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Discover the famous hilltop villages and breath-taking scenery of the Luberon region.
Arrive at your 3 star hotel, just north of the town of Pernes-les-Fontaines. There's plenty of time to relax and explore the hotel grounds before dinner. *(Staying at Hotel l'Hermitage, Breakfast with dinner in local restaurant)*
Pass by Pernes-les-Fontaines before setting off alongside the Canal de Carpentras and on through the beautiful scenery of the Vaucluse down to the popular town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The old town here is entirely surrounded by the clear waters of the River Sorgue. There are lots of lunch options in the town, or you could stop a little further on in the pretty village of Fontaine-de- Vaucluse. In the afternoon you climb to enjoy your first spectacular views of the Luberon before descending past vineyards, olive groves and windmills, and on to the ochre-painted village of Roussillon, the starting point of the Ochre Trail. *(Staying at Hotel Les Sables D'Ocre, Breakfast only)*
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 32
After breakfast, set out along the Ochre Trail to the village of Gargas where you have the opportunity to visit the Ochre Mines of Bruoux. A greenway cycle path takes you on to the medieval town of Apt to explore the old town, or simply enjoy a coffee, before heading south along country lanes where a mixture of climbs and freewheeling takes you through some of the most beautiful villages in Provence. First there's Bonnieux, from where nearby Chateau la Connorgue (made famous by Ridley Scott's A Good Year) can be visited for tastings - if you choose to climb higher up, simply incredible views unfold. Then it's on to Lacoste to explore the ruined castle, once a mighty fortification and now a spectacular viewpoint. From here you'll freewheel down before another short climb to Menerbes, made famous by the books of Peter Mayle, and a great place to stop for lunch. The last leg takes you to Maubec where your hotel awaits - a 18th century farmhouse, restored in the Provencal style, set amongst its own woodland with a lovely swimming pool to relax beside before dinner. *(Staying in La Bastide du Bois Breant, Half Board)*
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 29
This morning you ride through apple country where you'll see orchards aplenty. Following the lanes brings you to the medieval town of Le Thor, after which you pass the ruins of the fortified monastery at Thouzon, along with the Grotte de Thouzon; a network of caves carved out by an underground river. Then it's back to Pernes-les-Fontaines where you have time to explore the mediaeval old town and the numerous ancient stone fountains and lavoirs. *(Staying at Hotel l'Hermitage, Breakfast with dinner in local restaurant)*
Distance in Km: 38
Distance in Miles: 24
* 4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
* All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
* Services of your local Headwater Representative
* GPS route directions and maps
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High quality hybrid bikes
* Luggage transfers between hotels
All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals included.
Provençale cuisine is a blend of many influences from the plentiful sea, to
neighbour Italy and the early Roman occupation. The soil is rich and the
climate is conducive to producing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.
Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes use the
excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale uses local
olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and wild herbs,
all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You can browse among
the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the lively local
markets.
The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an important element of the
local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous bouillabaisse, a rich fish
stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride – a lighter version of the
bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable soup with a blend of garlic,
basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille, large colourful salads and
delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and anchoïade are savoury dips
made with local olives and anchovies; pissaladière is an onion tart with
olives and anchovies and is very likely to have come from the Romans.
* 4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
* All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
* Services of your local Headwater Representative
* GPS route directions and maps
* /RideWithGPS/ navigation app
* High quality hybrid bikes
* Luggage transfers between hotels
Classification: Self-Guided
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/moderate)
Average daily distance on move on days: 35km ( 22 miles).
No. of days cycling: 3
Terrain: The cycling is mostly on plains or gentle foothills and we have
used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages. There are
only occasional (unavoidable) short stretches on major roads. One or two
parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so take your time on the steeper
climbs and admire the wonderful long-distance views.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle
independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a
map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace. A representative
will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on
call throughout the trip should you need.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may
be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone
number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.
Your itinerary has been designed to give you a taste of the picturesque
perched villages which pepper Provence's breathtaking, lavender-scented
Luberon area. The hilly landscape of the region means the cycling can be
challenging at times but for each tough climb you'll be rewarded with a
spectacular view. Starting in the mediaeval town of Pernes-les-Fontaines,
famous for its numerous ancient stone fountains and lavoirs, you'll enjoy
far-reaching views over the Luberon as you make your way to the ochre-red
village of Roussillon passing vineyards, chateaux and castles on the way. You
then head out along the Ochre Trail and along country lanes to pass through
some of the most beautiful villages in Provence - each one offering stirring
images along with a history which, in some places, stretches back over a
thousand years - before your final stretch takes in sweeping apple orchards,
typical French villages, quaint cafes and the fascinating network of caves at
Grotte de Thouzon.
Hotels
We've hand-picked a lovely selection of hotels for your holiday. The Hotel
l'Hermitage in Pernes-les-Fontaines is set in 2 hectares of grounds with a
swimming pool and its own orangery; the Hotel les Sables d'Ocre in Roussillon
sits amidst landscaped lawns with a relaxing pool area; while La Bastide du
Bois Breant in Maubec provides a typically Provencal feel, sitting in its own
woodland and boasting a lovely pool.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are
subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A
supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy
of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals included.
Provençale cuisine is a blend of many influences from the plentiful sea, to
neighbour Italy and the early Roman occupation. The soil is rich and the
climate is conducive to producing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.
Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes use the
excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale uses local
olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and wild herbs,
all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You can browse among
the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the lively local
markets.
The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an important element of the
local cuisine. Regional dishes include the famous bouillabaisse, a rich fish
stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride – a lighter version of the
bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable soup with a blend of garlic,
basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille, large colourful salads and
delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and anchoïade are savoury dips
made with local olives and anchovies; pissaladière is an onion tart with
olives and anchovies and is very likely to have come from the Romans.
**Alternative Air Travel*
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private
transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one
of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin
fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward
flight, please call for details and prices.*
*Alternative transfers*
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a
different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these
for you (there may be an additional charge).
*Standard transfers*
Transfers included from Avignon TGV train station at 13:19, and back to
Avignon TGV train station at 11:45.
Temperatures tend to average around 30°C during the summer months and fall
to an average of 15°C during winter. The infamous Mistral wind can have a
great effect on the temperatures, particularly in the western part of
Provence.
July and August are very warm with little to no rainfall. Temperatures
tend to climb up to 30°C during the day. At night it cools off considerably,
especially on the coast, near a lake or in the mountains. In general, the
farther away from the coast the more oppressive the heat becomes during the
day.
The months around the high season are the most pleasant (May, June,
September, October) with average temperatures between 22°C and 27°C .
October is the most uncertain month of the four, but of course it can also be
a splendid month with warm, sunny days and practically no rain.
Waterproofs
Warm jumper/fleece
Suncream
Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the
accommodation.
*Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under
12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring
your own.*
Swimming Costume
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15.
* *OPTIONAL UPGRADES*
* Flights from Heathrow to Marseille with British Airways, including onward
rail and station transfers
* Other flights, including regional departures
* Business/club/first class fares on request
* First class rail
* Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels
* City break add-ons in Marseille and Nic
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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