Register today and get 10% off any eligible trip!     Register Now!
AdventureLink Logo
Register Login Why Book with us? Talk to an expert!
24/7: (877) 691-4488, +1 (626) 539-7506, Skype : Support.adventurelink.com
HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
6 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Incredible biking through perched villages, vineyards and orchards
  • Discover the vibrant artist community of St-Rémy
  • A tour and tasting at a family-run olive oil mill
  • Saignon, one of France's ten oldest towns
  • Soak up Provençal life in renowned Gordes and ochre-hued Roussillon
$2998USD
Prices vary by date. Make sure to pick your departure date.
Available Dates:
Available Spaces:
8 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Ready to book? Want more info?
You can also talk to an expert or book online:
BOOK ONLINE NOW
ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
SAVE 5%
Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Provence Biking: Casual Inns

It's a slower pace of life here in southern France. Amid the Alpilles, where olive trees glisten silver in the breeze. Where limestone hills press wavelike against the ultra-blue sky. And sun-drenched villages tempt you to linger, relax over a pastis or a local rosé.
It's a slower pace of life here in southern France. Amid the Alpilles, where olive trees glisten silver in the breeze. Where limestone hills press wavelike against the ultra-blue sky. And sun-drenched villages tempt you to linger, relax over a pastis or a local rosé. In the Lubéron, it's a celebration of color, be it poppies and wildflowers in spring, lavender in summer or changing grape leaves in fall. Pedal quiet roads to medieval hilltop towns. Soak up views of vineyards, orchards and windswept countryside. And rejoice in the Provençal cornucopia: fresh goat cheese, honey, olives, tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes and heavenly pastries. Find bliss in Provence, with Backroads, on a bicycle.

Meet/Depart: Avignon, France

Note: Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Departure Date with Hotel Variations:
6/24-29: Hotel variation: On Days 1 & 2, we stay at Hotel Gounod in St-Remy instead of the Auberge de Benvengudo.
Day 1: Avignon
Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 11:30 a.m. at the Avignon TGV train station (Gare Avignon TGV). Please note that there are two train stations in Avignon; we do not meet at the station in Avignon Centre. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you might want for today’s ride, or have your clothing and gear in a small separate bag so you can change before the ride.

Bienvenue en Provence! After meeting we shuttle to La Ribote, a family-run restaurant tucked into the foot of the Alpilles range. Our host, Madame Mestre, warmly welcomes us with a light lunch. Then your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. When you’re ready, head out on two wheels into the beautiful Provençal countryside.

Our destination today is Les Baux, perched on a rocky plateau above the Val d’Enfer (“Valley of Hell”), an eerie limestone landscape pockmarked with caves and said to be frequented by witches and goblins. There’s time to explore Les Baux, with its charming old houses, winding narrow lanes and the ruins of a castle “dismantled” in the 1600s by order of Cardinal Richelieu. In the Middle Ages, this spot was home to the Seigneurs des Baux, self-proclaimed descendants of Magus Balthazar (one of the Three Wise Men), who erected fortifications and proceeded to wage incessant warfare on neighboring clans—and eventually each other.

We spend our first two nights at cozy Auberge de la Benvengudo, surrounded by fragrant pine trees, lavender fields and almond orchards. This evening we gather for a reception, followed by dinner at our hotel’s restaurant. Bon appétit!

Lodging: Auberge de la Benvengudo
Lodging Auberge de la Benvengudo
Description Situated at the base of Les Baux and surrounded by a tranquil garden, this hotel was once a typical Provence family home. (pool, tennis)
Day 2: St-Rémy
Warm up those cycling muscles with a climb out of Les Baux and toward St-Rémy, a bustling Gallo-Roman village with cheery cafés and tree-lined boulevards. (If you’d like more time to explore St-Rémy, feel free to shuttle there instead.) This historic artists’ haven has hosted its share of famous names over the centuries: Nostradamus was a native St-Rémois; Albert Schweitzer recuperated here in 1917; and Gertrude Stein made this her home for several years.

Pedal on to nearby St-Paul de Mausole, where we’re joined by charming local guide Marie-Charlotte Bouton. She leads our visit of the monastery, telling us about its most famous resident, Vincent van Gogh, who voluntarily secluded himself here in the adjoining asylum for a year in 1890 after cutting off part of his left ear in Arles. Although it was likely the most difficult period of the artist’s life, it was also one of the most prolific; he produced more than 100 drawings and 140 paintings, including Irises and Wheat Fields with Cypresses.

