FranceTHE BEST OF PROVENCE
Guided Cycling Holiday
FranceThe Best of Provence
Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 7 Days
Level: 
Price: €1,830 EUR
On this fully supported cycling holiday we explore the best of Provence in Southern France. We stay in the most beautiful towns and villages, visit unforgettable sights and ride through spectacularly colorful scenery.
The tour begins in the stunning village of Roussillon, and from there we cycle through the quiet lanes and vineyards of Provence. We visit incredible historic monuments in Arles, Glanum and the Luberon Region. We enjoy olive oil and wine tastings at a local vineyard, and we ride through the most delightful villages; including Gordes, Baux, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and many more.
The tour is suitable for riders of all levels, with two different route options each day depending on how far you wish to ride. We follow quiet roads and cycling greenways away from traffic. Below you can find a detailed itinerary, and click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
We also run a self-guided version of this tour.
Day 1 - Rousillon
We pick you up from Avignon airport or train station and transfer you to your beautiful boutique hotel, situated in the village of Roussillon. Known for its red buildings built from local ochre stone, Roussillon
is stunningly picturesque and a delight to wander around.
We fit the bikes and, depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short circular ride around the local vineyards. You can also explore the narrow streets of Roussillon and walk along the Ochre Trail.
We fit the bikes and, depending on your arrival time there is the possibility of doing a short circular ride around the local vineyards. You can also explore the narrow streets of Roussillon and walk along the Ochre Trail.
Red Village of Rousillon
Day 2 - Lacoste & Pont Julien
On the first full day in the saddle we tour around some of the beautiful villages of the Luberon region. The ride follows quiet country lanes and cycle routes which head through vineyards, lavender fields and picturesque pine forests.
Highlights include the villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste. In the latter, you can visit an impressive castle which was once the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. You will also ride across Pont Julien - a Roman bridge across the Cavalon River - and will explore the charming village of Goult.
Before finishing the ride back in Roussillon we also stop for lunch and enjoy a tasting experience of the local Provencal olive oil.
Short Route: 37km (23 miles)
Long Route: 44km (27 miles)
Highlights include the villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste. In the latter, you can visit an impressive castle which was once the home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. You will also ride across Pont Julien - a Roman bridge across the Cavalon River - and will explore the charming village of Goult.
Before finishing the ride back in Roussillon we also stop for lunch and enjoy a tasting experience of the local Provencal olive oil.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 37km (23 miles)
Long Route: 44km (27 miles)
Today we ride through the Luberon region
Day 3 - Sénanque Abbey & Gordes
The riding today continues along quiet country lanes through stunning scenery, as we visit the charming villages of Joucas and Murs.
One of the highlights of the day is the dramatic Sénanque Abbey. Dating from the 12th century, the abbey is housed in a beautiful Medieval building and is surrounded by spectacularly colorful and fragrant fields of lavender.
From the abbey, the route descends gently to Gordes. Another one of Provence's most beautiful villages, Gordes is perched on the side of a cliff with incredible views overlooking the valley below and the Luberon region.
We stay in a traditional villa-style hotel on the edge of Gordes.
Short Route: 31km (19 miles)
Long Route: 40km (25 miles)
One of the highlights of the day is the dramatic Sénanque Abbey. Dating from the 12th century, the abbey is housed in a beautiful Medieval building and is surrounded by spectacularly colorful and fragrant fields of lavender.
From the abbey, the route descends gently to Gordes. Another one of Provence's most beautiful villages, Gordes is perched on the side of a cliff with incredible views overlooking the valley below and the Luberon region.
We stay in a traditional villa-style hotel on the edge of Gordes.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 31km (19 miles)
Long Route: 40km (25 miles)
Fragrant lavender at Sénanque Abbey
Day 4 - Vaucluse Region
This ride today begins by heading north into the beautiful Vaucluse region of Provence. We leave Gordes on rolling roads that wind through picturesque forest, before arriving at the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Situated at the source of the River Sorgue, this natural beauty spot has been highly regarded since ancient times, when it was the center of a pagan cult. Fontaine makes for a great coffee or lunch stop, with the charming hilltop
castle and 15th century paper watermill well worth exploring.
From Fontaine you can extend the route to Saumane-de-Vaucluse, home to a pleasant castle, before we return back to the Luberon region. The ride follows quiet country lanes through vineyards and lavendar fields around the delightful village of Maubec, where westop for lunch. There is also the possibility to visit a local olive oil producer for a tasting.
