This Provence bike tour is based in Gordes, where you will spend 4 nights in the same hotel of your choice (3 or 4-star accommodations). Standing opposite the Luberon, perched on the foothills of the Vaucluse Plateau, the dry stone buildings of Gordes seem to reach for the blue sky. Its fortified Chateau from the 11th century and its church dominate the buildings, which seem to melt into the rock. Just a few miles north, is the Abbey de Senanque, situated in a small valley and surrounded by lavender fields. If you decide to go south, you can stop you can visit an ancient oil press and the Musee du Vitrail, which tells the story of stained and painted glass. On this cycling tour, you will be provided with different itineraries allowing you to discover the many landscapes and villages of Provence, and each day you can choose which ride is better for you: short, long, challenging, easy…		I have been crying ever since I returned. The French lifestyle is one I should be leading. As a matter of fact, we all should have this lifestyle. Now I fully understand the "French Paradox". Please send me back!!! - L. Tongue

Day 1: Upon arrival in Avignon, you will be met for transfer to Gordes and your hotel. You will have orientation and bike delivery at 4:30 pm, and then you are free to explore the rest of the day in this charming village. Dinner on your own. Optional orientation at 8:30 am next morning.

Day 2 – Day 4: In three riding days, you can choose from several itineraries, the following itineraries are examples. We can also suggest some logner, more challenging rides for those interested.

This format allows for people of all abilities to come along, including non-riding participants. We can suggest visits by car and arrange spa treatments among many possible ways to spend an exciting day in Gordes/Provence!

-The Ochre Hills in Roussillon and the town of Apt (25 miles): An easy ride through an area famous for its Ochre hills before going to Apt, the capital of Ochre.

- Isle sur la Sorgue (25 miles): Charming town located on the river Sorgue. Includes visit of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, village with a refreshing temperature due to the spring where the river Sorgue begins. This ride is best when done on a Sunday, because of the outside market and antique fair in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

- Venasque or Carpentras (22 or 39 miles): Hilly ride through the magnificent landscapes of the Vaucluse with a longer ride option to Carpentras. On your way, you can stop at the Abbey of Senanque. Then you will go through a small mountain chain before reaching Venasque, one of France’s most beautiful villages, on a hilltop with a splendid view of the area. If you choose to continue, you can go to Carpentras via small roads.

- The Murs Pass (27 mile): A beautiful and hilly ride, which will allow you to enjoy the forest and nature on this tour on the Murs Pass. Possibility to shorten ride to 23 miles.

- Valley of the Luberon (25 miles): this area became famous through the book “One Year in Provence” by peter Mayle. Nice tour through the fossil village of Oppède-le-Vieux, Ménerbes (where Peter Mayle lived), Lacoste, Bonnieux and the Castle of Marquis de Sade.

Day 5: Departure after breakfast. Transfer back to Avignon

The trip includes: 4 nights accommodations, all buffet breakfasts, transfers on arrival and departure day, orientation upon arrival, road book with different itineraries and detailed maps, local emergency support. We also include free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.

Hotels: Mas des Romarins*** - located at the edge of Gordes with fabulous view of the perched village and private walking path for easy access into the village. Rate per person is 695 euros; single supplement is 276 euros.

Les Bories**** - located further outside the village, this hotel is a deluxe experience; rates depend on season. Additional climbing is required to reach this hotel, and access to village restaurants is not possible by foot. Rates are 1171 euros to 1235 euros/person; single supplements from 360 euros.

You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!

Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!

Bike Rentals: 95 euros US (click to view) Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes. LaPierre tandems also available for rent on this tour for 205 euros. See link.
Scott Sportster P3 hybrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!
Child Trailers - $TBD

GPS - available to rent for 50 euros/unit.

Additional Nights: 152-273 euros/double room.

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.