Silvery green olive groves. Red-tile roofs pressed against a deep blue sky. Sunflowers, irises and fiery red poppies. Dramatically starry nights. And copious gastronomic delights. If there is a heaven on earth, the angels are surely sipping pastis and playing pétanque - because the earthy seduction of Provence is simply irresistible. You too may find yourself falling hopelessly in love with the region's uniquely luminous landscapes, its intoxicating scents and its delectable flavors. So clip in, find your rhythm and embrace the Provençal art de vivre. Each sunny day is certain to match your spirits.
Days 1-2 Lose yourself amid lavender fields, vineyards and orchards
while pedaling to your heart's content in the serene countryside of eastern Provence 
Experience the charming town of Forcalquier at its vibrant best - on market day! Explore the hilltop town of Simiane la Rotonde and the remains of a 12th-century fortified rotunda.
Days 3-4 The romantic Lubéron, a region long beloved by writers and artists
Spin to Bonnieux, set on a high plateau above the valley blanketed with vineyards, fields and cherry orchards It's just 86 steps to the top of the town's church tower, where spectacular views seem to stretch forever Classic villages perchés (perched villages) await discovery in the lovely Lubéron Feel free to linger in Gordes, where cobblestone lanes lead to shady squares and cafés, and a massive 12th-century castle keeps watch over the neighboring hilltop towns.
Days 5-6 Pedal from the Lubéron toward the dramatic windswept crags of the Alpilles
Explore the ancient village of Les Baux, perched above the Val d'Enfer (Valley of Hell), an eerie limestone landscape pockmarked with caves and said to be frequented by witches and goblins Quintessential Provence is yours to soak up in St-Rémy, a tranquil artists haven brimming with cheery cafés and treelined boulevards Look forward to an evening of incredible cuisine at the restaurant of Michelin-starred Chef Michel Hulin.
Trip Highlights
- The most scenic biking routes through limestone hills, vineyards and perched villages
- Private tastings of the best local wine, including delicate Côtes du Lubéron
- Rub shoulders with locals in quintessential Provençal towns
- Enjoy the exquisite flavors of two starry nights - Michelin stars, that is
- Classic Provençal specialties: goat cheese, olives, lavender sachets and herbes de Provence
Premiere Inns
Couvent des Minimes (2 nights): Surrounded by fragrant gardens, this early 17th-century convent was transformed by the legendary cosmetic and fragrance brand l'Occitane into a superb hotel. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)
La Bastide de Capelongue (2 nights): Enjoy splendid hilltop views of the Lubéron and a restaurant with two Michelin stars at this beautifully renovated Provençal farmhouse. (pool)
La Cabro d'Or (1 night): An enchanting hideaway in the heart of the Alpilles mountains with a Michelin-starred restaurant and magnificent gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 22 | 900 | ||||||||
| 2 | 18* | 1300 | 35 | 1900 | 44 | 2600 | 68 | 6600 | ||
| 3 | 19* | 1300 | 25* | 2300 | 47 | 4100 | ||||
| 4 | 20* | 1400 | 28* | 1600 | 47 | 2700 | ||||
| 5 | 21* | 700 | 32* | 800 | 45 | 1200 | ||||
| 6 | 18 | 500 | ||||||||
There is less than 5% of riding on hard-packed dirt on this trip. Since the overwhelming majority of the trip is paved, we've elected to use standard road bike tires on our titanium road bikes. Most guests find this to be the right answer. If you prefer to skip the dirt, a shuttle is always a possibility.
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/21-26 Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1800 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1800 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Paul Cézanne called the breeze here in Provence "deliciously sweet." And indeed, you'll be greeted by the fragrances of honey, thyme and lavender, along with vistas of chalky limestone cliffs that contrast brilliantly with azure skies. This new trip takes in renowned vineyards, landscapes that inspired the great Impressionist painters, and intriguing villages called home by modern-day artists. Evenings are spent in Relais & Chateaux elegance with Michelin-starred dining at hotels such as La Cabro d'Or, one of our longtime favorites.- Trip Development Coordinator, Europe