Short Route: 42km (26 miles)
Long Route: 60km (37 miles)
From Fontaine you can extend the route to Saumane-de-Vaucluse, home to a pleasant castle, before we return back to the Luberon region. The ride follows quiet country lanes through vineyards and lavendar fields around the delightful village of Maubec, where westop for lunch. There is also the possibility to visit a local olive oil producer for a tasting.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 42km (26 miles)
Long Route: 60km (37 miles)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
Day 5 - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Glanum
Today you head west following mostly flat or gently rolling roads towards the Alpilles region of Provence. Following cycle routes and country lanes we ride through orchards and
picturesque farmland, framed by the Alpilles (Little Alps) in the background.
Highlights on the route include the charming village of Eygalières, which is known for its cheeses and is our lunch stop. From there it is a short distance to your destination for the evening, the town of St-Remy-de-Provence.
St-Rémy is an intensely colourful and captivating market town, full of the delightful sights, smells and sounds that make the Provence region so special. The town is also home to Glanum - the best preserved ancient ruins in all of France. Glanum is France's answer to Pompeii: an incredible site where you can see the ruins of Greek houses, Gaulish fortifications and Roman temples all on the same site.
Short Route: 38km (24 miles)
Long Route: 49km (30 miles)
Highlights on the route include the charming village of Eygalières, which is known for its cheeses and is our lunch stop. From there it is a short distance to your destination for the evening, the town of St-Remy-de-Provence.
St-Rémy is an intensely colourful and captivating market town, full of the delightful sights, smells and sounds that make the Provence region so special. The town is also home to Glanum - the best preserved ancient ruins in all of France. Glanum is France's answer to Pompeii: an incredible site where you can see the ruins of Greek houses, Gaulish fortifications and Roman temples all on the same site.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 38km (24 miles)
Long Route: 49km (30 miles)
Gallo-Roman Town of Glanum
Day 6 - Baux & Arles
The ride today crosses the Alpilles and heads south, towards the historic city of Arles. The day begins with a long but gentle climb up to the picture-postcard village of Baux.
Built on a rocky outcrop, the Medieval streets of Baux are fascinating to explore. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the small village was the capital of a vast feudal state, which controlled huge areas of Provence.
From Baux we descend on quiet lanes, passing an impressive Roman aqueduct as you head into the Camargue region. You enter Arles on cycle lanes, passing the Langlois bridge immortalized by Van Gogh.
The ride finishes in the historic heart of Arles - a city which is home to some of the finest Roman ruins in Western Europe, including an amphitheatre, a theatre, baths and a forum complex.
Short Route: 42km (26 miles)
Long Route: 51km (31 miles)
Built on a rocky outcrop, the Medieval streets of Baux are fascinating to explore. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the small village was the capital of a vast feudal state, which controlled huge areas of Provence.
From Baux we descend on quiet lanes, passing an impressive Roman aqueduct as you head into the Camargue region. You enter Arles on cycle lanes, passing the Langlois bridge immortalized by Van Gogh.
The ride finishes in the historic heart of Arles - a city which is home to some of the finest Roman ruins in Western Europe, including an amphitheatre, a theatre, baths and a forum complex.
Cycle Routes:
Short Route: 42km (26 miles)
Long Route: 51km (31 miles)
Quiet Country Lanes
Day 7 - Possible Extensions
The tour comes to an end today and we will transfer you to Arles train or bus station in time for your onwards journey.
You may also wish to extend the holiday, by spending extra nights in Arles or one of the other attractive destinations nearby, such as the French Riviera, Marseille or Avignon.
Please Contact us if you would like to extend the itinerary and spend extra nights in Avignon.
You may also wish to extend the holiday, by spending extra nights in Arles or one of the other attractive destinations nearby, such as the French Riviera, Marseille or Avignon.
Please Contact us if you would like to extend the itinerary and spend extra nights in Avignon.
Avignon from across the River Rhone
This tour explores the best of Provence. We visit the most beautiful villages in the region, cycling between them on quiet country lanes through vineyards and colorful scenery.
The holiday also has a keen focus on the rich history of the region. We visit the ancient Gaulish-Roman city of Glanum, ride over the Pont du Gard aqueduct and explore various castles and chateaus almost every day.
