Provence Lavender Fields & Vineyards
Awaken your senses. This bike tour of Provence will take you through the Provençal vineyards and charming stone villages. Immerse yourself in the true Provence countryside with its famous colorful and fragrant lavender fields.
The tour starts in Avignon where you will get a chance to see the famous Pont d’Avignon. Next it takes you to Châteauneuf du Pape, where you can taste their famous wine. It then takes you to Vaison la Romaine, a town full of Roman art and history, to Grignan, Beaumes de Venise and many more beautiful places. This is a bike tour full of colors and flavors!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Provence
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Avignon
You can visit the town today and take in its many sites. Orientation with bike delivery and set up is planned for the early evening (or following morning depending on our schedule) to get you all ready to ride out the next day.
Dinner on your own in Avignon, we will include some excellent suggestions.
Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Accommodation : Hôtel La Mirande - "Avignon"
Day 2 : Cycle to Chateauneuf du Pape
Distance 1 : 21 Miles - 34 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 176 Meters
Today you ride through the vineyards of the renowned appellation Cotes du Rhone de Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And if you like, stop to visit and taste in one of the many cellars of the village. On your way, you can stop at the village Roquemaure, where you can see the remains of the 12th century medieval castle, where Pop Clement V died in 1314.
Accommodation : Le Château des Fines Roches - "Châteauneuf-du-Pape"
Accommodation : Le Château des Fines Roches - "Châteauneuf-du-Pape"
Day 3 : To St Paul les 3 Chateaux
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 364 Meters
On today’s itinerary you will pass Serignan du Comtat, an important medieval village (origins go back to 6C BC) in the history of the Counts of Toulouse and the domain of Diane de Poitiers. Continue on to Rochegude in the Drome department and lavender country and then on into the town of St Paul les 3 Chateaux where you can walk through its old cobbled streets and visit the historical church.
Accommodation : Villa Augusta - "Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux"
Accommodation : Chateau De Rochegude - "Rochegude"
Day 4 : Ride to Grignan
Distance 1 : 17 Miles - 28 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 426 Meters
Today's ride will bring you to the village of Clansayes before Grignan. In Clansayes, you will find the Templar knights tower, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the area. Also on your itinerary are the villages of Colonzelle and La Baume de Transit, with remains from a medieval castle.
Accommodation : Le Clair De Plume - "Grignan"
Accommodation : Le Clair De Plume - "Grignan"
Day 5 : Loop ride through the countryside and lavender fields
Distance 1 : 25 Miles - 40 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 521 Meters
If you choose to ride, you will travel to the lavender areas around Grignan to La Garde dAdhemar. This village is a classical provencal village with exceptional beauty. La Garde dAdhemar has preserved its medieval structure and ramparts and was originally colonized during the Roman era by veterans of the Roman legions in the 1st century. Return to Grignan. If you stay in Grignan, you can explore this beautiful 16-17C chateau and learn the story of Madame de Sevigne.
Accommodation : Le Clair De Plume - "Grignan"
Accommodation : Le Clair De Plume - "Grignan"
Day 6 : Vaison la Romaine
Distance 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 495 Meters
Vaison, a town of art, has a rich cultural heritage. It was built up in the middle ages and modern times but the town owes its fame to the ancieant Roman foundations and its ruins. La Romaine was added in 1924!
Accommodation : Le Beffroi - "Vaison La Romaine"
Accommodation : Le Beffroi - "Vaison La Romaine"
Day 7 : On to Bedoin for Beaumes de Venise or Mont Ventoux Climb
Option 1 : 24 Miles - 39 Km
Option 2 : 25 Miles - 40 Km
Option 3 : 43 Miles - 69 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 594 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 675 Meters
Elevation gain 3 : 2059 Meters
You have the choice between 3 options for your ride today :
- Option 1: the easier ride, it passes through the wine villages of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise to finish in Bedoin (38km).
- Option 2: crosses the Dentelles de Montmirail involving some climbs (40km).
- Option 3 : A variant of option 2 is to ride Mont Ventoux, famous Tour de France climb fondly known as the Giant of Provence! This will add 25 km and at least 1-2 hours of climbing up to 1909 meters (approx 6000 ft).
Accommodation : Hôtel des Pins - "Bedoin"
Accommodation : Hotel Crillon Le Brave - "Crillon Le Brave"
Day 8 : Departure Day
Breakfast is included and possibly some time to visit Bedoin before leaving back to Avignon. We will transfer you back to Avignon TGV station at 9:30am; allow 1 hour travel time before a train departure.
