France
Active / Recreational
Avignon, France
Oppede le Vieux to Joucas
Approximately 12 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing
Visit a wine cellar and taste some local wines
You have finally arrived in sultry and seductive Provence! Matisse described this place as “soft and tender, despite its brilliance,” and every moment here is like a living work of impressionistic masterwork. Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Le Cloître Saint Louis in Avignon at 11:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 50-minute private shuttle, you’ll arrive in Menerbes, the walled village, rich in history and bedazzled with cherry orchards, and made famous by Peter Mayle's book "A Year in Provence." A picnic lunch prepared by your Trek Travel guides awaits you along with a chance to taste some quintessential Lubéron wines. After a short round of introductions, your guides will discuss the rules of bike safety and specific cycling tips for riding in Provence before familiarizing you with your Trek bicycle and ensuring a comfortable fit. Then we’ll set off for our first introductory ride. Afterward, you’ll arrive back at the hotel in time to freshen up, stroll the grounds, and meet the group for social hour and dinner at the hotel bistro, the Café de la Fontaine. The cuisine here is fresh and contemporary, and features the region's best flavors.
Joucas to Bonnieux Loop
Approximately 34 miles with 2,600 feet of climbing
Joucas to Bonnieux to Apt Loop
Approximately 44 miles with 3,600 feet of climbing
Private cooking school with Xavier Mathieu
We’ll get to know the curves and nuances of Provence today, as we head to the towns of Bonnieux, Lacoste and Apt. Bonnieux, built on a hillside, welcomes you with an imposing church tower. This small village is an alter to food, complete with Boulangerie Museum and its history of bread. You'll have a chance to explore and to have lunch at your leisure, and then you can elect to ride or shuttle back to the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a special treat: cooking school with Michelin-starred chef, Xavier Mathieu, where you'll learn the secrets of Provençal cuisine. Dinner this evening will be an experience to remember at the hotel's gastronomic restaurant, the Xavier Mathieu, where the fare is inspired by the seasons and flavors of southern France.
Joucas to Gordes to Roussillon Loop
Approximately 24 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing
Mormoiron to Ventoux to Joucas
Approximately 53 miles with 6,600 feet of climbing
Visit the Gordes market
Today if you choose to do so, discover the crown jewel of cycling and the hulking massif of Provence – Mont Ventoux. This is one of France’s most unique climbs, with shady, forested switchbacks giving way to a long ascent across a moonscape to cycling’s famous landmark – the lighthouse on top of Ventoux. This mountain has both crowned champions like Chris Froome and Alberto Contador, and witnessed tragedy, like the stories of Tom Simpson. Each is a heralded chapter in the pageantry of our sport, and if you choose to ride the classic ascent from Bedoin and descend to Sault for lunch, you’ll inscribe your own name in its history. Or choose another option: a beautiful relaxed loop through the Luberon countryside. Our first stop this morning is the Gordes weekly market with a guest - Chef Xavier Mathieu! Stroll through the market, pick up a snack of local fruit, bread, or olive oil if you'd like, and explore the tiny alleys of this beautiful village before continuing your ride to Roussillon, a famously ancient, medieval village and archeological reserve, replete with red brick, buildings and roofs. Stroll the timeworn streets and enjoy a leisurely lunch with the group here before riding or shuttling back to the hotel. Tonight, head to Joucas or Gordes for a dinner of your choice and whatever delights catch your eye.
Please Note: Mt. Ventoux is only rideable in favorable weather and based on judgement of the guides.
Joucas to Monteux with Shuttle Return
Approximately 26 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing
Joucas to Monteux Loop
Approximately 52 miles with 3,300 feet of climbing
Farm to table meal at a truffle farm; Wine and cheese tasting
It’s a full taste of Provençal life today with a ride to a family truffle farm complete with a truffle-themed lunch provided by the family themselves. Indulge in these coveted and often decadent ingredients as they were meant to be: close to the source and harvested with care and love. Then, mount your bike to continue riding or choose to shuttle and head back to the hotel for some afternoon free time at the spa, on the hotel grounds or wherever you like to relax. This evening we'll gather for a very special tasting of local wines and cheese before dinner at the hotel's casual bistro.
