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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Provence Bike Tour
St-Rémy, Luberon Villages & Van Gogh Country
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-5
Casual Hotels
From: $3,999 - $4,299 pp dbl occ
($750 for sgl occ)
It's a slower pace of life here in southern France. Amid the limestone Alpilles, where olive trees glisten in the breeze. And in the sunny Luberon, whose villages tempt you to relax over a pastis or a local rosé. With Mont Ventoux standing tall above it all. Pedal leisurely to medieval towns. Soak up views of vineyards and windswept countryside. Slow down and find bliss on our Provence Bike Tour.
France Provence Bike Tour map
France
Start/End Avignon
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Bike through an iconic landscape of hilltop villages, neat rows of vineyards and fragrant orchards
- Savor classic Provençal specialties: goat cheese, olives, lavender sachets and herbes de Provence
- Discover the vibrant artist community of St-Rémy and admire the landscape that inspired Van Gogh
- Experience Provençal life in renowned Gordes, ocher-hued Roussillon and beautiful Venasque
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Visit the ancient Roman Pont du Gard aqueduct, a World Heritage site | Bike across the Rhone River into Provence | Explore St-Rémy, a vibrant artist enclave filled with fountains, gardens, atmospheric cafés and tree-lined boulevards | Bike a peaceful route into the Alpilles, a world of wild crags and cypress trees | Ride to Eygalières, a small terraced town | A multimedia exhibit celebrating some of the world's great artists awaits at Carrières de Lumières in the pretty village of Les Baux de Provence.
Accommodations
Hôtel Gounod
St-Rémy-de-Provence
| Casual Hotel This cheery hotel set in the heart of town has hosted artists such as Van Gogh, Frédéric Mistral and Charles Gounod, who composed the opera Mireille during his stay. (pool)
Day 3
Description
Bienvenue to the Luberon! Bike through a lush green landscape to picturesque perched villages among dramatic limestone peaks | Admire the unique colors and character of Gordes and Roussillon | Oppède-le-Vieux, Ménerbes and Lacoste will seem delightfully familiar if you've read Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence.
Accommodations
Le Petit Palais d'Aglaé
Gordes
| Casual Hotel Looking out over the Mont de Luberon, its valley and the ochre-hued village of Roussillon, this hotel is the quintessential Provençal escape. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Marvel at the grace of Gordes, a striking village perché | Pause at a café in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a postcard-perfect hamlet | Savor the sunlight over the hills in Venasque, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France | Quiet bike roads lead through rolling fields of lavender and wheat into the foothills of Mont Ventoux, known as the Giant of Provence | Ride the stunning Gorges de la Nesque below spectacular Mont Ventoux on your way to Sault or test your cycling prowess on a climb up Ventoux | Meander through winding cobblestone streets for a taste of medieval Provence | Enjoy a final spin through the idyllic hamlets of the Vaucluse.
Accommodations
Château de Mazan
Mazan
| Casual Hotel This elegant 18th-century château, former residence of the Marquis de Sade, rests at the foot of towering Mont Ventoux. (pool)
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 in USD.
September 2023
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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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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
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.
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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