In partnership with Relais & Châteaux, the long version of the road to happiness is a luxury escape by bike or electric bike lasting six days and six nights in the heart of the Luberon in Provence.
It’s a week-long and luxurious escapade for road cyclists or E-bikes, in the heart of the Luberon Mountains in Provence. For those who want to cycle in luxury, it’s the perfect getaway.
We’ve traced an itinerary that allows you to explore the beauty, culture, and history of the Luberon mountains. Starting from the village of Joucas, you cycle through cherry orchards, vineyards, and truffle oak plantations to arrive in Ménerbes, listed among France’s most beautiful villages. Climb the northern slopes to Gordes, probably the most jaw-dropping of all of the region’s jaw-dropping villages. In 5 days of cycling you’ll see numerous lavender fields, abandoned ocher mines, and stunning hilltop villages such as Oppède-le-Vieux, Bonnieux, and Lacoste.
You will stay in three exceptional Relais & Châteaux houses. In Joucas you’ll be based in the Phébus or Mas des Herbes Blanches hotel; in Gargas you’ll stay in La Coquillade; in Lauris you’ll be based in the Domaine de Fontenille.
Relais & Châteaux establishments promise a unique and luxurious experience
Day 1: Welcome in Provence in Joucas
We’ll welcome you in your Relais & Châteaux in Joucas – whether le Phébus or the Mas des Herbes Blanches. We’ll go over your itinerary, ensure you’re comfortable with your bike, give you tips on our favourite restaurants and visits, and answer any questions you may have.
Day 2: Loop ride from Joucas towards Gordes
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Climbing:
Starting from Joucas, you’ll ride in the direction of Gordes, its narrow cobbled streets winding up in concentric circles to the 18th century church and Renaissance castle that crown the village. Continue to the haunted village of Oppède-le-Vieux, its massive stone homes in partial ruin, and overtaken by vegetation. You’ll also cycle through the village of Ménerbes, its regal homes set in a neat row atop a knife-edge ridge.
Day 3: from Joucas to Gargas
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Climbing:
Your destination today is La Coquillade hotel in Gargas, cycling through the red, orange, and yellow sands of ancient ocher deposits. You’ll climb to the village of Roussillon, painted in every color of the rainbow from its former ocher quarry, set below the village. You’ll also head to the Colorado Provençal, a vast open quarry of otherworldly sands and colorful cliffs, unique in Provence. You’ll pass through the bustling town of Apt before reaching Gargas.
Day 4: Loop from Gargas – the perched villages of the Luberon
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Climbing:
Today’s rendez vous is with the perched medieval villages of the Luberon: a succession of climbs and descents that take you to some of France’s most beautiful villages. You’ll start with the village of Bonnieux, with its quaint squares, its 12th century Romanesque church shaded by giant cedar trees. Continue to the village of Lacoste, its streets winding up to the ruins of the castle of the infamous Marquis de Sade. You’ll return to Gargas via a cycle path set on a former railway line.
Day 5 : from Gargas à Lauris
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Leave Gargas to head towards the vineyards and châteaus of the southern slopes of the Luberon Mountains. You’ll ride atop a vast plateau, its narrow road framed by endless lavender fields. Visit the perched medieval village of Saignon, crowned by its castle ruins. Via a canyon road you wind slowly down towards Lourmarin, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. The ride finishes in Lauris at the Domaine de Fontenille.
Day 6: Loop from Lauris
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Climbing:
Today’s loop stays around the southern Luberon, its villages and châteaus surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You’ll visit the hilltop village of Ansouis and its medieval castle. Farther along you reach the stone village of Cucuron, its giant water basin lined with centuries-old plane trees, cafés and restaurants: the perfect place for lunch. Along the way you can stop in an olive mill to taste excellent regional olive oil and learn how it’s made.
Luxury category
- Days 1 & 2 – Hôtel Le Phébus & Spa – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
- Or: Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hôtel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
- Day 3 & 4 – Hôtel La Coquillade & Spa – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
- Days 5 & 6 – Hôtel le Domaine de Fontenille – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
- Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
- Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
- Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
- Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
- Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
- Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
- Assistance in case of problems 24/7.
What is not included in the price of your stay
- Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
- Transfer at the end of your stay.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..
