Secret Provence Bike Tour

Avignon to Aix-en-Provence

From $4,498 - $5,049 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,120 to $1,530 for sgl. occ.)

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.

Highlights

Journey through picturesque country-side to some of the designated Most Beautiful Villages in all of France
Pedal amid a sea of colorful and fragrant lavender fields and delight your senses on a lavender distillery tour
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

France

Start Avignon / End Aix-en-Provence

Itinerary

Days 1-2 From storybook Saignon, pedal easygoing paths through lavender fields and oak groves | Explore Ménerbes, the town Peter Mayle called home while writing A Year in Provence | Vincent van Gogh painted the starry nights of Provence—enjoy stars of the Michelin variety at our hotel’s acclaimed restaurant | Pedal past picturesque Luberon villages including the charming hamlets of Bonnieux and Lacoste | Cross the Pont Julien, an ancient Roman stone arch bridge | Opt to indulge in a treatment at La Coquillade’s world-class spa.

Days 3-4 Fall in love with ocher-colored Roussillon | Linger in Gordes, where a massive 12th-century castle keeps watch over neighboring towns | Stop to admire lovely medieval Sénanque Abbey | Cycle to your heart’s content in the lavender-scented countryside | Journey into an undiscovered area of Provence, a new landscape that offers a different perspective with the Alps’ snowy peaks in the distance | Engage in a traditional game of pétanque, which originated in this sunny region.

Days 5-6 Discover the 12th-century castle of Simiane-la-Rotonde, a charming hilltop town | Tour a family-run lavender farm and distillery and 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 | Head out on a final spin through the serene sun-drenched countryside | A Michelin-starred dinner provides the perfect farewell to Provence.

Next: 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.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2018 9/2, 9/9, 9/10, 9/16, 9/23, 10/5 2019 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/10, 6/16, 6/24, 6/30, 7/7, 7/19, 7/28, 9/1, 9/4, 9/8, 9/11, 9/15, 9/18, 9/22, 9/25, 9/29
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%
156+ days	$600	2018 9/30
126-155 days	30%
96-125 days	50%
61-95 days	75%
31-60 days	100%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
to Book i
Going
Fast i
Contact
Us i
Private Trip
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C Classic Dates

2018 September

9/2–9/7

9/9–9/14

9/10–9/15

9/16–9/21

9/23–9/28

9/30–10/5

2018 October

10/5–10/10

2019 May

5/19–5/24

5/26–5/31

2019 June

6/2–6/7

6/10–6/15

6/16–6/21

6/24–6/29

6/30–7/5

2019 July

7/7–7/12

7/19–7/24

7/28–8/2

2019 September

9/1–9/6

9/4–9/9

9/8–9/13

9/11–9/16

9/15–9/20

9/18–9/23

9/22–9/27

9/25–9/30

9/29–10/4

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group of 8 or more. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2019 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $4,799 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $5,499 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $6,299 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $7,199 pp dbl occ
2 - 3 guests: from $8,199 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
12 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 12 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

2019
May
Jun
Jul
Sep

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $4,498 - $5,049 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,120 to $1,530 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

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Premiere Hotels

La Bastide de Capelongue

Bonnieux (1 night)

La Coquillade

Gargas (2 nights)

Le Couvent des Minimes

Mane-de-Provence (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 1-3

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Provence

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

Biking in Gordes, France - Backroads Provence Bike Tour

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Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

La Bastide de Capelongue

Bonnieux (1 night)

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)

La Coquillade

Gargas (2 nights)

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)

Le Couvent des Minimes

Mane-de-Provence (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 with Michelin-starred dining. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 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.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	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	14	800	16	1300
2	17*	800	20*	1000	25*	1200	39	1900
3	13*	700	27	2200	36	3300
3	15*	1200
4	18*	1000	26*	2200	38	2900
5	16*	1000	28*	1600	36	2000
5	18*	1600
6			15	1400

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

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.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Performance Road Bike (Included)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee) – Available until 11/15/18

Ride like a pro with the new top-of-the-line S-Works bike featuring ultrasmooth Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Faster and smoother than any other bike out there, this race-ready carbon machine delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in an ultralight, ultrapowerful package—perfect for experienced riders. The Specialized S-Works Ruby is a light, agile speed machine precisely designed for women. You can upgrade to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby on your trip.

Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Upgrade)

Specialized S-Works Ruby (Upgrade)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Do you prefer to spin in tandem with your partner? You'll love the Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo tandem on your Backroads trip. You can upgrade to a Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem on your trip.

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem (Upgrade)

Also Included

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

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Provence

Great Bikes Included

Our custom-designed titanium bikes are best in class. From avid cyclists to easygoing riders, we believe that everyone deserves a seriously great bike to match their riding style. Learn more about our bike fleet.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Provence you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in Provence—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

Navigate Your Way in Provence

Your ride comes equipped with a GPS device, preloaded with all the routes and route options for your trip. If you prefer to bring your own device, we also have downloadable GPS files and of course, our good old paper directions are always available. Read more on why our navigation options are the best.

We Live in the Neighborhood

Our Trip Leaders in Provence live in the area and are deeply engaged in their communities, giving them unique inside knowledge they're happy to share in making your experience that much richer. They'll introduce you to people, customs and parts of town you'd likely never encounter on your own—and teach you a few local phrases to help break the ice.

Signature Backroads Picnics

Guests rave about our picnic spreads. Enjoy a welcome break in a scenic spot, or a quick refuel stop if you don't want to lose momentum. And because we have two vans, one can host lunch while the other is out providing support along the route.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Provence trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip