This post is also available in: French
7 Days / Moderate 
Lavender fields stretch out as far as the eye can see, the crickets sing, village life is centered around the square and its essential fountain, and the small mountain ranges are filled with the smell of pine, broom, and scrubland!
You no doubt recognize the country dear to the heart of Giono and Pagnol, the beauty of which great artists such as Van Gogh were able to recreate!
This tour offers an in-depth discovery of the region following easy and quiet roads between the sea and the mountains! Enjoying charming regional accommodation you will surely want to extend your stay as soon you arrive at the coast.
Note: This day by day itinerary is not exhaustive and can be customized to suit your availability and your desires!
To extend your stay or combine other activities, please contact us, we will take pleasure in sharing the wonders of our great country with you.
You: train (on a road bike) at least once a week, on average over a year.
Distance: 80 miles per day depending on the gradient
Duration: 8 days.
Leader: Marc LATIL, 46, has worked for 15 years as a Mountain Leader, taking his clients on discoveries in Asia (Nepal, China), the Pacific (New Zealand), Western US and in Colorado Plateau’s National Parks. He has lived in California (L.A.) for two years and he is now focusing on the Alps and Provence, his region of origin. Like the rest of our team he is passionate about this area and wishes to share its beauty and diversity with you!
Accompanied: The driver of the support vehicle carries luggage from hotel to hotel, and is at the groups disposal if and when needed.
Accommodation: Double room in a hotel (a single room is possible)
You only carry a day pack.
Arrival / Departure:
We look forward to meeting you on day 1 at 1pm at Avignon train station.
The driver of the support vehicle will wait for you at the station’s main exit (with a sign), he will take care of your luggage. Departure from Nice train station on day 8.
Getting to the meeting point:
For your travel in France, see
– The SNCF website: http://www.voyages.sncf.fr/
– Route Calculations: http://www.iti.fr
Parking: In most cases, you can leave your car in free parking near train stations or meeting points.
Taking the train with your bike:
If you come by train to the starting point of the circuit, we strongly recommend that you carry your bike in a cover.
You can then take any train with your bike because it is considered as "normal" luggage, when it is in a standard cover (about 120X90 cm).
During the tour, the cover takes up little space in your travel bag transported by our support vehicle
Day by day:
Day 1 – (Optional: transfer from Nice International Airport to Avignon) Meet at Avignon train station, then transfer to a hotel in the heart of the city. Prepare for the week ahead with you guide. Visit the city.
Day 2 – Avignon- From the “Cité des Papes”, to “les Beaux de Provence” via Tarascon.
Then, crossing the “Alpilles” to Orgon, a delightful Provencal village!
Transfer to Apt (hotel). 75 kms.
Day 3 – Crossing “Luberon”, from north to south, stop off in Lourmarin, nominated one of the most beautiful villages in France, then onto Manosque renowned for its flower market (hotel). 80 kms.
Day 4 – Transfer to Moustiers and its famous “Fayences”!!. Set off for the marvellous “Gorges de Verdons!” following the sublime mountain road, to “Comps sur Artuby. Then reaching Le
Verdons, arriving in Castellane, with its famous ‘rock’ which towers above the town. Hotel at Castellane or St Julien de Verdons. 90 kms.
Day 5 – Transfer (1 hour) to “Gueydan Bridge”, climb up through the “Daluis Gorges”, passing
Valberg, Beuil, and then descend by“Cians Gorges”, arriving at “Cians Bridge”, and Entrevaux, an incredible medieval village built on a rocky outcrop. (Hotel). 80 kms.
Day 6 – Climb to the “St Raphaël Pass” then descend to Sigale, to enter the depths of the “Aiglun Gorges”.
Following the “Esteron river”, we will pass through Saint Auban, then arrive at Soleilhas (the sunny place), where we will spend the night.
Day 7 – Short transfer to the start of “Bleine Pass”, from which there is a great view of the “Riviera”.
Continue on to Gréolières, where we start the descent to the sea.
Crossing “le Loup gorges”, and the famous coastal villages: Tourrette, Vence, Saint Paul, arriving at Villeneuve -Loubet. 50kms. Night in Villeneuve
Day 8 – After breakfast, transfer to Avignon train station ( Optional: transfer to Nice
Airport.)
The price includes:
– guiding by a nationally qualified mountain leader.
– Accommodation reservation.
– Full board (1 / 2 board and picnic).
– Luggage transportation.
– Transfers as described in the itinerary.
– Lift passes required for the tour.
This price does not include:
– Trip Cancellation / interruption
– Anything that is not indicated in the above section.
– Basic medical and evacuation insurance
-Tipping to leader, guides and local staff, excess baggage charges, airport taxes and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages , laundry, etc.).
More information on this trip, please contact us