Joucas to Gorges de la Nesque to Bedoin with Shuttle
Approximately 42 miles with 3,300 feet of climbing
Sault to Gorges de la Nesque to Bedoin with Shuttle
Approximately 25 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing
Joucas to Gorges de la Nesque to Bedoin Loop
Approximately 60 miles with 5,700 feet of climbing
After a delicious breakfast, prepare for one of the most iconic rides of the region through the Gorges de la Nesque. This popular route with cyclists takes us into a wild canyon with panoramic views up, down and across. This is known as one of the most picturesque routes in all of Provence, so savor the moment. We’ll stop in the bustling town of Bedoin so you can explore and have lunch at your leisure. Choose either to remount your bike for the ride back, or shuttle back for a quick escape. Tonight, we’ll gather for one last social hour and wine-paired dinner of Provençal specialties under the stars at le Mas Tourteron, a locally-famous gourmet restaurant in a special house underneath the mulberry trees and helmed by chef Elisabeth Bourgeois.
Joucas to Roussillon to Lioux Loop
Approximately 16 miles with 1,300 feet of climbing
All good things must come to an end, and so it’s true for our adventure in Provence. This morning you'll have the chance for one last loop in the Lubéron. Or if you’d rather skip the ride, you are welcome to sleep and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. A private Trek Travel shuttle will depart from the hotel at 10:30 AM. You’ll say farewell to your guides before the 50-minute shuttle to the Avignon Central Train Station or the TGV station. Please do not schedule a train out of Avignon before 12:00 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays.
Breakfast
We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price and date are guaranteed.
What is Single Occupancy?
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself.
To be a member of the Relais & Châteaux fellowship is no small feat – it means that Le Phebus & Spa Carita has elevated the acts of dining and relaxing to rare arts. Here, luxury abounds in every corner, from the new flavors at Michelin-starred restaurant, Xavier Mathieu, to its decadent spa with treatments based on lavender and essential oils. This perfectly-situated jewel is also perfectly magical.
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. See more
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Provence is best suited for our Type 2 & 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 1 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is highlighted by stunning views, quiet roads and challenging terrain. We will climb an average of 2-3 major climbs per day that combine sustained climbing with several steep sections. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
September in Provence usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with cool evenings. Temperatures during these months range between 60s to high 70s, but don’t be surprised if the Provencal sun raises temperatures to mid 80s. The mornings often start off cooler. Rain is always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear in order to best enjoy your vacation. July and August are quite warm with less of a chance of rain. If you are planning on riding Mont Ventoux, we recommend bringing your fall/winter riding gear. The descent can be very cold.
If you’re going we’re going on almost all our trips. Trips with 1 guest booked are guaranteed to run. Select trips like Cross Country, Race and Special Edition trips require a minimum number of guests to run and are not guaranteed until that number is reached. Contact your Trip Consultant for more details.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.
Please review our packing list page for more details.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend you fly into Paris (CDG). All international US carriers and Air France offer nonstop flights from major US cities.
From Paris, take a TGV train to Avignon, either from the TGV station at Charles de Gaulle Airport or from the Gare de Lyon in Paris. Please consult www.voyages-sncf.com to book your tickets. Alternatively, you may fly into Marseilles (MRS) or Nice (NCE) and take a train to Avignon. Avignon (AVN) also has a small airport with local flights. Please note that there are two train stations in Avignon--the TGV and the Central (Centre). The TGV station is approximately five miles from the Centre Station downtown. If you happen to arrive at the central train station, there is a frequent shuttle bus that runs between the two stations that costs a few euros per person, which usually takes 10 minutes, and runs approximately every 20 minutes. Taxis are also available at the central station for the 10-minute ride for approximately 20 euros. Train schedules are available and tickets can be booked directly online at www.SNCF.com or using our in house travel agent services. (Please note the train schedule changes frequently. Please consult the SNCF site for the most up-to-date schedule.)
