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Provence is famous for its picturesque and diverse landscapes with blossoming lavender in the summer months. It is also famous for the delicious wines and roses that have been produced in the region for centuries.
The cycling in Provence in made famous by the climb of Ventoux, but what about all the other amazing routes in the area to explore? A vast area that allows for flexibility with every turn, you will ride through adorable sleepy villages, with olive groves and vineyards galore, it is a party for the senses with an undeniable feast of sights and smells. The terrain has gentle routes which can be interspersed with demanding terrains.
The traditional Retreat for Provence has a wonderful feel and creates quite areas for guests to chill out and a hearty community area to spend time chatting about the days cycling. The retreat has a lovely pool to dip in and refresh a head of alfresco dinning delivered to the usual high standards of Cycle Retreats.
All holidays include transfers to and from airports but they are at set times.
If you can’t make the transfer time you can have a private transfer, but like bike hire is paid at the end of the holiday. See transfer details below for times and costs to private transfers.
Today is all about settling into your surroundings and getting prepared for a week of cycling. After you have unpacked and had a bite to eat, we head out for a spin on the bikes to ensure they are set up perfectly for you.
We head out today in a southerly loop taking in the wonderfully quiet villages including at the southern most point of the loop Lioux. The village is part of the perimeter of The Luberon Regional National Park. The village is bounded to the north by the imposing Falaise de la Madeleine which is a grey limestone vertical cliff 700m long and 100m high. We then head north to the town of Sault to take in some beautiful lavender fields before climbing up to Col N.D. des Abeilles. The climb is rewarded with some stunning views before a beautiful long descent back to the retreat.
Today is a rolling day so don’t forget to pack your climbing legs. We ride south on some beautifully quiet roads to the town of Gordes which has been officially named as one of the most beautiful villages in France, a perfect spot to take in some lunch. The town is Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon area, and is one of the most well-known hilltop villages providing spectacular views across Provence. After lunch we ride north and start a long steady climb where we are rewarded with some wonderful panoramic views before returning back to the Retreat for afternoon drinks.
We head out in a easterly direction and climb Col nd des Abeilles from the east the quite road intersects the landscape between Mt Ventoux to the north and the Lumberton Massif to the south, take some time to enjoy the beautiful views. We then wind our way over to the small town of Sault located above the beautiful lavender fields for a well-deserved traditional lunch stop. After lunch we have a very civilised return back to the Retreat taking in some more of the breath-taking Gorge de la Nesque.
So today we reach the finale of the week and what better way to end the week of riding than to take on the “Giant of Provence” famous for its long-standing place in the TDF first included in 1951. At 1,912 metres high, Mont Ventoux dominates the landscape, hence its nickname “The Giant of Provence”. From the iconic bald moonscape summit, the view is second to none. This is a must for all cyclists.
Nestled in the heart of the village of Villes-sur-Auzon, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, La Divine opens its doors to you for a stay.
Discover here a concentrate of Provence, preserved during the renovation carried out in the spring of 2021: in a large garden with Mediterranean essences, an ochre façade with green shutters, a mosaic swimming pool, magnificent cement tile floors, coloured walls in the lime, all this close to the centre of the typical Provencal village with cafes and shops and in the heart of the best of Provence. This is another of Cycle Retreats famous hosted chalets and everything is catered to your needs.
Feel free to bring your own bike, but if you don’t want the stress of transporting your pride and joy, we have it covered. Our hire bikes are all fully carbon with Shimano 105 or Ultegra Di2 group set.
The bikes are not included in the price of the trip.
Bike Hire is available at an additional cost , please enquire at the time of booking.
A transfers from the airport is included in your holiday at a designated time. If you can’t make this transfer time and need a private transfer we can help to arrange this for you, please see the costing below
| PROVENCE RETREAT | |
| Arrival Airport | Marseille |
| Arrival Day | Saturday |
| Arrival Time | 12.30 pm / 8.00 pm |
| Transfer Time | 1 hour 40 mins |
| Departure Airport | Marseille |
| Departing Day | Saturday |
| Time Departing Retreat | 8.00 am |
| Transfer Time | I hour 40 mins |
| Private transfer Cost | €200 |
| Additional Notes | The Eurostar to Avignon collection will be at 3pm |
| Bristol & Stanstead offer best flights. | |