We also take advantage of the region's famous gastronomy, touring around the charming villages of the Luberon and take lunch everyday in our favourite local restaurants.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
The holiday also has a keen focus on the rich history of the region. We visit the ancient Gaulish-Roman city of Glanum, ride over the Pont du Gard aqueduct and explore various castles and chateaus almost every day.
We also take advantage of the region's famous gastronomy, touring around the charming villages of the Luberon and take lunch everyday in our favourite local restaurants.
And these are just a few of the many highlights of the tour. Check out more in the photo album below:
Luberon Region
The holiday begins in the Luberon region of Provence. Home to spectacular views, quiet country lanes and stunning villages, it's ideal for cycling.
Quiet Country Lanes
The routes on this tour mostly follow quiet back roads and cycling routes free from traffic.
Tasty Food
We take lunches in local restaurants, which showcase the fine gastronomy of the region.
Sénanque Abbey
The colorful lavender fields in this part of Provence certainly leave an impression. But the 12th century Cistercian abbey is the real star, and a stunning example of Medieval architecture.
Lacoste Château
This castle in the Luberon region is the former home of the infamous Marquis de Sade. But with gently rolling cycling routes and beautiful hotels, this is not a tour for sadists!
Ancient Glanum
The remains of this Gaulish city shows both Greek and Roman influences. This Hellenic style house was a result of increasing contact with the nearby Greek colony of Massilia (Marseille).
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This beautiful village is built on natural springs at the end of the Sorgue valley. The stunning location of the springs has captivated people since ancient times - when it was regarded as having divine properties.
Jerusalem Windmill
This picturesque windmill is located in the small village of Gault and sits beside the castle, overlooking the valley below.
Tasting Menu
This small plates tasting menu is one of the gastronomic highlights of the holiday.
Charming House
Typical of the market town of Saint-Remy.
Baux
Baux was at one time the most powerful village in the region. The Princes of Baux were feudal lords who controlled nearly one hundred villages in the surrounding lands.
Medieval Provence
Winding streets and alleyways await at every turn in villages like Baux and Gordes
Cycle Route over the Pont Julien
Our routes follow a combination of quiet country lanes and cycle routes, such as this one heading over the Pont Julien Roman Bridge.
Roussillon
This 'red village' is one of the most charming in the region. Buildings here are made from the local ochre stone, which gives them the distinctive color.
Provencal Cuisine
Sampling the Provencal gastronomy is one of the highlights of this trip. You will have plenty of opportunities on this tour to try out the local specialities, including bouillabaisse (pictured).
Gordes
This small hilltop town is quintessential Provence. It is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards which make for a great backdrop on the bike.
Arles Roman Amphitheatre
Arles was one of the most important cities in the West of the Roman empire. It was founded as a colony by Julius Caesar and was furnished with great monuments, many of which remain standing today.
Luberon Vineyards
There is plenty of chance to taste the wine from the local vineyards, either at the wineries or in the villages along the route.
Provencal Horses
Horses are a common sight in the paddocks and stables that you pass along the route.
Vincent Van Gogh
The Dutch artist spent several years in the region. On this tour you will visit some of the places that influenced and inspired him the most - including the Langlois Bridge in Arles, and the Saint-Paul Asylum in St Rémy.
Included
- ✔ 6 Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ 11 meals: 6 breakfasts, & 5 lunches (usually a three course meal in a good local restaurant with drinks inlcuded)
- ✔ Bicycle Hire (Hybrid, road or e-bike) (see below for details)
- ✔ Transfers to and from arrival and departure points (see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Vehicle Support on the routes
- ✔ Experienced guide cycling the routes and explaining places of interest
- ✔ Detailed information pack
Not Included:
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is included in the cost of the holiday, and we recommend our lightweight hybrid bikes or e-bikes for this tour.
If you prefer we can also provide road bikes, although the routes do change slightly for these to avoid a couple of gravel sections.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required, as well as a Cycle Fiesta water bottle.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as easy difficulty if you ride the shorter routes and medium if you ride the longer routes. The routes are mostly flat or gently rolling, with some slightly longer but gentle climbs up to the hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon.
The longer routes are also quite flat or rolling and you can choose whether to do the shorter or longer ride on any given day.
We hate cycling alongside traffic, and so ride on a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The vast majority is paved, but there are some short gravel sections. These can be avoided if you are on a road bike or prefer to stay entirely on paved roads.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
The longer routes are also quite flat or rolling and you can choose whether to do the shorter or longer ride on any given day.