Our next stop is Moulin du Calanquet, a family-run olive mill. Delightful mill co-owner Ann Brun invites us in for a tour and degustation of fine olives and oils before we indulge in a Backroads picnic on the grounds. You can choose to shuttle back to Les Baux for the afternoon or continue on two wheels past olive, apple and pear orchards. For those wanting more miles, ascend through pine- and herbblanketed hills to Abbaye St-Michel-de-Frigolet. In the 10th century, the Benedictine monks of Montmajour, weakened and feverish from their work draining the marsh known as the Crau, sought refuge and recuperation in the abbey. Their illness found a cure in the form of Frigolet, a liqueur made from thyme.

Tonight, join your Trip Leaders for the traditional French game of pétanque before sitting down to another fantastic meal at Benvengudo.

Lodging: Auberge de la Benvengudo

Biking Options:
St-Rémy Route: 22 Miles* (500’ elevation gain)
Moulin du Calanquet Loop: 32 Miles (1,500’)
Abbaye St-Michel-de-Frigolet Loop: 41 Miles (2,300’)
*with shuttle
Lodging Auberge de la Benvengudo
Description Situated at the base of Les Baux and surrounded by a tranquil garden, this hotel was once a typical Provence family home. (pool, tennis)
Day 3: Alpilles
After breakfast begin biking through the limestone hills of the Alpilles, blanketed with garrigue, the wild herbes de Provence whose distinctive fragrance fills the air. In Eygalières grab an espresso at our favorite café. While you’re here you might also want to pick up something at the bakery or at one of the cafés to take with you for lunch—it’s the perfect day to stop for a picnic beneath the pine trees or near a fountain in one of the towns along the route.

Back on your bike, set your wheels toward the dramatic limestone peaks of the Lubéron Range. To start off, join the Route de Jean Moulin, a scenic road bordered by pine trees, vineyards and quintessential Provençal scenery. After crossing the Durance River, bike through Cavaillon, France’s melon capital. (The melon is such an important commodity here, Cavaillon even has a Brotherhood of Knights of the Order of the Melon!) Continue through several tiny villages, including Cheval Blanc, Robion and Oppède-le-Vieux, that cling to the side of the Petit Lubéron and blend into the rocky landscape.

We retire our bikes for the day in the historic village of Saignon, said to be one of France’s ten oldest towns. Saignon’s past, tracing back to pre-Roman times, is visible in its architecture, churches, ancient fountains and picturesque squares. Community life revolves around La Place de la Fontaine, where our authentically restored abode, Auberge du Presbytère, is located. This evening we relax by the fountain before gathering for dinner.

Lodging: Auberge du Presbytère

Biking Options:
Robion Route: 28 Miles* (660’elevation gain)
Oppède-le-Vieux Route: 32 Miles* (1,500’)
Saignon Route: 50 Miles (2,810’) 
*with shuttle
Lodging Auberge du Presbytère
Description Nestled near La Place de la Fontaine in ancient Saignon, this hotel was originally three village houses whose foundations date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
Day 4: Ménerbes
Our ride today takes you through timeless Provençal villages, including Ménerbes, immortalized by Peter Mayle in his best-selling A Year in Provence. We stop for a delicious picnic and a tour at Domaine de la Citadelle winery, home to the well-known Musée du Tire-Bouchon (Corkscrew Museum), which displays more than 1,200 corkscrews, some dating from the 17th century.

Roussillon, which rests on one of the world’s biggest ochre deposits, is the first point of interest on this afternoon’s route. Adored by artists for centuries, the village is renowned for its striking natural surroundings, especially the Chaussée des Géants, a canyon radiant with 16 shades of ochre. Then enjoy a great downhill into the valley before the longest climb of the day back to Saignon. To increase your mileage and tackle two more ascents, bike to Murs, located on the crest of another small mountain.

Tonight choose from Saignon’s inviting restaurants and bistros for dinner on your own.

Lodging: Auberge du Presbytère

Biking Options:
Roussillon Route: 28 Miles* (1,620’ elevation gain)
Lubéron Loop: 38 Miles (2,460’)
Murs Route: 47 Miles (3,470’) 
*with shuttle
Lodging Auberge du Presbytère
Description Nestled near La Place de la Fontaine in ancient Saignon, this hotel was originally three village houses whose foundations date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
Day 5: Mont Ventoux
Head out this morning accompanied by unsurpassed views of rocky Mont Ventoux, perhaps best known for its occasional appearance in the Tour de France. It strikes fear in the hearts of even the most seasoned cyclists with its 13-mile, 4,800foot, average 7.5-percent-gradient climb. You, however, can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to face this daunting challenge!