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, Post-tour Night
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Day : 2
Chateau des Fine Roches is located in the tranquil Provence country side where you will find yourself at peace in this charming 19th century castle. The views from the terrace are astonishing and the menu at the gastronomic restaurant offers many delectable dishes for its guests. The Chateau also has an outdoor pool to enjoy a dip on a warm and sunny Provence afternoon.
Day : 3
Ideally situated in the heart of countryside, La Villa Augusta will charm you with the art of good living that exists in each one of its distinguished rooms. La Villa Augusta is an old house of Maitre Tricastin (wine maker Cotes du Rhone) on a beautiful park.The Hotel disposes of 24 spacious rooms where the old and modern merge together in perfect harmony.Our Restaurant David Mollicone, is an invitation for discover modern cuisine that is mixed with delicious flavours and local tastes ...
Day : 4, 5
Le Clair de Plume was created in the 17th century as housing for monks because the court believed the village required moral guidance. It is now a warm and inviting hotel which provides guests with rest and relaxation. The hotel has a tea room where guests can savor an afternoon tea in the garden.
Day : 6
Built in 1554, this family house has been modernized and lovingly furnished by the generations of family owners over the past hundred years. Le Beffroi is situated in the center of the medieval city of Vaison la Romaine. Named after the belfry, the "Hostellerie” consists of two private houses built in 1554 and 1690 respectively, and restored in the 1950s to create a lovely 3-star inn. L'Hostellerie "Le Beffroi" offers you rooms of modern comfort that make you forget that you are staying one of the most beautiful XVI century estates in the heart of the upper village of Vaison la Romaine.
Day : 7
Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot of Ventoux is the hotel Les Pins, a provencal guest establishment with the charm of yesteryear... swimming pool, pond, waterlilies, garden, romantic rooms with a medley of love-at-first-sight furnishings. Savours, aromas... The cuisine at L'esprit Jardin , crafted with the marvels of taste and freshness gleaned from nearby Provencal markets, croons with a delectable local accent. Dine indoors or on the outdoor terrace under the pine trees.
Day : 1
Set in an old mansion at the foot of the Palais des Papes in the heart of Avignon, La Mirande is steeped in secular history. This timeless refuge offers a dreamy, relaxing and authentic experience in a refines, 18th century-esque décor.With both a gastronomic restaurant and a chef 's table, the hotel serves honest, living cuisine with respect for ingredients and humankind, a culinary hymn to land and its biodiversity.
Day : 2
Chateau des Fine Roches is located in the tranquil Provence country side where you will find yourself at peace in this charming 19th century castle. The views from the terrace are astonishing and the menu at the gastronomic restaurant offers many delectable dishes for its guests. The Chateau also has an outdoor pool to enjoy a dip on a warm and sunny Provence afternoon.
Day : 3
The beautiful Chateau de Rochegude is located in the heart of Provence surrounded by a lush park. The hotel perfectly combines the authentic charm of the past with the comfort of modernity. The hotel grounds include an outdoor heated swimming pool, as well as a tennis court.
Day : 4, 5
Le Clair de Plume was created in the 17th century as housing for monks because the court believed the village required moral guidance. It is now a warm and inviting hotel which provides guests with rest and relaxation. The hotel has a tea room where guests can savor an afternoon tea in the garden.
Day : 6
Built in 1554, this family house has been modernized and lovingly furnished by the generations of family owners over the past hundred years. Le Beffroi is situated in the center of the medieval city of Vaison la Romaine. Named after the belfry, the "Hostellerie” consists of two private houses built in 1554 and 1690 respectively, and restored in the 1950s to create a lovely 3-star inn. L'Hostellerie "Le Beffroi" offers you rooms of modern comfort that make you forget that you are staying one of the most beautiful XVI century estates in the heart of the upper village of Vaison la Romaine.
Day : 7
Hotel Crillon le Brave is a relaxed and informal refuge where you can enjoy all of the simple pleasures of Provence. Located about 25 miles northeast of Avignon, this 34-bedroom hotel is perched on top of a tiny hill village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The views from rooms, terraces and gardens are stunning.