We hate cycling alongside traffic, and so ride on a combination of quiet paved roads and cycling greenways. The vast majority is paved, but there are some short gravel sections. These can be avoided if you are on a road bike or prefer to stay entirely on paved roads.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels.
Arrival and Departure
The tour begins in the village of Roussillon. Transfers to here are included from Marseille (Provence) airport or Avignon train station. If you are unable to get flights directly to Marseille, then we recommend flying into either Lyon, Nice or Paris and taking
the fast train from there to Avignon.
If you are already staying in Provence, we may be able to pick you up from elsewhere in the region - just let us know when before the tour begins.
The holiday ends in Arles. Transfers are included to Arles train station, from where you can get easy and fast connections to Marseille airport, or to other cities in Provence and beyond.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region.
If you are already staying in Provence, we may be able to pick you up from elsewhere in the region - just let us know when before the tour begins.
The holiday ends in Arles. Transfers are included to Arles train station, from where you can get easy and fast connections to Marseille airport, or to other cities in Provence and beyond.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
What is the weather like?
Provence is mostly dry and sunny throughout the year, with little rain. This tour is enjoyable year round, although temperatures can be a bit too hot at times in July and August, and it can
also be quite cool in the middle of winter.
So we generally run the guided tour in Spring and Autumn (Fall), when the vineyards are out and the weather is often perfect for cycling.
There is always the possibility of getting caught in a shower though, so we recommend to bring a rain jacket, just in case.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, we would be happy to arrange any tour extensions for you. The most popular option is to spend extra nights in
Avignon or on the French Riviere.
But we can also help you to extend the trip if you wish to visit the Alps, or any other destination in Provence or elsewhere nearby.
Can non-cyclists come on the trip?
Absolutely! Non-cyclists are more than welcome.
Although cycling is a big part of the holiday, we also do a lot off the bike. Usually non-cyclists ride in the support vehicle and can explore the various towns and villages along the route.
How big are the groups on your tour?
We usually limit the groups to a maximum of 10 people. We find that if there are many more than that, it can become a bit unwieldly. We think that smaller groups also provide for a more
personal experience, as well as enabling to book more easily in some of our favourite restaurants.
Who is leading the tour?
All of our guided tours are led personally by the founders of Cycle Fiesta - Ian & Lucia.
See our about us page for more information.
Can I do this as a private guided tour?
Yes, we can run this as a private tour for groups of six or more people. Please get in contact with us to discuss dates and any changes you would like to make
When is the best time to see the lavender?
The lavender is in bloom in Provence during June and July.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in our terms and conditions.
Where can I find more information about the region?
We have some articles of interest on the website to provide you with more background before your trip. We also provide extensive trip notes, including points of interest
and a detailed history of the region.
To begin with, check out our guide to Roman Provence.
La Maison des Ocres
This beautiful 3-star boutique hotel is situated in a traditional red maison in the heart of Roussillon. It has attractive gardens set around a swimming pool and is in a great location for exploring the charming village.
Mas de Senancole
This boutique hotel on the edge of Gordes is set around a traditional Provencal villa. You stay here for two nights. It has picturesque gardens surrounding a swimming pool, and also has spa facilities which are great for relaxing at the end of the day.
Hotel le Castelet des Alpilles
This attractive *** hotel is situated in the center of St-Remy, and just a ten minute walk from the Roman ruins at Glanum. The comfortable rooms are housed inside a beautiful town house, which overlooks the swimming pool and charming garden.
Hotel du Forum
Charming family run 3-star hotel in the historic center of Arles. The hotel has chic rooms and a swimming pool area which is great for relaxing. It is also located within very easy walking distance of the Roman Amphitheatre and Theatre complexes.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
| Date | Price (per person)¹ | Single Supplement | Bike Hire | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6th - 12th September 2025 | €1,830 EUR | €480 EUR | Included | |
| Other Dates² | from €1,870 EUR | €440 EUR | Included |
¹Price is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. If you would prefer to stay in a single room, the single supplement is applicable.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
To reserve a place on the tour, click the button above and complete the reservation form. We will then get back to you within 24 hours to confirm the reservation, and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
For more details on the booking process, please check out our Reservations page.
²Other Dates
Groups of eight people or more contact us to arrange a private guided tour starting on any date. Similar tours that you may be interested in:
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