Provence Luxury

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 11:00 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 12:30 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays.