic-free descent through the majestic Gorges de la Nesque, sweeping through rock-cut tunnels and past sheer canyon cliffs .
Both routes meet in Bédoin for a lively celebratory lunch. We roll through sun-drenched vineyards to our final boutique hotel, gathering in the evening for a spectacular farewell dinner.
Sadly, the tour draws to an end today, and all that’s left to do is say our goodbyes and prepare for the journey home.
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy small group sizes and professional, personal support all week from your guides & support vehicle.
We work with an industry leading guide to guest ratio – expect up to 4 guests per guide on the trip with guides leading the way on the road and a support vehicle close by at all times. Note that for groups of 4 riders or less this tour is run as a guided trip without the support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
An authentic Provençal farmhouse, now a charming hotel. This former 18th-century coaching inn is located in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by orchards, a stone’s throw from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the “Venice of Provence.” At the foot of the Luberon mountains, you’ll find peace and relaxation.
Located in the heart of Provence, not far from Gordes , lies Mas de la Sénancole, your charming hotel in the Luberon. Comfortably settled in one of our 36 rooms, take full advantage of all our 3-star services for a relaxing and enriching stay.
For a beautiful escape in the heart of Provence, at the foot of the Luberon, choose the comfort, authenticity, refinement, and originality of the Hôtel Bastide de Lourmarin, your boutique hotel in the heart of lush greenery.
Domaine du Val de Sault is located at an altitude of 800 m, offering a sublime natural landscape and breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the lavender fields.
At the Hôtel des Pins, nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €60 per day.Bikes shown here are examples and are subject to availabilty at the time of booking. We'll let you know the available options in your size when you book with us.
The FastRoad Advanced combines road-bike performance with the comfort and control of a flat handlebar. Its lightweight carbon frame, 32 mm tubeless tyres and vibration-damping D-Fuse seatpost deliver a fast, smooth and confident ride on every road.
Originally from Canada, Susan has called France home for many years after meeting her husband on a cycling holiday. A passionate recreational cyclist, she loves sharing quiet roads, beautiful scenery and local culture with guests. Chatty, welcoming and endlessly enthusiastic, Susan is happiest when everyone is enjoying the ride—whether that’s discovering a hidden village, stopping for coffee, or celebrating the day’s adventure with a delicious meal and, of course, a well-earned glass of rosé.
After more than 20 years working in Formula One, David swapped the high-pressure world of motorsport for life in the French Alps. He moved to France to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle and spend more time exploring the mountains by road and trail.
A keen road and former mountain bike racer, David has been guiding since 2008 and loves sharing his favourite routes, local knowledge and passion for great food and wine. Alongside his wife, Susan, he enjoys creating relaxed, memorable cycling holidays where guests feel welcome from day one. Thanks to his engineering expertise, he’s also always happy to make sure your bike is running as smoothly at the end of the day as it was at the beginning.
France has a way of pulling cyclists in. Maybe it’s the sweep of the mountains, the quiet backroads through vineyards, or the simple pleasure of rolling into a sunlit village for a coffee that somehow tastes better than anywhere else. Our cycling holidays in France are built around those moments. You can take on iconic climbs straight from the Tour de France, spin between châteaux, or wander through river valleys at a gentler pace. Whatever your riding style, we craft tours that feel personal, supported by local knowledge, great food, and the kind of atmosphere that turns a good trip into an unforgettable one.
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