Today’s route offers plenty of climbs, interspersed with some welcome downhills. First set your sights on the village of Lacoste, which claims the Marquis de Sade, the controversial 18th-century author, as its most infamous resident. Ascend to the ruins of the Marquis’s former castle (now owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin) for spectacular views of the Vaucluse ridge and, clouds willing, Mont Ventoux. By the time you reach Bonnieux, a café au lait may be just the thing to perk you up. Continue on to Gordes, a lovely village perché clinging to the craggy southern face of the high Vaucluse Plateau. Here old stone buildings stand in orderly terraces atop khaki-colored cliffs; a massive 12thcentury castle watches over fields, forests and neighboring hilltop towns; and cobblestone lanes lead to shady squares and cafés. You’re on your own for lunch; grab a seat at one of these cafés and enjoy the people-watching.

This afternoon continue riding past a series of classic Provençal villages, including Goult and Venasque. Thanks to its quaint serpentine streets and tidy homes embellished with flower-filled window boxes, Venasque has been designated one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages of France”). Check out the 12th-century church and authentic buildings, and browse in the unique pottery shop near the main fountain. It’s not always open, so cross your fingers here.

Our home for the final night is the delightful Château de Mazan. A festive farewell gathering kicks off the evening, followed by dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Lodging: Château de Mazan

Biking Options:
Gordes Route: 29 Miles* (1,250’ elevation gain)
Abbaye de Senanque Route: 34 Miles* (3,440’)
Château de Mazan Route: 45 Miles (2,240’) 
*with shuttle
Lodging Château de Mazan
Description This elegant 18th-century château, former residence of the Marquis de Sade, rests at the foot of towering Mount Ventoux.
Day 6: Avignon
Surrounded by venerable Côtes du Ventoux vineyards, relish a final spin through the countryside this morning, passing the pretty village of Mormoiron, with its narrow streets and lovely fountains. In St-Pierre-de-Vassols, consider stopping to sample table grapes, cherries, olives and truffles. If you can’t bear to part with your bike, pedal on to Bedoin and pick up last-minute souvenirs or a new cycling jersey. (Hey, you’ve earned it!) After your ride there’s time to shower, pack and eat lunch before we shuttle to the Avignon TGV station, where our trip ends.

Biking Options: 
St-Pierre-de-Vassols Loop: 12 Miles (610’ elevation gain)
Bedoin Loop: 18 Miles (700’)
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Ping Ho
This was the best trip I have ever taken in my life. It was exceedingly well organized. Dare I say perfect? This is the first time that I continually miss a place where I just took a vacation. I miss the multisensory experience of biking through the back roads of Provence - the lavender fields, sunflower fields, bread and cheese (nothing like these to be found anywhere in the US), winding through perched medieval villages, the satisfaction of completing a long ride and getting to eat whatever I want. I really appreciated the well-written directions that enabled me to safely bicycle alone when I wanted to. I appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of features of Provence that in 6 days made me feel like I got a taste of everything that it had to offer. I tend to live in my head a lot in real life. The biking experience kept me in the here and now, which leaves me with a flood of what feels like several weeks worth of memories. Our trip leaders were quite literally omniscient and omnipresent. I put a photo of the experience on my laptop desktop as well as on my desk to bring back the feelings of amazement, expansiveness, connectedness with the earth that I experienced while biking with Backroads in Provence.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Jennifer Engle
As soon as I said "au revoir!" to our delightful guides, I was overcome with awe and appreciation for the trip. I was nervous about the biking. That ended up being a wonderful challenge that I am proud to say I accomplished. And it was worth it! Eating the cheeses and breads, drinking the local wines, the espresso. Seeing the sights of lavender, poppies, cherry trees. Staying at lovely country inns and a chateau....it was a dream come true. Anyone considering this trip- Go!!!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Tamar Amitay
This trip far exceeded my expectations. I really got to experience the best of Provence: its cultural and historical heritage, the food, and the sites and smells (gardenia, roses, lavender, and honeysuckle ). What a fantastic treat for the senses and for the mind.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Jean Gilbert
Once again Backroads has done an outstanding job of providing the ultimate in both service and fun! The Provence area was incredible to see and our leaders were so knowledgeable about everything in the area, I was amazed. The accommodations were beyond my expectations as well as the food. The bikes were incredible. I won't be able to get back on mine at home!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Brian Galbraith
I can't think of a more exciting way to be introduced to France! Everything from the ride routes to the food was superb, well planned, and of the highest quality. I had a wonderful experience, and would recommend Backroads to anyone without hesitation.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Nancy Reed
Provence is sheer heaven for "real bikers" who want to experience the essence of French culture!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Luke Kellam
It became very evident over the past week for what reason you are the operation everyone tries to emulate in the adventure travel business.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Jane McBunch
This was a wonderful trip in all aspects. Our leaders worked extremely hard to ensure our every need was not only met, but anticipated before we even realized we had a need! We’ve taken many active trips with various companies, starting with Backroads many years ago, then tried others. We’re now “back home” with Backroads and will be loyal riders and walkers with your company for years to come. From the first communiqué with your company to the goodbyes with the trip leaders, we couldn’t have asked for a more comprehensive, well-planned vacation in a beautiful part of the world!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Elizabeth Cohen
Wildly exceeded my expectations! I have never taken a "tour" vacation before and wasn't sure how I would like the experience. I loved this trip! The accommodations were exactly what I would pick for myself and it was a treat to have someone else deal with the arrangements, luggage, etc. The biking was terrific. We got to do and see so much each day but it was never overwhelming. I also liked that I could bike at my pace and my husband could find faster people in the group to ride with so that each of us could enjoy the experience.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Sally Trice
Being able to proceed at my own pace allowed me to make the trip what I wanted it to be. I enjoyed the variety of activities: the Van Gogh tour, shopping in St-Remy, the winery, to name a few. And our leaders were so friendly and attentive - their picnic lunches were gourmet experiences!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Jay Kaplan
We had a wonderful time. Loved the experience. Thanks for helping us celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and my 60th birthday!!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Deb Elstad
We have many friends who have taken Backroads trips in the past and highly recommended every one to us. We were not disappointed. We know one couple who traveled to Tuscany on a Premiere trip last year, but when we told them about this Casual Inn trip, they were pleased to know such options were available. Although we can't compare the two experiences, we certainly can't say anything was lacking. We would truly recommend this to anyone and will take another trip with Backroads in the future.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Laura VanCleave
This was the best week of my long life! I can't stop talking about it to friends. The leaders could not have been better. Absolutely the best! The bikes were comfortable and the support from the leaders great. The food and accommodations were even better than I anticipated.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Alicia Nisberg
The trip surpassed any vacation I could ever imagine! The biking was physically and mentally challenging, I felt great, I enjoyed having everything pre-planned! I loved the countryside, loved Provence, the smells and the sites!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Kim Frisbie
I just got home a few minutes ago and can honestly say that this was about the best trip I have ever taken!! The guides were just fantastic, the trip itinerary was amazing, the food and lodging were superb, and the other participants were just terrific. We ended up like a big extended family, although no one really knew anyone else when we started. We all had a blast and I for one can't wait to sign up for the next trip!!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Jonathan Gottlieb
This was the quintessential Backroads trip- fantastic biking, culture, food, scenery and people. It keeps getting better!
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
Jack Gilbert
This was a great overall experience. I liked the "casual inn" format. It fit our needs for a good balance of physical activity, accommodations and dining. We are already scanning the catalog for another trip.
Overall Rating
Guide Rating
Accommodation Rating
Itinerary Rating
Value Rating
TRIP INCLUDES
  • All meals included except 2 lunches, 1 dinner
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • 2 lunches, 1 dinner
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

  • Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
  • Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
  • Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
  • Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!
Contact us to customize this trip
SEND TRIP TO A FRIEND
Email this Trip to:
Seperate multiple emails by a new line.
Customize your message:
SEND
Customize the Brochure
Download Brochure
AS SEEN ON

Company

About Us Our Blog API Terms of Use Privacy Policy
California Seller of Travel #2088061-40
Real Time Web Analytics

Customers

Why book with AdventureLink? Invite Friends - Get $100 Trip Credit! Talk to an Expert - Get Travel Advice & Booking Help

Tour Operators

List your Trips on AdventureLink Tour Operator Portal Login

Affiliates

Become an Affiliate Affiliate Widgets

Help & Support

Contact Us Support Portal
Call Us or Our Experts:
(877) 691-4488
+1 (626) 539-7506
Skype : Support.adventurelink.com