Hotel Cloître Saint Louis | Avignon, France
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Cloître Saint Louis at 11:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 1 hour shuttle by private coach, your Provençal vacation begins! Enjoy a picnic lunch and taste some wines as your guides explain how the trip will unfold, and fit you to your high-end Trek Domane. Once everyone’s bike is ready you’ll be off to explore the quiet roads of Provence.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Hostellerie Le Phebus (+33 4 90 05 78 83), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. You may take a taxi to the first night’s hotel for approximately 100 euros.
Avignon TGV and Central Train Stations | Avignon, France
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at the Hostellerie le Phebus. After saying goodbye to your guides, you will take a private coach from the trip end to the Avignon TGV and/or Central Stations (approximately 60 minute shuttle). Here you can take a train to Paris or any other destination of your choice. Please do not book any train before 12:30 PM.
Paris is home to many of the world’s best-known monuments and museums. A backdrop of many famous photos, the Arc de Triomphe sits majestically at the top end of the Champs-Elysées. You can go to the observation deck for an expansive view down the world-famous boulevard from Napoléon’s huge triumphal arch—the largest in the world.The Arc isn’t the only site that offers a great view of the city, however. Other monuments with impressive vistas include the view from the white dome of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, or from atop the 56 floors of the Tour Montparnasse, and of course at the summit of the most famous monument in Paris—la Tour Eiffel. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:
An oasis in the middle of the vibrant Latin Quarter on the left bank, this family-run hotel will make you feel comfortable and at home. 43 rooms.
51 Boulevard Saint Marcel | +33 (0)1 43 37 81 25 | www.Hotel-Paris-Lademeure.com | ~$210
In the heart of historic Paris, located on a quiet street in the center of a prestigious neighborhood, this is a stylish hotel where Oscar Wilde lived in 1899. The hotel’s website has some useful information and links to activities.
Opéra 13, Rue Marsollier | +33 (0)1 42 96 68 14 | www.Louvre-Paris-Hotel.com | ~$185
Located right on the main luxury shopping street and within walking distance to the Louvre, Opera, and the Tuileries, this 4 star hotel is a perfect spot to see the City of Lights. You can also enjoy a lunch or coffee at elegant on-site Café 221. Special rates for Trek Travel guests may apply – ask your trip consultant for more information.
221 Rue Saint Honoré | +33(0)1 42603279 | www.leshotelsduroy.com | ~$360
If you are planning on extending your trip and exploring the walled city of Avignon, there are a number of must sees. Palais des Papes stands as the largest Gothic palace in Europe. With the arrival of the popes in the 14th century, for a period known as the Avignon Papacy, the Palais des Papes was home to the Sovereign Pontiffs. One must also visit the nearby Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that was used to bring Uzès spring water to Nîmes. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:
A Jesuit monastery built in 1611, this building was converted to a hotel in the early 1900s. A walled courtyard, lined with old plane trees, makes for a relaxing setting. It has a small rooftop pool and is one block from the central train station. 80 rooms.
20, rue du Portail-Boquier | +33 (0)4 90 27 55 55 | www.Cloitre-Saint-Louis.com | ~$280
A former 16th century residence of the Marquis de Graveson, Hotel d’Europe once hosted Napoléon. It is tucked away in a walled courtyard and decorated with antiques. The rooms are mostly large with two suites that overlook the Palais des Papes. The hotel boasts one of the finest restaurants in Avignon. 44 rooms.
12, Place Crillon | +33 (0)4 90 14 76 76 | www.Hotel-D-Europe.fr | ~$425
In the heart of Avignon, and its myriad quaint cobblestone streets. Located a stone’s throw from the Palais des Papes, the hotel de l’Horloge offers a charm all its own. 67 rooms.
1 rue Félicien David | +33 (0)1 55 33 16 55 | www.Hotel-Avignon-Horloge.com | ~$165
