I’m grinding up Mont Ventoux, the wind howling like it’s got a personal vendetta, lavender fields spilling out below like a purple ocean under the Provençal sun. This, my friends, is cycling in Provence—a fever dream where every road feels like it was carved for your tires, every village is a living postcard.
I’ve been chasing trails from the Alps to Whistler’s gnarly descents, but nothing hits like the open roads of this Mediterranean gem. Picture pedaling through limestone canyons, past Roman ruins, sipping Châteauneuf-du-Pape after a day in the saddle.
I’m here to spill all the secrets for an epic biking adventure with our local crew. Ready to roll into Provence’s magic? Let’s dive in.
This article was based on Adrien’s webinar. You can watch it here:
My Journey: First The Alps, Then The Globe
I grew up in Annecy, a French town cradled by the Alps and a shimmering lake, where biking was my first love.
My dad, one of the early mountain bike pioneers, got his hands on a rig with fat tires and gears straight from the States, and he hooked me up with a mini version—no suspension, just pure, clunky joy.
Weekends were for bombing down alpine trails, dodging rocks, or skiing the local resort just 15 minutes from our suburban home. The mountains were my playground, and I was hooked on the rush of two wheels and fresh air.
After uni, I headed to Canada, where I taught skiing and rediscovered mountain biking in Whistler—the holy grail of shredding. Those trails, with their jumps and flowy singletracks, taught me what a bike could really do.
I’ve been based in Switzerland for 15 years now, guiding in 25 regions worldwide—Morocco’s dusty trails, Japan’s misty mountains, Chile’s rugged backcountry. But Provence? It’s where my heart lands every time.
The roads, the history, the vibe—it’s a place that makes you feel alive, and I’m stoked to share it with you.
Why Provence? A Cyclist’s Dreamscape
Provence is a love letter to anyone who’s ever swung a leg over a bike.
Tucked in France’s southeast, kissing the Mediterranean and flirting with the Alps, this region’s got everything: rolling vineyards, jagged limestone cliffs, and lavender fields that hit you with a scent so sweet you’ll forget your Strava stats.
The Romans rolled in 2,000 years ago, drawn by the Rhône River’s flow and fertile soil, leaving behind aqueducts, bridges, and ruins you’ll pedal past like you’re in a history book. Take Avignon, with its medieval walls and Palais des Papes, or tiny villages like Gordes, stacked on hillsides like they’re defying gravity.
Then there’s the food—oh, man, the food. Picture bustling markets with ripe apricots, creamy cheeses, and wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape that taste like the region’s soul in a glass. The roads? They’re a dream—quiet, winding, and built for the Tour de France, with drivers who actually respect your space.
Cycling in Provence is all about variety
The region’s diversity is what seals the deal. In the north, near Avignon, you’ve got the raw, windswept beauty of Mont Ventoux and its lunar-like summit.
Head south to the Luberon, and it’s all about gentle hills, ochre cliffs, and villages that look like they haven’t changed since the Middle Ages.
The Gorges de la Nesque, with its 14-mile descent, feels like flying through a painting. And everywhere, water shapes the land—underground springs, like the one at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, bubble up at a steady 12°C, feeding the lush greenery that makes every ride a visual feast.
Provence goes beyond a destination; it’s a vibe that’ll have you dreaming of your next ride before the first one’s done.
MY Provence Cycling Adventure
Our bike tour is designed to let you soak up Provence’s best without sweating the details. I’ve structured it around two regions—north near Avignon and south in the Luberon—so you can unpack, settle in, and really feel the place.
We stay in cozy, family-run hotels, one with Mont Ventoux looming in the distance, another nestled in the Luberon’s rolling hills, both with pools to cool off after a ride.
Each day’s ride covers 40-60 km, tailored to your vibe—whether you’re here to push your limits or just cruise and soak in the scenery.
Cycling Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence
The star of the show? Mont Ventoux, the “Giant of Provence.”
You’ve got three ways to tackle it: Bédoin’s brutal climb, a favorite of Tour de France pros with its relentless 7-10% grades; Malaucène’s slightly less punishing ascent; or Sault, my personal favorite, where lavender fields frame the road and the scent keeps you going.
It’s not just about the climb—reaching the top, with its bare, rocky summit and 360-degree views, feels like conquering a small planet.
Then there’s the Gorges de la Nesque, a 14-mile descent through limestone tunnels and canyons that’s like riding through a postcard. I took a group down it last year, and the grins didn’t fade for hours.
Cycling meets culture in Provence
We mix in cultural stops to keep things fresh.
One day, we’ll roll into a market in Vaison-la-Romaine, where you can grab a baguette and some goat cheese for a picnic. Another, we’ll pedal to Roussillon’s ochre cliffs or Gordes’ limestone village, where every alley begs a photo.
Wine tastings at local vineyards are a must—Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s bold reds are a crowd-pleaser. Our van’s always nearby, ready to sweep you up if you’re beat or want to skip a climb.
With two guides for a group of six to eight, we keep it flexible, so you’re never stuck on a route that’s too much or too little.
A Day of Cycling in Provence: What to Expect
A typical day starts slow. The way Provence likes it.
You’re up at 9:00 AM, sipping espresso at our hotel, maybe eyeing Mont Ventoux from the terrace. By 9:30, we’re rolling out, tires humming on sleek roads lined with oak trees or vineyards heavy with grapes.
