Explore the Luberon Mountains by bike, and by hiking along its trails, all while being based in two of its most luxurious hotels. Begin your adventure in the village of Gordes, probably the most jaw-dropping of all the jaw-dropping villages in the Luberon Mountains (and there are lots!). Your luxury hotel stands alone atop a hill, overlooking the valley and its villages from vast gardens and a swimming pool.
From Gordes as a base you’ll hike to the famed Sénanque Abbey, one of the most postcarded sites in Provence, surrounded by lavender fields, and rich in almost nine centuries of history. You’ll hike through thyme-laden fields, alongside stone walls, and past dry-stone huts that have witnessed centuries of farming. On your bikes, you’ll pass orchards and vines on your way to some of the prettiest hilltop villages in the Luberon: the storybook villages of Roussillon, Ménerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, and Oppède-le-Vieux just to name a few.
After three nights in Gordes you head up the slope of the Luberon Mountains to the Bastide de Capelongue, a luxury 5* hotel perched above the village of Gordes, complete with a Michelin Star restaurant. Though you could spend days relaxing at the hotel, we have a superb hike planned, taking you to the very crest of the Luberon Mountains, through a regal cedar forest. If the skies are clear, the 360° views extend from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 1 : Gordes, the “world’s most beautiful village”
Travel & Leisure magazine recently named Gordes as the World’s Most Beautiful Village. And we agree: the narrow cobbled streets of Gordes spiral upwards and high above the valley, crowned by its Renaissance castle. Jaw-dropping viewpoints are everywhere, centuries-old buildings, hidden treasures, ancient washbasins, and several quaint cafés and restaurants. Take the time to stroll around the streets and explore. A scenic hiking path links your hotel to the center of the village.
Day 2 : Bike the ochre fields of the Luberon
Distance: 48km
Climbing: +750m total
From Gordes you pedal eastward, through the open plains and lavender fields. Climb up to the perched village of Roussillon, a veritable rainbow-of-a-village, its homes painted from pale yellow to deep red, using the ocher sands from the mines below. Continue eastward to the village of Saint Saturnin d’Apt, off the beaten tourist path, its stone homes set around a picturesque square. There are plenty of options here for lunch, or a pleasant pause.
Day 3: Hike the Luberon
Distance : 11
Climbing : +/- 300m
It’s one of our favorite hikes in the region: beginning at your hotel you descend the scenic path into the center of Gordes. Climb through a garrigue vegetation of aromatic herbs and sparse trees. Dive into the secluded Sénancole Valley before reaching 12th century Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by its lavender fields, and housing an order of monks since 1148. You can choose to visit the abbey and its medieval buildings before climbing to a scenic pass, where far-reaching views stretch across the Luberon Mountains and beyond. Return to Gordes for a 3rd and final night.
Day 4 : Bike from Gordes to Bonnieux
Distance : 35 km
Climbing : +450m
From Gordes freewheel down into the Calavon Valley and begin a climb into the Luberon. The Luberon chain rises dramatically from the plains, while stunning villages are tucked in the foothills. A short but steep climb leads to the lost medieval village of Oppède-le-Vieux, its cobbled streets and haunting ruins setting you back centuries in time. Visit Ménerbes, set on a knife-edge ridge, its regal homes in a neat line, towering above the vines. And don’t forget the village of Lacoste, a compact set of medieval streets topped by the ruins of its castle, once occupied by the infamous Marquis de Sade. Continue to the charming village of Bonnieux, a lively set of streets and squares, restaurants and cafés, with an awe-inspiring viewpoint atop the village, under the shade of giant cedars. Check into your accommodation for a 2-night stay.
Day 5: Hike the Cedar forest
Distance: 14km
Climbing: +/- 400m
From Bonnieux you begin a steady and long climb up the northern slopes of the Luberon, through the oak forests. You’ll reach the very crest of the Luberon, from where the views extend to the Alps to the north-east, and to the Mediterranean to the south. You’ll hike under the thick canopy of the cedar forest that crowns the ridge, and to a scenic lookout over the Durance Valley. Return to the plains and loop back towards Bonnieux for a 2nd and final night.
Day 6: Au revoir la Provence
Your adventure ends after breakfast. Let us know if we can help you with your ongoing travels!
Luxury category
- Days 1, 2 & 3: Hotel Les Bories 5* in Gordes
- Days 4 & 5: Hôtel Capelongue 5* in Bonnieux
What is included in the price of your stay
- Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
- Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
- Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
- Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
- Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
- Your routes loaded onto a GPS application.
- Assistance in case of problems 24/7.
What is not included in the price of your stay
- Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
- Transfer at the end of your stay.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..
