Secret Provence Bike Tour
Avignon to Aix-en-Provence
Each of your senses will take you on a journey through this remarkable landscape. Gaze across undulating meadows. Run your hands over centuries-old stones. Hear a trickling fountain in the town square as you savor a slice of fresh melon. Open the windows and let the scent of endless lavender fields waft through your dreams. Ride at your leisure through Provence.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
France
Start Avignon / End Aix-en-Provence
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
- Journey through picturesque countryside to some of the designated Most Beautiful Villages in all of France
- Pedal amid a sea of colorful and fragrant lavender fields, pausing to learn the art of crafting essential oils
- Savor the sophisticated and exquisite flavors of a memorable starry night—Michelin stars, that is
- Revel in Relais & Châteaux splendor each night and enjoy afternoon visits to the region's finest spas
6 Days Premiere Hotels
From storybook Saignon, bike easygoing paths through lavender fields and oak groves | Discover the limestone-rich Plateau des Claparèdes | Ride past enchanting Luberon villages perchés (perched villages) including the historic hamlet of Bonnieux | Climb to the top of a 12th-century church tower for sweeping views of the valley | Unwind post-ride on the terrace at our villa-style retreat before a two Michelin-starred dinner prepared by celebrated Chef Édouard Loubet.
Enjoy splendid hilltop views of the Luberon and a restaurant with two Michelin stars at this beautifully renovated Provençal farmhouse. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Explore Lacoste and Ménerbes, the town Peter Mayle called home while writing A Year in Provence | Bike across the Pont Julien, an ancient Roman stone arch bridge | Fall in love with the many shades of ocher-colored Roussillon | Linger in Gordes, where an imposing château keeps watch over neighboring towns | Pause en route to admire lovely medieval Sénanque Abbey | Opt to indulge in a treatment at our hotel’s world-class spa.
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)
Journey into off-the-beaten-path Provence | Bike through the villages of Céreste and Reillanne as a new landscape appears with the Alps’ snowy peaks in the distance | Engage in a traditional game of pétanque, which originated in this sunny region | Discover the 12th-century castle of Simiane-la-Rotonde, a charming hilltop town | Stop in at a family-run lavender farm to learn about the myriad uses of this fragrant flower | Ever tried goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves? Today’s your chance in the village of Banon | There are few things like a starry night in Provence—enjoy stars of the Michelin variety at our hotel’s acclaimed restaurant | Head out on a final ride through the serene sun-drenched countryside | Visit a renowned perfumery school and bring home a piece of this unforgettable region with your very own hand-blended essential oil.
Encircled by scented gardens, this early 17th-century convent was transformed by the legendary cosmetic and fragrance brand L'Occitane into a superb hotel with Michelin-starred dining. 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
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Activity Level: 1-3
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. LEARN MORE.
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! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
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.
A proven classic, our most popular 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.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
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—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
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
Provence rhymes with vacances ("vacations" in French). When I was a child, my family was renting every summer a mas (Provençal farm) in the Lubero...