Mornings might take us past Lacoste’s 12th-century bridge or through a canyon where the air smells of pine and earth. Around noon, we stop for a picnic—think crusty baguette, local cheeses, and cherries fresh from the market—or a tavern lunch with fuži pasta and a glass of rosé.
I remember one group last May, laughing over a picnic as we swapped stories about our favorite climbs, the Luberon hills glowing golden in the background.
Afternoons are for exploring. Maybe we’ll detour to a vineyard for a quick tasting, or you’ll wander Roussillon’s ochre-stained streets, where every corner feels like a painting. If you’re feeling strong, we’ll add a climb or loop through a quiet valley.
We’re back by 4:00 or 5:00 PM, leaving time to lounge by the pool, sip a cold beer, or stroll the hotel’s gardens. Dinner’s always a highlight—never at the hotel, but at a family-run joint serving Provençal dishes like ratatouille or lamb with lavender honey.
A proper tour here should be a full-on Provençal experience, with guides picking the best spots to make every moment sing.
Insider Tips for Your Provence Biking Trip
After years of guiding, I’ve got the scoop on how to make your Provence ride epic. Here’s everything you need to pack, plan, and savor the journey.
Which bike will I need for cycling in Provence?
The Giant TCR Advanced Di2 is my top rec, with electric shifters that make every gear change buttery smooth.
Prefer a more relaxed vibe? Hybrids with upright handlebars are perfect for soaking in the scenery. E-bikes are the secret weapon—they let you fly up climbs like Mont Ventoux without breaking a sweat. Ideal if you’ve got a niggling injury or just want to focus on the views.
Bringing your own bike? Pack it in a soft bag, wheels and handlebars off, for easy travel. We’ll help reassemble it in Avignon.
I had a guy last year, Reid, who brought his own rig to tackle Mont Ventoux three times in a day—nuts, but we made it work. If you’re torn, go regular bike for the full experience; the roads are so sleek, and our van’s got you if you bonk.
What do I need to bring?
Keep your kit light but smart.
Bike shorts and a breathable jersey are non-negotiable for comfort on long rides. Sunglasses are a must—Provence’s sun is no joke, and they add some style points. A windbreaker’s essential for early mornings or Mont Ventoux’s gusty summit, where the wind can hit like a freight train.
Late October rides might call for a light jacket, as temps dip to 12-15°C (54-59°F). I skip gloves, but they’re great for grip on sweaty descents. A phone holder or GPS device syncs with our app’s tracks, so you’re never lost.
Pack a reusable water bottle—fountains dot the villages, and hydration’s key. Our van carries spares, so don’t stress about overpacking.
What’s the best season for cycling in Provence?
Shoulder seasons—May and early October—are my sweet spots.
You get mild weather, quiet roads, and vibrant landscapes. Early July’s a treat if you want to catch lavender fields in full bloom, their scent wrapping around you like a hug. July and August? Too hot and packed with tourists, making roads and hotels a zoo.
I head to Provence myself in October, after the Alps’ biking season winds down, to ride in peace and jump in the hotel pool under crisp autumn skies. Spring’s great for blooming wildflowers, especially around the Luberon. Pick your month, and we’ll make it shine.
How do I get to Provence?
Getting to Provence is a breeze. Fly into Paris or Marseille, then catch a TGV train to Avignon—two hours from Paris, 30 minutes from Marseille. Book via SNCF Connect, and if you’re bringing a bike, reserve a luggage spot (it needs to be disassembled in a bag).
On our tours, we meet you at Avignon’s station, bikes ready, and kick off with a chill 40-km ride to get your legs moving. Want to extend your adventure? Rent a car in Avignon to hit Nice or the Côte d’Azur post-tour.
Our team sorts hotel bookings and transfers, so you just focus on the ride. I once had a group extend their trip to Nice, and they raved about the coastal roads for weeks.
Do I have to bring cash?
France is card- and phone-payment central—95% of spots, from market stalls to bakeries, take Apple Pay or cards. Carry €50-100 for small buys like a €2 baguette or a coffee at a village café.
Our tour covers all dinners and lunches, so cash is just for souvenirs or an extra croissant (guilty pleasure). Even tiny boulangeries in places like Vaison-la-Romaine take cards now, so you might not touch your cash at all.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Got dietary restrictions? We’ve got you. Just let us know ahead, and we’ll make it work.
Gluten-free folks can find bread and pastries at many boulangeries now—Provence is catching up fast. I had a celiac guest last year, and we packed gluten-free snacks and called restaurants ahead to ensure proper meals.
Vegan or lactose-free? No problem—local cuisine leans on fresh veggies, fruits, and olive oil, so we’ll arrange soups, salads, or dishes tailored to you. Tell us your needs when booking, and we’ll connect with taverns to keep your plate as delicious as the scenery.
Cycling in Provence is Sensory Overload – In the Best Possible Way
Provence isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling that gets under your skin.
The hum of tires on quiet roads, the scent of lavender and oak, the taste of a bold Châteauneuf-du-Pape after a day’s ride—it’s the kind of magic that lingers long after you’re home.
I’ll guide you through the best of it: Mont Ventoux’s epic climbs, the Gorges de la Nesque’s soaring descents, and villages like Gordes that feel like stepping into a time machine. Whether you’re chasing Strava KOMs or just here for the views and a good picnic, this trip’s got your name on it.
I’ve seen riders’ faces light up at the top of Ventoux, grinning like kids, and I want that for you.
Ready to chase the wind through Provence’s timeless landscapes? Book your adventure with 57hours, and let’s hit the road together!
