Region Overviews: France Travel Guide: Overview
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
Biking
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Classic Provence Bike Tour
Legendary Vineyards & Hilltop Villages
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-5
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,499 - $5,849 pp dbl occ
($1,450 - $1,550 for sgl occ)
Cherry orchards that come to life in the breeze. The flavor of the wines and the scent of lavender. The breathtaking clifftop villages of Gordes, Lacoste and Bonnieux. And the brilliant red colors of Roussillon. Indulging in local specialties at outdoor markets. A classic journey through Provence will make this your new list of favorite things.
France Provence Biking Tour
France
Start/End Avignon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Cycle through perched villages, expansive vineyards, and past the breathtaking ravine of Gorges de la Nesque—then opt to test your mettle climbing Mont Ventoux
- Partake in private wine tastings of acclaimed local vintages—the full-bodied reds, whites and rosés of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Experience Provençal life in Gordes and Roussillon, whose stalls teem with local wares and produce on market day
- Relax at stylish and acclaimed hotels with architecture that will transport you to another time
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description
Bike through Côtes du Rhône wine country, tucked away between an alpine landscape and vast river-fed plains | Set off from the famous wine mecca of Châteauneuf-du-Pape past picturesque hamlets and vineyards | Peaceful back roads lead to our splendid 16th-century castle-hotel | Linger on the terrace with an apéritif and outstanding views | Celebrate with a gourmet French meal paired with vintages crafted at nearby wineries.
Accommodations
Château de Massillan
Uchaux
| Premiere Hotel With elegant contemporary interiors and outstanding organic cuisine, this castle nestled in Côtes du Rhône vineyards was built in 1555 for a mistress of Henry II. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
Description
Wander through the medieval city of Vaison la Romaine | On the way to the viticulture towns of Séguret, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise, bike along a wine route beneath the Dentelles de Montmirail, dramatic limestone mountains | Ride through the scenic foothills of Mont Ventoux, known as the Giant of Provence | Be charmed by Gordes' cobblestone lanes, shaded squares and chic cafés | Climb through the stunning Gorges de la Nesque canyon or tackle a pro route on majestic Ventoux | Discover the friendly squares and cafés of Sault, the lavender capital of France | Relax, play pétanque and revel in fresh Provençal fare at our exquisite hotel.
Accommodations
Hôtel Crillon le Brave
Crillon le Brave
| Premiere Hotel Flawlessly combining rustic charm and luxury, an "evocative country house hotel crowning an ancient hamlet, backdropped by Mont Ventoux," according to the Hideaway Report. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Bike past atmospheric hamlets to Venasque, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France | The region's signature lavender perfume welcomes you at every turn | Ascend a spectacular limestone canyon to the village perché of Murs | Cycle to ocher-hued Roussillon, adored by artists for centuries | Stroll stalls of fresh produce and locally made crafts on market day | Explore the Provençal treasures of Lacoste and Ménerbes, immortalized by Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence | The Luberon's plains and foothills line your route to our tasting at a favorite winery.
Accommodations
La Coquillade
Gargas
| Premiere Hotel Set in the heart of the Luberon and surrounded by vineyards, this hotel features exceptional views and refined elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
May 2023
May 7 - May 12
Sold out
May 21 - May 26
Sold out
June 2023
Jun 4 - Jun 9
Sold out
Jun 18 - Jun 23
Sold out
September 2023
Sep 3 - Sep 8
Sold out
Sep 10 - Sep 15
Sold out
Sep 17 - Sep 22
Sold out
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level: 2-5
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
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