It’s an adventure that combines the very best of hiking and cycling in Provence, exploring the Côtes du Rhône vineyards, the Dentelles de Montmirail, the mythical Mont Ventoux, with a possibility of extending the adventure into perched medieval villages of the Luberon Mountains. As you pass from one set of Provençal mountains to the next, you’ll cycle through orchards, vines, and authentic villages. And once settled into a new accommodation, you can choose either a hike or bike ride to get better acquainted with your surroundings.
You’ll start in the city of Avignon, where the Popes reigned in the 14th century. By bike, follow the Rhône upstream, through the orchards of a small island. Reach the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, world renowned for its wines, its castle ruins crowning the village, and overlooking a veritable sea of vineyards. Head towards the Dentelles de Montmirail chain, a set of limestone mountains that soar above the winemaking village of Gigondas, where a playground of hiking paths await, and numerous wine-tasting possibilities.
And last but not least, head eastward towards Mont Ventoux, Provence’s highest mountain, where Tour de France bike races have been won and lost. You can choose to explore the mountain by bike, even testing your legs on the iconic climb to the summit, or explore its countless hiking paths, with views extending over the entire chain of the Alps to the north-east, and the Mediterranean to the south.
Day 1 : Avignon, city of the Popes
Start in Avignon, city of the Popes, surrounded by its 14th century ramparts, still intact. Within the walls you’ll find endless treasures: the towering Pope’s Palace, the world’s largest gothic building! You’ll discover churches and monuments, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, and their lively cafés and restaurants.
Day 2 : Bike from Avignon to Gigondas
Distance : 50 km
Climbing : +400 m
Leave Avignon by bike, and enter an endless sea of vineyards that roll out into the horizon: the Côtes du Rhône. On a small hill you’ll reach Châteauneuf du Pape, king of Rhône Valley wines, almost 300 estates battling for a small piece of treasured land. Next is the town of Orange and its Roman Theater, the best conserved in the Roman Empire. head towards the limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail; nestled at their foothills is the village of Gigondas, your home for the next two nights.
Day 3 : Hike the Dentelles de Montmirail loop
Distance : options from 8 to 13 km
Climbing : from +/-200m to +/-400m
The vertical limestone cliffs soar towards the skies, and harbor the famed vines of Gigondas. In the vines, hills – and even atop the cliffs – a veritable playground of hiking paths take you to stunning viewpoints, overlooking the entire Rhône Valley, and the Cévennes Mountains beyond. Don’t forget to stop in one of the wine estates along the way!
Day 4 : Bike from the Dentelles de Montmirail to the foot of Mont Ventoux
Distance : from 30 to 50 km
Climbing : from +400m to +900m
By bike, follow the contours of the Dentelles de Montmirail. To the south of the cliffs you’ll enter the village of Beaumes de Venise, known for its naturally sweet Muscat wine. The village is crowned by castle ruins, and protected from the Mistral winds. Next you head towards the villages of the Dentelles de Montmirail, lost in the hills among the vines: La Roque Alric, perched vertiginously on its rocky spur; Le Barroux, its centuries-old homes set under a towering 12th century castle. Arrive in the tiny hamlet of Sainte Colombe, surrounded by cherry trees, and under the looming silhouette of Mont Ventoux. Check in for a 3-night stay.
Day 5 : Hike Les Jas du Ventoux
Distance : 14km
Climbing : +/- 700m
Trading your bikes for backpacks you leave your accommodation by foot. After the last of the cherry trees you follow the ancient paths up through the forests. Known worldwide for the Tour de France bike race, Ventoux’s hiking paths are little-known but majestic. Halfway up the mountain you’ll find the Jas du Ventoux – ancient huts made from dry-stone, which once served as shelter for shepherds and their flocks. Today they’re a quiet and peaceful refuge for hikers, who can rest in the grassy pastures, under the shade of a lone oak tree, and enjoy sprawling views… which on a clear day can extend to the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 6 : Bike Mont Ventoux, the giant of Provence
Distance : from 35 km to 90 km
Climbing : from +400m to +1600m
We won’t force you to cycle to the summit of course – but this mythical climb up to the lunar summit is among the day’s options. We also highly recommend cycling the Nesque Gorge, a narrow road hovering high above a canyon, traversing tunnels carved into the limestone cliffs. If the mountains aren’t for you today, you can explore the authentic villages that dot the foothills of Ventoux, surrounded by Muscat grapes and cherry orchards.
___________________________________________________
Luberon Extension !
Day 7 : Bike from Ventoux to the Luberon
Distance : from 35 km to 50 km
Climbing : from +500m to +800m
With Mont Ventoux at your backs, and aided by the prevailing Mistral Winds, begin with a pleasant descent through the vineyards and authentic villages. Perched above the cherry orchards you reach the village of Vénasque, listed among the prettiest villages in France, its cobbled streets leading to a Romanesque church, harboring a 6th century baptismal pool. Climb the Col de Murs pass via a scenic gorge, and then descend into the Luberon park via lavender fields. Continue to Gordes, recently named the World’s most Beautiful Village.
Day 8 : Hike or Bike the Luberon
- Hiking Option
Distance : 11 km
Climbing : +/- 300m
It’s one of our favorite hikes in the region: beginning in the center of Gordes you 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 2nd and final night.
- Biking Option:
Distance : from 35 km to 55 km
Climbing : from +450m to +900m
Several options are available for the day’s ride. 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. The longest of the three itineraries then continues 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.
Cozy category
- Day 1: Hôtel de l’Angleterre 3* in Avignon
- Day 3 & 4: Hôtel les Florets 3* in Gigondas
- Days 4,5 & 6: Hotel la Garance 2* in Bédoin
Option
- 7 & 8 : Mas des Romarins 3* in Gordes
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.)..
