Secret Provence Bike Tour

Avignon to Aix-en-Provence

From $4,799 - $5,199 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,040 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. Ride at your leisure through Provence.

Highlights

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

France

Start Avignon / End Aix-en-Provence

Itinerary

Day 1 From storybook Saignon, pedal easygoing paths through lavender fields and oak groves | Discover the limestone-rich Plateau des Claparèdes | Pedal past picturesque Luberon villages perchés (perched villages) including the charming hamlet of Bonnieux | Climb to the top of an ancient church tower for sweeping views of the valley | Unwind on the terrace at our villa-style retreat.

Days 2-3 Explore Lacoste and Ménerbes, the town Peter Mayle called home while writing A Year in Provence | Cross the Pont Julien, an ancient Roman stone arch bridge | Fall in love with the many shades of ocher-colored Roussillon | Linger in Gordes, where a massive 12th-century castle keeps watch over neighboring towns | Stop to admire lovely medieval Sénanque Abbey | Opt to indulge in a treatment at our hotel's world-class spa.

Days 4-6 Journey into off-the-beaten-path Provence | Ride 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 spin through the serene sun-drenched countryside | Bring home a piece of this unforgettable region with your very own hand-blended essential oil.

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.

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the policy outlined below. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Private room or tent, bike rental and internal air charges are considered part of the total trip cost and are subject to cancellation fees. Percentage charges are calculated on total trip cost.

Cancellation Fees (Per Person)
Days Prior to Trip Start	Scheduled Trips	Private Trips	Custom Trips
126+ days	$200**	$600	30%
95-125	$200**	30%	50%
61-95 days	30%	50%	75%
31-60 days	60%	75%	100%
0-30 days	100%	100%	100%

** Rather than paying the cancellation fees, you may choose to keep your trip deposit ($600) in a holding account to use on a future Backroads trip with no expiration date.

Bike Cancellation Policies: If you are renting a Specialized Roubaix, Ruby, eBike or Co-Motion Tandem, a full cancellation fee will apply in the event you cancel your trip reservation inside 30 days.

Transfers: You may transfer from one trip to another up to 95 days before trip departure without penalty—except Private or Custom Trips.

Release of Liability: Guests are required to provide a signed Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks, and Arbitration Agreement and a completed Personal Information forms prior to trip departure; you will receive these materials shortly after reserving your trip. You may also complete your forms online. We are unable to allow guests to participate in any aspect of a Backroads trip without a signed release form.

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

Available
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C Classic 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. Call or email us to reserve your date.

Private Trip Pricing

10 or more Guests: from $4,799 pp dbl occ

9 Guests: from $5,299 pp dbl occ

8 Guests: from $5,499 pp dbl occ
2-7 Guests: Give us a call or reach out here!

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

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

2+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 2 or more guests
8+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020 June

8+ 6/14–6/19

8+ 6/21–6/26

2020 July

8+ 7/14–7/19

8+ 7/26–7/31

2020 August

8+ 8/23–8/28

2020 September

8+ 9/1–9/6

8+ 9/8–9/13

9/15–9/20

View Scheduled Dates

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

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $4,799 - $5,199 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,040 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

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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, spa)

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)

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)

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	12	700	14	1000
2	13*	500	24	1500	31	1900
3	15*	1200	13*	700	27*	2200
4	18*	1100	23*	1800	38	2900
5	16*	1200	28*	1800	36	2300
6	10	800

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– Available until 4/1/20)

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)

NEW! Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price – Available beginning 4/1 in North America, 5/1 in Europe and 11/1 outside of Europe and NA.)

Our newly redesigned Titanium Electric-Assist Bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of eBikes. It provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Cannondale Pro Carbon Upgrade ($400 rental fee)

Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package, the Cannondale 2020 Synapse Hi-MOD pro carbon upgrade is built for experienced cyclists, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.

Cannondale 2020 Synapse Hi-MOD

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