Provence - Guided - 7 days

Day 1

Arrival at Carprentas. Welcome meeting with aperitif and information for the upcoming days. First French dinner in a relaxed atmosphere in the hotel garden. Bon appétit!

Day 2  Malaucène – Bédoin – Beaumes de Venise – Carpentras  44 km

The delightful bike journey starts in Malaucène. Olive plantation, vineyards, pines, peach plantations and in the background the Mont Venoux with its majestic appearance and the snappy shape of the Dentelles de Mont Mirail – a wonderful landscape, various and colorful. We travers the picturesque villages of Bedoin, Carob up to Baumes de Venise. Stroll through the old city and maybe a short break for coffee or Pastis in one of the numerous bars. Muscatel tasting that is produced in this area. Through the picturesque vineyards of Vaucluse we arrive Carpentras.

Day 3  Pernes-les-Fontaines – Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Gordes  38 km

Pernes-les-Fontaines, with its fountains, beautiful alleyways, was the capital of the Comtat Venaissin till1320. It is characterized by water and surrounded by former fortress towers. Thanks to its charm it is worth a visit. Walkthrough the church Notre Dame de Nazareth bevor the continuation to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, named after the eponymous river. Crafts like dye works, weavings, tanneries and mills benefited by the hydropower of the Sorgue. Small alleyways, antique shops, many bridges and lovely bars are typical for this place. Let’s have a closer look! Afterwards journey to Gordes. The view out of Gordes is worth the climb (possibility to bus access). We have one of the most impressive views just before our arrival in Gordes, of the villages which inspired so many artists. We are visiting the small alleyways and enjoy the warm light of the afternoon sun.

Day 4  Mont Ventoux – Sault –  Gorges de la Nesque  55 km

The highest mountain of the Provence is just in front of you, the Mont Ventoux. We start with a visit of a typical Provençal market. Afterwards we see the scare in your eye.

But don’t worry, we won’t climb the mountain by bike but take the bus!! Here we start the cycling journey with a wonderful downhill. Through Sault, the center of the lavender plantation, we are cycling to the deep ravines of the “Gorges de la Nesque” always accompanied by the beguiling fragrance of the lavender. Limestone walls to your left and to your right, just an incredible experience! The dream stage ends with a wine tasting of Cote du Ventoux – of course.

Day 5  Sault – Saint Christol – Saint Saturnin lès Apt  54 km

Surrounded by the lavender fields is Sault the starting point of today’s journey. The transfer to this point allows a pleasant start, always slightly downhill towards St. Christol, through picturesque and well smelling landscape. On the way stop and visit at a lavender farm. The following pick nick spot is inviting us to spend a bit more time here…

Continuation of trip to Saint Saturnin les Apt. The ruin of the former fortress of Saint Saturnin is visible form long distance. A typical Provençal village with a Roman chapel, windmill, many small winding alleyways and pleasant silence.  Saint Saturnin is specialized in cherry plantation – enjoy!!

Day 6  Luberon Regional park around Apt  41 km

Today’s ride brings us through the Regional Park of Luberon which was found in 1977. Very various landscape which is characterized by limestone, villages that lean on the rock, ochre rocks, vineyards, olive plantations and small streams. We are cycling on a former trail way through picturesque landscapes and enjoy the fragrances of pine and herbs. Relaxed pick nick bevor we hike through the Colorado of Luberon: Colorado de Rustrel. Visit of the most beautiful spots of this area in a one hour hike. Bring good shoes. Apt is the hometown of crystallized fruit. Let’s go, we have to taste them!

Day 7

After breakfast it is time to say “au revoir”.