1 – Carpets of wild flowers

Spring comes early in Provence. The day before writing this article, I saw an almond tree budding in the hills: for me, the smell of almond blossoms has always meant the promise of spring, (and more time spent on my bike).

Aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary and winter savory display their small flowers in spring, from white to pink to purple, they are visible along paths and in gardens.

Delicate cistus flowers bloom in the scrubland. Carpets of poppies adorn farmers’ fields in May, transforming the landscapes into paintings. Valerian and its pink flowers grow on dry stone walls.

Fluorescent yellow Spanish broom fills the air with a musky scent. I have a particular affection for cherry blossoms in April: entirely white flowers filling the orchards at the foot of Mont Ventoux, and around the hilltop village of Venasque.

All of these flowers rush to bloom in spring, before the warm, sunny months of summer put a stop to growth.

2 – Fewer tourists

There is room for everyone in Provence, especially along its trails and secondary roads. During April and May, even the busiest parts of Provence are relatively quiet.

We generally do not bother with reservations, whether for accommodation or restaurants. The hilltop villages empty, and you can discover them in their medieval light, strolling alone through the cobbled streets. The cyclists you will meet during your hikes are most often locals.

The bistros and cafes are also full of locals, and you’ll have a more authentic experience.

3 – Favorable weather

Yes, you can have an occasional downpour in April and May.

No, it never really lasts all day.

And yes, you can still go out by bike. As I celebrate 20 years in Provence, primarily as a guide, I’ve probably only had a handful of weather-related cancellations during that time. Most days are perfect for riding, and as long as you have a light windproof jacket and gloves on hand – just in case – you won’t feel cold.

4 – Long days

Good weather is coupled with long days in April and May. It doesn’t get dark until after 8:00pm in April, and even later in May. It’s during this time that I can target all-day bike rides, stopping as much as needed or desired. And plus no need to calculate the heat into the equation.

I’ll often ride Ventoux in the early Spring, before the road to the summit is opened. The final 4.5 kilometers are still off-limits to cars, the winter snow still built up on the side of the road: adding to the excitement of the climb.

Let us know if we can help build your Spring cycling or hiking trip in Provence. Most of our tours are custom-built, and we often start off with a phone call to chat about the details. Looking forward to seeing you in Provence this Spring?

Traveling by bike in Provence is a way to connect with the south of France. Authentic holidays that respect the environment and follow the Slow Tourism trend to fully enjoy this cycling paradise and the riches of Provence. By electric bike or classic bike for experienced cyclists, setting off on one of our personalized bike tours means experiencing a unique stay on off-the-beaten-track routes. Stay as a couple, with friends or family, cycling holidays are a different way to experience time together and discover all the riches of Provence. And to convince you, here are the good reasons to choose our specialized travel agency to take care of the organization of your cycling tour in Provence.

Why travel by bike?

• The bike offers you great freedom of movement and allows you to access absolutely anywhere. The feeling of freedom on a bike is incredible. Going on a cycling adventure offers a unique feeling.
• Preserve the Planet: Our pleasure of traveling and our need for discovery are not a good reason to damage our environment. Even though traveling by bike is not the absolutely perfect way, it remains the solution with the least greenhouse gas emissions. Cycling is a slow, sustainable way to travel that is respectful of the people living where you are traveling.
• Traveling by bike in Provence gives you time to admire and enjoy the landscapes in which you are traveling. It gives you the freedom to stop at any time to enjoy the present moment.
• You are connected to your environment. Riding a bike is traveling with your five senses, particularly in Provence. The smells of scrubland and lavender, the song of cicadas and birds, the sun’s rays on your skin… you are connected with the elements.
• Being close to the locals: exploring Provence by bike makes it easier to meet locals, artisans and producers. A look, a smile, a few easily exchanged words that are not possible in the car.
• Traveling by bike in Provence gives you the opportunity to discover the Luberon and its hilltop villages, the Comtat Venaissin and its local producers, the wines of the Côtes du Rhône on the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail and why not Mont Ventoux for cyclists confirmed. And if you don’t have time to do everything in one go, why not discover them over several short stays.
• Travel differently and off the beaten track: Our local agency allows you, thanks to its expertise in Provence, to discover uncrowded places by bike and often only known to locals.

Why in Provence?

• Landscapes and villages: Provence and more particularly Vaucluse is a paradise for cycling holidays. Small picturesque roads, varied and grandiose landscapes, perched villages, each with its own identity.
• Gastronomy and wine: Vaucluse is often called the vergé of France! Our land produces excellent fruits and vegetables, our vines produce high quality wines and gastronomy in Provence has always benefited from these exceptional products.
• The climate: The Mediterranean climate allows cycling in Vaucluse almost all year round since we are lucky to have nearly 300 days of sunshine per year.
  Cultural and historical wealth: Vaucluse is also a land of culture and history. The Roman remains of Orange or Vaison la Romaine, the Palais des Papes and the museums of Avignon are world-renowned gems, but cycling will also take you closer to the pastoral heritage and popular culture that made of Provence what it is today.

What season to travel by bike in Provence?

• The best season to embark on a cycling tour in Provence is from April to the end of October. However, March and November can be an opportunity to escape for a short last-minute weekend.

What type of bike to travel by bike in Provence?

• The electric bike is undoubtedly the best way to discover Vaucluse because the discovery of the most interesting sites is earned and almost always requires strenuous climbs when you are not trained. For experienced and trained cyclists, a good fitness or fairly comfortable road bike will be ideal on our small roads.

Why entrust the organization of your cycling trip to a travel agency?

• Enjoy a personalized stay and itineraries adapted to your level and your desires,
• Benefit from our advice and local expertise for a true Provençal experience,
• You benefit, we take care of the logistics and baggage transfer,
• Avoid busy cycle routes which remain far from the most interesting places to visit and take advantage of our expertise to get off the beaten track with personalized cycle routes.
• The different existing stay packages for traveling by bike in Provence:
  Self-guided cycling holidays: You follow your routes on a GPS application and we take care of the logistics and assistance – Ideal for couples or small groups
  Guided cycling trips: You have a cycling guide who accompanies you, we take care of the logistics and assistance – Ideal for groups of 4 to 8 people
  Cycling trips with a support vehicle: A vehicle accompanies you and assists you if necessary. It also carries your luggage – Ideal for groups of 4 to 12 people
  Cycling trips with guide + support vehicle: Maximum service for a unique experience. Also allows you to have companions who do not cycle. – Ideal for groups of 4 to 12 people.

How much does a tailor-made bike trip cost?

• The price of a tailor-made cycling trip varies depending on the level of service and the category of hotels.
• A self-catering stay in a charming 2* or 3* hotel based on two people sharing a double room at a price starting from €165 per day per person and including breakfasts, rental of electric bikes, personalized routes on a GPS application and baggage transfer between hotels.