At a Glance
Open the window to a thrilling adventure for the senses in Southern France’s iconic wine region. Ride in astonishment through a bewildering cast of natural endowments featuring rolling hills, lavender fields, spectacular villages and more, from Provence’s Luberon to Côtes do Rhône, on this 6-day biking adventure.
Your adventure begins in Avignon after which you shuttle to tour one of the oldest lavender distilleries in Buoux. Ride your bike to the perched village of Saint-Saturnin-Les-Apt and take in the stunning scenery. Relish a delicious culinary menu of fresh local ingredients at your fabulous hotel. Explore charming Luberon. Bike through the quintessential countryside to Roussillon, Via Domitia and the Pont Julien. Ride into the gorgeous Luberon valley to Gordes, a Plus Beaux Villages de France member. Cycle towards the spectacular Drôme Provençale ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Meals as specified
- 5 nights of accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin-share basis
- Private guided tours; an average of 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio.
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Today, the first day of the trip, you’ll meet your trip leaders at 10.30 am at the Avignon TGV train station (not the Avignon Train centre train station. If you arrive at Avignon Centre, you’ll need to take a 15-minute taxi ride to the Avignon TGV station). Your tour leaders will be in the front of the main entrance of the TGV station (sortie nord), next to the bus parking area. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s ride (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodation) After the meeting, we shuttle to Buoux, nested in Luberon and overlooking the valley. Here we will tour one of the oldest Lavender distilleries in Provence, where you’ll learn more about this spectacular purple flower and have a chance to explore its streets and perhaps purchase some lavender-infused products. After lunch, your trip leaders will fit your bike and give you a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before we head out on two wheels into the breathtaking Provençal countryside. Our ride takes us through the perched village of Saint-Saturnin-Les-Apt, a great first stop to admire the scenery. Drink in the panoramas over the valley and continue cycling through vineyards and olive groves as you climb to the top of Joucas, where the spectacular views just don’t seem to end. |
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Our hotel for tonight is the elegant villa-style Le Mas de Herbes Blanche, where you can indulge in some relaxation by the pool, or simply taking in the peaceful sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside. Then we gather for a welcome reception on the terrace before a delicious dinner, closing our introduction to the tastes of authentic Italian delicacies. |
Le Mas Des Herbes Blanches, Joucas (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Wake up to a delightful breakfast at the hotel. After fueling up, we head out on our bikes through the quintessential Provençal landscapes to Roussillon, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. It has been beloved by artists for centuries, owing to its striking natural surroundings, especially the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon radiant with 16 different shades of ochre. As you explore, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of fruit fields and expansive greenery. At lunch, we enjoy a picnic of seasonal delights before we continue biking through the awe-inspiring countryside, pausing at a former ochre factory to learn about the extraction process. Our highlights this afternoon include Via Domitia and Pont Julien, an ancient Roman road and stone arch bridge that once connected to the Roman territories in France. If you’re ready to end your ride for the day, get in the shuttle to ride to La Coquillade, a marvellous property in the heart of the region, and our home for the next two nights. If you’d like for your muscles to be pampered, head to the spa, one of the best in Provence and select from their decadent services menu (spa treatments are at own expense). |
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In the evening, we move to alluring Roussillon for dinner. We’ll meet up with a local guide to discover the history of Provence’s perched villages (villages perches) on a leisure walking tour. Dinner tonight will be at your own expense at one of the town’s many exquisite restaurants. |
La Coquillade, Gargas (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
FOUR BIKING OPTIONS: Today we venture further on two wheels into the breathtaking Luberon valley and some of the most picturesque landscapes of Provence. We cycle towards Gordes, a Plus Beaux Villages de France. If you’re in for more cycling, head through here to the 12th-century Abbaye de Senanque before lunch. This valley is a spectacular hidden treasure in the Luberon range, surrounded by lavender fields. You won’t want to miss it. You’ll fuel up with lunch on your own in the quaint town of Gordes with a nice selection of restaurants to choose from. You can choose to cycle back to the hotel or hop in the shuttle for an afternoon of R&R and a chance to indulge at the stellar spa. This evening, we convene for a delicious wine tasting and dinner at La Coquillade. |
La Coquillade, Gargas Breakfast, Dinner  |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: We enjoy breakfast at the hotel, after which, we begin our adventure with a quick shuttle towards Ventoux and the Côtes du Rhône, and a landscape full of cherry orchards and olive trees. We stop for lunch at the lovely little Gigondas village, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the region’s powerful reds. |
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This afternoon, continue your ride towards the striking Drôme Provençale and Côtes du Rhône, as Mont Ventoux rises in the background. Or if you’d prefer a more leisure approach to your afternoon, hop into the shuttle to Château de Massillan, our home for the next two nights. This spectacular 16th-century castle is surrounded by elegant trees, a natural pond and an organic vegetable garden designed according to the balance principles of Feng Shui. Tonight, we gather for a friendly game of pétanque before we meet for a delightful Provençal dinner together. |
Château de Massillan (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, we start our morning with French history and Roman ruins. Our adventure starts as we cycle through vineyards, stunning hamlets and peaceful roads towards the well-preserved town of Orange, a historical town that flourished under the Roman Emperor Augustus’ rule. Spend some time exploring the streets, admiring its large triumphal arch, spectacular theatre and impressive statues. We’ll gather for a guided tour of Théâtre antique d’Orange, a magnificent stage and auditorium classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s. |
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After the tour, we keep riding towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a wine appellation known for its strong Grenache-based red blends. Here, we’ll stop to taste some of the region’s best and also enjoy a local lunch fare. Continue your bike ride near the banks of the Rhône River as you make your way back to the hotel. You can also choose to shuttle back early to indulge in your hotel’s premium amenities. Tonight, we gather for a farewell aperitif on the porch before sitting down to a meal in the hotel’s gourmet dining room. |
Château de Massillan, UchauxBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Level 1, Approx. 18 km (11 miles), Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft) If you’re feeling attached and don’t want to part with your bike this morning. Go on one last ride through the Drôme Provençale countryside. If you’d prefer, you can choose a more leisure start to your morning, perhaps with a final coffee and a brief exploration of the hotel’s beautiful surroundings. We gather back together to hop in the shuttle to Avignon TGV, where our trip ends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Avignon, France
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Avignon. The nearest airport is Avignon Airport which is 8.9 km away. The nearest International Airport is Nimes Airport 56km and Marseille Provence Airport 90km.
Provence is known for its sunny and relatively mild climate. However, July and August are usually quite hot, and humidity is often high in June and September. Rain is possible year-round—don't forget to bring waterproof breathable rain gear. The Mistral, Provence's famously strong wind, can whip up at any moment, so come prepared with a windbreaker and warm layers.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, 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. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike 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. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
