Best of Provence – Aggressive – 6-Night

Provence Bike Tours: A Six-Night Cycling Adventure

Discover the thrill of cycling in Provence on this six-night journey through stunning landscapes, historic villages, and world-famous vineyards. If you’re looking for the freedom of a Provence self-guided bike tour, this trip offers the perfect blend of challenge and charm. If you’d like to turn this tour into a guided tour, please contact us.

Tour Highlights:

  • Ride Mont Ventoux & Other Epic Climbs – Conquer one of cycling’s most iconic climbs, plus other treasured climbs in the area including the Gorges de la Nesque.
  • Scenic Vineyard Routes – Explore the renowned wine regions of the Côtes du Rhône.
  • Charming Provençal Villages – Visit Gordes, Roussillon, and Vaison-la-Romaine.
  • Flexible Travel Options – Choose between guided or self-guided bike tours. This tour is generally self-guided, but ask about our guided options.
  • Authentic Cuisine & Wine – Savor local flavors and world-class wines.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is perfect for experienced cyclists looking for an active, immersive European adventure. If you love challenging rides, stunning scenery, and world-class food and wine, cycling in Provence should be on your bucket list.

See the full itinerary below. CLICK HERE to learn more about our Provence bike tours. Or CLICK HERE to learn more about our big mountain tours in France.

Dates: Your pick! We offer tours in Provence as early as March and as late as October and into November.
Length: 7 days, 6 nights
Service: Supported, Private, “Self Guided” tour. GPS Guidance! For more about how our Self Guided tours work CLICK HERE. Prefer this tour to be fully guided? CONTACT US for a guided version of this tour!
Type of riding: Rolling to flat terrain with some climbs.
Bikes suggested: Road bikes, e-bikes, or hybrids
Average daily riding: 50km/31mi with many options to extend or shorten
Start city: Avignon
Finish city: Avignon
Suggested transport: Train/TGV from anywhere.

We work with only local guides, cooperating with those that have a love for cycling, and a desire to show guests the beauty of the land they call home. On our self guided tours we do not bring in guides from other destination to work with you. Having the local perspective only enhances your experience, providing insider knowledge and opportunities that only a local resident can offer.

From greeting guests when they arrive, to personally handling luggage transfers, to curating excursions, to problem-solving (e.g., flat tires and other unforeseen issues) our concierges assist guests daily. They also set you up on your rental bikes, and can help with routing and simple questions. Need help finding a good lunch spot? Is it raining too hard or you’re too tired to continue? The concierge is a phone call away and are there to help you! Each tour group works with a single, dedicated concierge who can be called upon for in-person assistance at any time.

We generally target 3 and 4-star hotels, which we hand-select to maximize comfort while minimizing cost. The star rating uses a French rating system, which has proven to be the standard around the world. Therefore we use the same standards in France and beyond.

Over the years we have developed relationships with many amazing 3 and 4-star properties that distinguish themselves as providing much more than their rating suggests. We have loved getting to know these hotels and sharing them with our guests. For tour groups wishing to upgrade their accommodations, we can provide custom pricing for four and five-star hotels, pending availability. Below are an example of some of our favorite hotels in the region that we target using on our tours, pending availability.

 

Location Hotel Photo
L’Isle sur la Sorgue Grand Hôtel Henri  
Sault Hotel Le Nesk
Crillon Le Brave Crillon Le Brave (upgrade) Crillon Le Brave
Bedoin Hotel Des Pins  Bedoin Hotel Des Pins

 

All bikes come with helmet, repair kit, pump (or CO2 cartridges), lock, and water bottles. During the registration process, you will be asked for sizing specifics to ensure we have the correct sized bike waiting for you. We can supply a number of styles of pedals – please ask if you don’t see the pedal type you’re looking for on the registration form.

Road Bikes: Our rental road bikes are a racing style with drop handlebars.

  • Type – Giant Defy Composite
  • Sizes – XS, S, M, ML, L,and XL
  • Components – Mixture of Shimano 105 and Ultegra with either triple or compact double cranksets. Many have road-disc brakes.

   Giant Defy Rental Bike

 

 

 

 

Hybrid Bikes: Our rental hybrid bikes are a relaxed style with flat handlebars.

  • Type – Giant Escape
  • Sizes – XS, S, M, L, and XL
  • Components – Mixture of Shimano road and mountain components with either triple cranksets.

   Giant Escape

 

 

 

 

eBikes: These semi-powered bikes allow for non riders to share the experience with their friends and family who are stronger cyclists.

  • Type – Giant Explore
  • Sizes – S, M, L
  • Components – Mixture of Shimano Acera and Deore.

