Provence Biking
From the Drome to the Luberon
Lavender fields that come to life in the breeze. Cherry orchards around the bend. The Mistral that swirls in the paintings of van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin. The hills and villages that inspired them. The wines. The cool evenings. The breathtaking village of Gordes that stands on the edge of a cliff. And Roussillon with its brilliant red colors. Indulging in local specialties at lively outdoor markets. Playing a round of pétanque and sipping a café au lait. After your journey through Provence, this will be your new list of favorite things.
- Incredible biking through perched villages, vineyards and orchards
- Exquisite hotels including one of our favorites: Crillon le Brave
- Explore Vaison la Romaine, a wonderful ancient town with Roman ruins
- Private wine tastings of the best local vintages
- Soak up Provençal life in renowned Gordes and ochre-hued Roussillon
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Private tastings of the best local vintages at Côtes du Rhône vineyards, including enchanting family-run Domaine de Grangeneuve 
Bike through the unspoiled terrain of the Drôme region An intriguing history lesson unfolds at the 2nd-century Roman ruins of Vaison-la-Romaine.
Day 3 Exquisite hotels including one of our favorites: Crillon le Brave Ride the stunning Gorges de la Nesque below spectacular Mont Ventoux on your way to Sault, Provence's lavender capital Meander through winding cobblestone streets for a taste of medieval Provence Challenge your Trip Leaders to a game of pétanque.
Day 4 Incredible biking through perched villages, vineyards and orchards Gregorian chants and the oh-so-Provençal fragrance of lavender welcome you at the peaceful 12th-century Abbaye de Sénanque Explore Gordes, a glorious village perché clinging to the Vaucluse Plateau.
Days 5-6 Rub shoulders with locals in quintessential Provençal villages such as Ménerbes and Lacoste Cross Pont Julien, a Roman bridge built around 300 B.C., to the village of Roussillon, resting on one of the world's biggest ocher deposits Pedal through bucolic plains and foothills of the Lubéron en route to the Domaine de la Citadelle winery, whose 1,200 corkscrews add a twist.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was our best trip ever and we have taken 4 with B & R and one other with Backroads. The leaders made a world of difference.- New York NY More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Provence Biking
Premiere Inns
Chateau de Massillan
Uchaux (1 night) With elegant contemporary interiors, this Condé Nast Traveler Hot List hotel - built in 1555 for a mistress of Henry II - is nestled in Côtes du Rhône vineyards. (pool)
Hotel de Crillon le Brave
Crillon le Brave (2 nights) Flawlessly combining rustic charm and elegant luxury, an "evocative country house hotel crowning an ancient hamlet, backdropped by Mont Ventoux," according to the Hideaway Report. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
La Bastide de Gordes
Gordes (2 nights) Within the ancient city walls of Gordes, a 16th-century mansion with splendid hilltop views of the Lubéron Valley. (pool, spa)
Provence Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 10, 28 miles
- 770 - 950 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 41, 58 miles
- 480 - 2950 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 27, 50 miles
- 2300 - 2620 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 30, 38 miles
- 430 - 2250 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 26, 33, 38 miles
- 1480 - 2470 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
- 920 feet elevation gain