Cycle Provence & The Luberon

8 days - from $1486

Ride through the spectacular rolling hills and lavender fields of the Luberon
Provence has been inhabited since ancient times and is so named as it was one of the first provinces outside of Roman Italy. The area stretches from the Rhone River in the west to the Alps and Italy in the east, and the landscape is dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields. Cycling along the Durance River, we pass through many picturesque market towns and quaint villages. The Durance flows for 320km from the French Alps into the Rhone River, under the shadow of the Luberon and its national park. Amid the lush colours of the lavender fields we make our way towards the majestic Mont Ventoux. Standing at almost 2000m this mountain has become legendary as one of the most gruelling climbs of the Tour de France and the summit offers magnificent views across the plains of Provence. Nestled between Sault and the mountain range are the beautiful Nesque Gorges with many ancient Roman ruins to explore before heading back to the market town of Cavaillon.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Cavaillon. 2 Follow the flow of La Durance before the first climb of the day through the historic villages of Merindol and Lauris before continuing to the Provencal village of Cucuron, at the foot of the Grand Luberon. 3 Ride through rolling hills on our way to the lavender fields surrounding the charming market town of Forcalquier. 4 Explore the narrow streets and shady squares of Forcalquier. Alternatively ride a loop to the foot of the Lure Mountain and the village of Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues. 5 A gradual climb on rugged terrain passing through the ancient town of Saint-Christol with its underground caves, and eventually reaching Sault. 6 For an easier day ride, a circular loop through the Nesque Gorges to some of the most beautiful places in Provence. For the ultimate challenge, we are very close to Mont Ventoux, and we have the opportunity to climb almost 1200m to the summit, a legendary 7 Cycle south across the Vaucluse Plateau, then west through some delightful villages to Cavaillon. 8 End.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 50km (32 miles) No of cycling days: 6 (2 optional) Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: hilly region with a few gradual climbs and a descent on the final day's cycling. Some rugged terrain passing through quiet villages and varied countryside.
Group size: Self guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools.
Food: All breakfasts and 4 dinners included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $437.50
Trip Reference: LSM
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Start any Saturday or Thursday from 10 March to 20 October 2012Starting 03 May - 09 June and 13 September - 06 October GBP899Starting 12 June - 08 September GBP949All other dates GBP849Prices are land only and do not include travel from LondonSupplement for single traveller GBP450 (includes single room supplement)Return rail travel to Cavaillon, prices on requestLow cost flights to Marseille available with Easyjet and RyanairLocal Bike Hire: 21 speed Cannondale hybrid bikes GBP85, paid on booking
Trip Reference: LSM