Explore the villages of Provence: from Mont Ventoux to the Luberon with our 8-day and 7-night adventure by roadbike or Ebike. Starting and ending in Pernes les Fontaines, you’ll explore the most stunning villages Provence has to offer. Every day, every ride, you’ll be immersed in the rich culture and history of our beloved Provence.
You’ll begin between the vines of the Côtes du Rhône and the foothills of Mont Ventoux, before heading to the perched medieval village of Gordes. Cycling through the Monts du Vaucluse range, you reach the hilltop villages of the Luberon Park, made famous in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. You head to the village of Roussillon, painted in every hue from pale yellow to deep red. You’ll also visit the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse and its mysterious spring, where the emerald waters of the Sorgue River are borne. Heading back into the plains, you’ll cycle through the town of Isle sur la Sorgue – a veritable island of a town – encircled by the river, with its colourful markets and antique shops.
We’ve selected charming hotels for your adventure: l’Hôtel de l’Hermitage in Pernes les Fontaines, the Mas des Romarins in Gordes, and l’Hôtel du Poète in Fontaine de Vaucluse.
Day 1: Welcome in Pernes les Fontaines
Our team will welcome you in Pernes les Fontaines, a bustling village with its stone fountains, monuments, cafés and restaurants. We’ll ensure you’re comfortable on your bikes and with our navigation system, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
Day 2: Loop ride from Pernes les Fontaines – Villages of Mont Ventoux
Distance: approx. 49 km
Climbing: + 480m
Leaving your hotel you head northbound, and through the renowned vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône. Via small country roads and cycle paths you cross through the Rhône Valley, the world’s 2nd largest vineyard. You’ll cycle under the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail chain of mountains to reach the village of Beaumes de Venise, known for its sweet Muscat wines. Head towards the Giant of Provence – Mont Ventoux – and climb to the perched village of Crillon le Brave for the best views of the mountain. Return to Pernes les Fontaines for a 2nd night.
Day 3: from Pernes Les Fontaines to Gordes
Several options are possible
Distance: from 30 to 43 km
Climbing: from +650m to +890m
Leave Pernes les Fontaines to head towards the magnificent perched village of Gordes. You’ll cycle through the remote hills of the Monts du Vaucluse, including the village of Vénasque, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Climb atop the ridge of the range before a freewheel down to Sénanque Abbey: a 12th century monastery surrounded by its lavender fields. Reach the hilltop village of Gordes, where you check in for three nights.
Day 4: Loop from Gordes via Roussillon and the ocher fields
Several options available
Distance: from 43 to 49 km
Climbing: from +600m to +700m
You’ll climb to the village of Roussillon – painted in every hue from pale yellow to deep red – its colourful streets, steps, archways, and secret passageways in stark contrast with the austere gray homes of neighbouring villages. Spend time exploring the narrow streets by foot, and enjoy a café in the village square. You’ll also pass the Bruoux mines – a former labyrinth of 40 kilometers of 10-meter high tunnels carved into the ocher cliffs. Return to Gordes for a 2nd night.
Day 5: From Gordes to Fontaine de Vaucluse via the Perched villages of the Luberon
Several options are available.
Distance: from 31 to 61km
Climbing: from +440m to +820m
Today’s ride takes you from the hilltop village of Gordes to the mysterious emerald spring of Fontaine de Vaucluse. Along the way you’ll visit some of our favourite hilltop villages in the Luberon Mountains. Explore the ancient streets of Ménerbes, a village hoisted high atop a narrow ridge, overlooking the vines. Meander through the haunted streets of Oppède Le Vieux, climbing a labyrinth of stone steps towards the castle ruins set dizzyingly atop a cliff. Reach the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse and check in for a 2-night stay.
Day 6: Free day in Fontaine de Vaucluse
Enjoy a free day in the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where you can visit the mysterious spring, or enjoy a breathtaking kayak ride down the lazy, emerald waters of the Sorgue. You can also choose to complete a hike to the lost village of Saumane, along thyme-laden hills and via ancient dry-stone huts.
Day 7: From l’Isle sur la Sorgue to Pernes Les Fontaines
Distance: 30km
Climbing: +140m
It’s your last day of cycling: follow the course of the Sorgue River to the town of Isle sur la Sorgue. It’s a veritable island: the crystal clear waters of the river wrap around the center of town, adorned with ancient water wheels. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, and antique shops, while the town’s Thursday and Sunday markets are known throughout Provence. Farther west, you cycle through apple and pear orchards to return to Pernes les Fontaines.
Day 8: Au-revoir La Provence
Charm category
- Hôtel de l’Hermitage in Pernes les Fontaines 3* – 3 nights
- Hôtel Mas des Romarins 3* – 3 nights
- Hôtel du Poète in Fontaine de Vaucluse 3* – 2 nights
What is included in the price of your stay
- 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.)..