Giant Explore

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

  • All hotel accommodations – mostly 3 and 4 star but ask for custom accommodation requests.
  • An OBT cycling jersey!
  • The use of a Garmin Touring GPS during the tour for worry-free routing.
  • Detailed route notes, maps, and tourist information. This includes standard cue sheet, and GPS courses to upload to your own GPS device.
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel.
  • Meals as explained in the tour itinerary pages. Usually this means all breakfasts, no lunches, and some dinners.
  • Access to your personal guide/concierge (See Guides/Concierge tab).

 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

  • Transportation to start location and from finish location.
  • Bikes, but we have rental bikes available.
  • Travel and Health Insurance.
  • Admission to sightseeing venues, unless explicitly mentioned as included.

We rely on RideWithGPS for all our route planning—it’s simply the best tool we’ve found. You can choose from three easy options: use the RideWithGPS app on your phone, sync the routes we provide with your GPS device, or download cue sheets for a classic navigation experience.

With your OBT tour you will be provided with a library of routes to be used throughout your day to day rides. Some days may have multiple ride options!

No matter your preference, we’ve got your GPS routing covered during your tour!

Tour Cost Per Person:

  • Double Occupancy: US$2,595
  • Single Occupancy: US$3,045 (for single room occupancy on multiple person tours)
  • Solo Tour: Please contact us

Bike Rental Per Person:

  • Road Bike: US$375
  • eBike: US$375
  • Hybrid: US$250
What’s Next? Registering for your tour!

Questions: First, please feel free to ask us any questions about the tour. We are happy to help clarify any details.

Registration: Once you are ready to register please go to https://outfittertours.com/registration/ and complete the registration form. EACH tour participant will need to complete the form. At the end of the registration for you will be asked for a US$800 deposit. You can pay the deposit by bank check, wire, or credit card. Once we have all registrations we will secure all of the details of your tour – hotels, bikes, etc.

Final Payment: 60 days prior to your tour we will invoice you for the balance of the tour.

Tour Packet Delivery: Once the balance is paid and approximately 30 days before your tour we will send you a complete tour packet containing all details of your tour – accommodation information, detailed routing, a suggested packing list, maps, tourist guide, and much much more!

For more information on our Terms & Conditions please CLICK HERE.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Provence – Arrive in Avignon

Your journey begins in the historic city of Avignon, where we’ll pick you up at one of the local train stations and transfer you to your charming hotel in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This picturesque town, known for its canals and antique markets, is the perfect place to ease into the Provençal rhythm. Take the afternoon to explore or simply relax before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Ride Through Vineyards & Gorges de la Nesque – 65km/40mi

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour briefing and bike setup. Then, it’s time to hit the road! Your first ride winds through vineyards and rolling countryside, with a stop at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s renowned Sunday market. The real highlight of the day? The spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, a dramatic canyon with thrilling descents and breathtaking views. Finish the day in the charming village of Sault, overlooking lavender fields. Dinner is included at your hotel.

Day 3: Sault Loop Ride – 30 to 80km/18mi to 50mi

Today is all about choice and adventure. Explore Provence’s quietest cycling roads with routes ranging from gentle countryside rides to serious climbs. Options include the Col de l’Homme Mort, the historic town of Montbrun, and the charming village of Banon. If it’s Wednesday, don’t miss the Sault market, a local favorite. Dinner is again included at your hotel.

Day 4: Sault to Crillon-le-Brave or Bedoin – 40km+/25mi

The ride begins with a steady climb along Mont Ventoux’s gentler side, leading up to Chalet Reynard. Here, you can choose: descend to your hotel or tackle the final 6km to the legendary summit. Either way, stunning views and an exhilarating descent await. Stay in the charming cycling hub of Bedoin (dinner included) or upgrade to the luxury retreat of Crillon-le-Brave (dinner on your own).

Day 5: Conquer Mont Ventoux – 64km/40mi

Today is all about the ultimate cycling challenge—the iconic Mont Ventoux ascent from Bedoin. This legendary 21km climb, featured in the Tour de France, is a rite of passage for cyclists worldwide. The ride is tough, but the sense of achievement and panoramic summit views make it unforgettable. Celebrate your victory with a well-earned descent. Dinner is included in Bedoin and on your own in Crillon-le-Brave.

Day 6: Ride Back to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – 48km/30mi

Your final ride winds through Provence’s hidden gems. Stop at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the mystical source of the Sorgue River, and explore charming wine villages along the way. Back in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, browse antique shops, sip a café crème by the river, or simply soak in the Provençal atmosphere. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel, celebrating an unforgettable cycling journey.

Day 7: Departure

Sleep in, savor a leisurely breakfast, and enjoy one last peaceful morning in Provence. We’ll collect your rental bike and transfer your luggage to the train station before bidding you a fond au revoir—until your next cycling adventure in France!

Email Icon Email Icon