This 4-night hiking & biking adventure gets you to the most scenic villages by bike, and the most remote and dazzling vantage points on your hikes. You’ll start in probably our favourite B&B in Provence, hidden within the forgotten village of Méthamis, and hanging perilously above the Nesque Gorge. No amount of describing can do it justice. From here you’ll explore the foothills, gorges, and Provençal villages, by foot and by bike, and then return to the infinity pool that hangs above the canyon.
After two nights in Méthamis you head southbound by bike, through the cherry orchards and Muscat vineyards, and towards the Monts du Vaucluse range. Pass through the perched medieval village of Vénasque, set high above the cherry trees, its tiny cobbled streets leading to its Romanesque church, harbouring a 6th century baptismal pool. A magnificent canyon road above Vénasque winds upwards to reach a remote pass, before reaching base #2, in the village of Gordes.
The Domaine de l’Enclos tiny boutique hotel is just a short stroll from the center of Gordes, recently named the World’s Most Beautiful Village by Travel & Leisure magazine. And rightfully so: the village streets wind upwards and in dizzying fashion to the renaissance castle that crowns the centuries-old homes. A labyrinth of cobbled streets lead to magnificent stone buildings and endless viewpoints of the Luberon Valley.
From Gordes a loop hike will take you to the 12th century Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by its lavender fields, and hosting an order of monks since 1148. You can also choose to cycle through the Luberon mountains, visiting several hilltop villages along the way, made famous in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence.
Day 1: Hiking at the foot of the Nesque Gorge
Distance: 10km
Climbing: +/-300m
Arrive at the otherworldly Métafort B&B, hovering dizzyingly above the Nesque Gorge. Relax in the infinity pool, and stroll around the tiny cobbled streets, up to the church that crowns the village. Embark on a warm-up hike around the village, and through the canyon. The white limestone cliffs are jagged, and frame a stunning canyon, carpeted with thyme and rosemary, and sparse oak trees. Spend your first night in Méthamis.
Day 2: Bike the Nesque Gorge
Distance: 55km
Climbing: +/-650m
Rendezvous with one of – if not the most – spectacular cycling road in Provence: the Nesque Gorge. First you cycle up a remote road behind Méthamis, through the cherry orchards and then the lavender fields. Reach the tiny village of Monieux, at the base of the cliff, the perfect place for lunch. And then the fun begins: perched high above a canyon, the narrow road snakes its way slowly down the Nesque Gorge, piercing through tunnels carved into the bedrock. The views are stunning.
Day 3: Bike from Méthamis to Gordes.
Distance: 35km
Climbing: +/-600m
Say goodbye to Méthamis as you cycle along the contours of Ventoux’s foothills, via muscat vines and sleepy and authentic villages. Climb to the perched village of Vénasque, off the beaten track, and listed among France’s most beautiful villages. Its tiny village square is an ideal lunch spot. Long hairpin turns up a canyon lead to a remote pass before freewheeling down to Gordes, your base for the next two nights.
Day 4: Hike Abbaye de Sénanque loop
Distance: 10km
Climbing: +/-300m
Ancient dry-stone walls frame centuries-old paths, and head through a garrigue vegetation of aromatic herbs, wildflowers, and truffle oaks. The paths lead straight to Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, still standing after 875 years: its massive stones still carry the signatures of the masons that built the abbey 9 centuries ago, quite literally. The abbey is framed by its fragrant lavender fields. The hiking paths take you above the abbey for superb aerial views.
Day 5: Goodbye Provence
End of holiday after breakfast. Let us know if we can help you with your continuing travels.
Or remain for an Optional Bike loop from Gordes.
Distance: 35km to 55km
Climbing: +600m to +800m
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.
Luxury category
- Day 1 & 2: Le Métafort B&B
- Day 3 & 4: Domaine de l’Enclos
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.)..
