This cycling tour is a series of highlights through the Provence. You’ll ride through lavender valleys and visit the most beautiful French villages. Along the way, you'll pass the famous Sénanque Abbey, the village of Lacoste with the Marquis de Sade’s castle, the charming town of Apt, and the stunning Gorges de la Nesque. And the views? Simply formidable! » read more about Cycling holiday Provence
Ah, it's already four o’clock. “I’ll have a deep red Roussillon, please. That’ll help the cycling go smoothly again.” Enjoying the French lifestyle? Where better than in the sunny South of Provence. The sun shines generously over the lavender fields. In the villages, the click of iron pétanque balls echoes, and you happily park your bike in the shade of a charming café. A glass of wine? You hesitate. “Better make it a café crème.” After all, you’ll want a clear head while exploring.
This tour strings together many of Provence’s highlights. Over six stages, you’ll explore the wine region of Roussillon. Your journey begins in Vacqueyras, a dreamy village in the Vaucluse. From there, you cycle through rolling vineyards to the medieval town of Venasque and soon reach Roussillon with its colorful ochre cliffs. You’ll also pass the beautiful villages of Lacoste and Bonnieux. Later, you ride to Sault with views of Mont Ventoux and take scenic loops through valleys filled with lavender.
Most French wines still come with a cork. Smell the cork—it shouldn't smell like cork. Fill your glass about one-third full. Hold the glass at an angle and keep it still. Inhale the aroma. Then swirl the glass to let the wine mix with oxygen. Take small sips and let the wine circulate in your mouth for about ten seconds. This helps you sense whether the wine is ‘elegant,’ ‘bold,’ or ‘powerful.’ And finally: spit it out and define the finish. It might be ‘honest’ or even ‘cheeky.’
TIP: Of course, you can also take the wine in and tuck a bottle in your pannier for later!
As early as the year 972, the village of Bonnieux had developed to such an extent that it was one of the few in the Luberon to boast a real defensive wall and its own fortress. From the 14th century, it belonged to the territory of the Pope in Avignon for nearly four centuries. The fact that many bishops chose to live here contributed to a period of prosperity. And today? Bonnieux is still just as beautiful—it’s even considered one of the loveliest villages in the Luberon. Yes, those bishops back then clearly knew where to settle.
Lacoste, too, has managed to preserve its authentic charm. With its narrow medieval streets and many old buildings, time seems to move slowly here. Its most notorious resident was Donatien Alphonse François Comte de Sade, better known as the infamous Marquis de Sade, who lived in the castle. After various incidents involving women and the police, he fled, was captured, sentenced to death twice, acquitted, and later confined to an asylum. That Marquis, indeed. In 1779, his castle was partially destroyed and shortly after looted by the local villagers.
Cycling holiday Provence
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This is the first day of your cycling holiday. If desired you can add book extra nights later before the startdate of your cycling holiday. Please choose the first day of your cycling holiday. Further on in planning your trip, you can book an extra night before the selected starting day.
