Best of Provence – Relaxed – 5 Night
Dates: Your pick! We offer tours in Provence as early as March and as late as October and into November.
Length: 6 days, 5 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: 45km/30mi
Start city: Avignon
Finish city: Avignon
Suggested transport: Train/TGV from anywhere.
- Itinerary
- Accommodations
- Bikes
- Inclusions
- Guide/Concierge Info
- Pricing
- Registration Information
- GPS Availability
Day 1
Arrive in Avignon by Train, stay L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Your Provence cycling adventure begins in Avignon, where we’ll greet you at the train station and transfer you to your charming countryside hotel in L’Isle sur la Sorgue. Settle in, relax, and soak up the peaceful surroundings before enjoying a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Le Thor to Gordes – 45km/28mi
Today your journey officially begins! After breakfast, your guide will provide an orientation and ensure your bike is ready to go. Your first ride takes you through rolling countryside to Gordes, one of France’s most stunning hilltop villages. En route, visit the magical Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, or take a flatter route if you prefer an easier ride. Upon arrival, explore Gordes before coasting down to your inn, where a well-earned dinner awaits.
Day 3
Gordes to Crillon Le Brave or Bedoin – 37km/23mi
Today, you’ll set out for Crillon le Brave or Bedoin, a ride packed with scenic highlights. Stop at the Abbaye de Senanque, nestled in a lavender-filled valley, and wander the medieval streets of Venasque. You can choose between two exceptional hotels—either the luxurious Hostellerie Crillon le Brave, part of the Relais & Châteaux network, or a serene wooded retreat in Bedoin. Dinner is included at the Bedoin hotel, while Crillon le Brave guests can explore local dining options.
Day 4
To Vaison la Romaine – 36km/22mi
Today is all about wine and history as you cycle through the renowned Rhône Valley vineyards. Visit charming towns like Suzette and Beaumes-de-Venise before arriving in Vaison la Romaine, an ancient Roman city brimming with historical treasures. Your accommodations for the next two nights are in a stunning B&B perched above the Old Town. Enjoy a free evening to discover the town’s incredible restaurants.
Day 5
Vaison la Romaine to L’Isle sur la Sorgue – 52km/32mi
Your final ride takes you back to L’Isle sur la Sorgue, passing through renowned wine villages like Seguret, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. Along the way, soak up the beauty of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a striking mountain range known for its rugged limestone peaks. Your adventure concludes with a celebratory farewell dinner at the hotel, where you can reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Day 6
Departure.
On your last morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we assist with your luggage and bike returns. We’ll transfer you to the train station, where you’ll bid farewell to Provence—until your next adventure!
Location: L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Hotel: Grand Hôtel Henri
Location: Gordes
Hotel: La Ferme de la Huppe
Location: Crillon Le Brave
Hotel: Crillon Le Brave (upgrade)
Location: Bedoin
Hotel: Hotel Des Pins
Road Bikes
Giant Defy Composite
Sizes: XS, S, M, ML, L,and XL
Mixture of Shimano 105 and Ultegra with either triple or compact double cranksets. Many have road-disc brakes.
Hybrid Bikes
Giant Escape
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL
Mixture of Shimano road and mountain components with either triple cranksets.
eBikes
Giant Explore
Sizes: S, M, L
Mixture of Shimano Acera and Deore.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- All hotel accommodations – mostly 3 and 4 star but ask for custom accommodation requests.
- An OBT cycling jersey!
- Detailed route notes, maps, and tourist information. This includes standard cue sheet, and RideWithGPS routes to upload to your own GPS device or use the RideWithGPS app.
- 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.
Tour Cost Per Person:
Double Occupancy
US$2,145.00
Single Occupancy
US$2,545.00 (from single room occupancy on multiple person tours)
Solo Tour
Bike Rental Per Person:
Road Bike
US$340.00
eBike
US$340.00
Hybrid
US$210.00
What’s Next? Registering for your tour!
Questions: First, please feel free to ask us any questions about the tour. Click the “Contact Us With Questions” button above. We are happy to help clarify any details.
Registration: Once you are ready to register, please click on the “Book Now” above and complete the registration form. EACH tour participant will need to be included in the registration. At the end of the registration for you will be asked for a US$1,000 deposit. Once we have all registrations, we will secure all of the details of your tour – hotels, bikes, etc.
Final Payment: All payments are due 60 days prior to your 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 more! For more information on our Terms & Conditions, please CLICK HERE.
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!
Best of Provence: Relaxed 5-Night Self-Guided Bike Tour
Experience the charm of Southern France on one of the best Provence bike tours available. This Provence self-guided bike tour offers a perfect balance of leisurely cycling, breathtaking scenery, and cultural exploration. Designed for cyclists who love to travel at their own pace, this journey takes you through rolling vineyards, historic villages, and the iconic lavender fields of Provence. Enjoy smooth rides, local cuisine, and stunning landscapes as you immerse yourself in the magic of cycling in Provence.
Tour Highlights:
- Gentle Cycling Routes: Enjoy a mix of scenic backroads and dedicated cycling paths, perfect for riders who prefer a relaxed pace. We also provide additional routes for those desiring more challenging rides, including conquering Mt. Ventoux!
- Charming Villages & Cultural Stops: Visit the historic towns of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, and Gordes, each offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and local charm. The village markets are not to be missed.
- Lavender Fields & Vineyards: Ride through Provence’s famous landscapes, where rolling vineyards meet fragrant lavender fields.
- Local Cuisine & Wine: Savor Provençal flavors at family-run bistros and wineries along the way.
- Flexible Self-Guided Experience: With detailed GPS routes, you can explore at your own pace while enjoying full support.
Who Is This Tour For?
This Provence self-guided bike tour is perfect for leisure cyclists who want a relaxed yet immersive experience, allowing them to soak in the stunning landscapes at their own pace. It is also ideal for travelers who have a passion for local culture, exquisite food, and world-class wine, offering plenty of opportunities to indulge in Provence’s rich culinary and historical heritage. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway or part of a small group of adventurers seeking a scenic and rewarding cycling journey, this tour provides the perfect balance of exploration, comfort, and excitement.