Day : Post-tour Night
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (145€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (145€) 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Performance
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (235€) 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 21 Miles - 34 Km Elevation gain 1 : 176 Meters
Option 1: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 1 : 364 Meters
Option 1: 17 Miles - 28 Km Elevation gain 1 : 426 Meters
Option 1: 25 Miles - 40 Km Elevation gain 1 : 521 Meters
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Option 1: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 1 : 495 Meters
Option 1: 24 Miles - 39 Km Elevation gain 1 : 594 Meters
Option 2: 25 Miles - 40 Km Elevation gain 2 : 675 Meters
Option 3: 43 Miles - 69 Km Elevation gain 3 : 2059 Meters
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinner included
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival city is Avignon, which is accessible via train from Paris Gare de Lyon (2hrs 45min) or Paris CDG airport (3 hours). Taxi from rail station to hotel is approx. 15 euros. Departure from Avignon; same return travel time to Paris.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1890 € | 490 € | 2980 € |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Upgraded | 2390 € | 850 € | 3750 € |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 145 € |
| Performance | 235 € |
| Premium | 300 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 145 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 50 € |
| I bring my bike | Discount of -90€ if you ride with your own bicycle. |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Luggage transfer | |
| On a 2-person basis | 155 €/pers |
Keegan
United States
We had a great time. The e-bikes were great- loved turbo boost going up long and steep hills. Routes and gps were excellent. We appreciated the improvements in route notes as compared to our experience 4 years ago. Dinner at hotel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape was incredible!!!! Had lunch picnic on side of road overlooking vineyards and Mount ventoux. Heaven!!!
United States
We had a really fabulous trip! Thanks again for planning everything for us and taking care of every detail. - We really loved having a pool and AC at the accommodations and given the hot weather, this became even more highly valued. - We didn’t have enough water with us some days and struggled to find places to refill water in the towns we visited during our ride (we should have brought more water). - Our transfer from Bedoin back to Avignon was great and the luggage storage you recommended worked out perfectly. Thanks for arranging 2 stops for us. - The Chateau we stayed at in Chateauneuf du Pape was absolutely stunning and we loved everything about it! We also had dinner at the restaurant at the Clair du Plume and that was amazing! We enjoyed the other places as well, but these were real highlights. We had a great adventure and loved everything about the trip!! We are thinking of doing another one in Italy or Spain next summer - do you do these trips in other countries? Thanks!
United States
We spent 16 days in France and our 7 day tour in Provence was the highlight of our trip. Maggie, our US contact was amazingly helpful and responsive throughout our experience. Once in Avignon, Georgio (sorry I know that's not the correct spelling) was super and did an excellent job giving us our first day orientation. The company gave us brand new, state of the art e-bikes and the hotels were excellent. I will definitely use Discover France for future trips (looking at the Ireland ones right now).
United States
We enjoyed our rides, the hotels were wonderful especially with the upgrades they gave us at some of them. The scenery especially when we could comfortably ride on the quiet roads was so beautiful. Thanks!
United States
I wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much fun I had! It was a wonderful voyage! Thank you for helping me put it together! Everything was great, the hotels, the food, the people, etc! I’m already starting to think about doing the Pyrenees in the fall! I will send you some details of what I’m thinking in a week or so.... Thanks again for all you work making this trip happen!!!
Carlos
United States
We had a fantastic trip!! Flo did a great job setting us up with bikes and pre-programmed Garmins (love the Garmin!!!) on the first morning. We were very happy with the hotels (except for La Bastide de Grignon - the one we had to switch out in Grignon). Next time we'll book earlier so that hotels aren't full. We lucked out on the weather, it was a bit windy a few of the days but really warm. The routes were great and the scenery spectacular. Lots of amazing food and wine as well
United States
We've had a great time - tiring, but lovely. Gorgeous countryside, spectacular chateaux and too much excellent food. All of the places we've stayed have been ideal at the end of the day's ride, with good bathrooms, good beds and good breakfasts to get us going again. It was great having some dinners included because normally we wouldn't have chosen anything like a set menu with multiple courses - you tipped us over into experiencing this most fine aspect of French culture. The bikes were great. When setting up we got distracted by the need to get my bike seat up higher than normal and forgot to check all the gears. Fortunately there were only a few hills where I wanted to change down to my lowest set, which wasn't available on the lever. Most of the way it was great - smooth, light and comfortable. On the last day, just yesterday, when we realised we'd gone off the proposed track again we just gave up and followed the official Loire A Velo signs instead - a perfectly lovely route without the stress.
United States
Wow!!! What a trip we had! The biking was fantastic. We had incredible weather, welcoming hospitality, great food, wine, etc. The hotels were magnificent too. We do have some constructive comments to help future travelers: 1) L’hotel Cloitre St. Louis in the upgraded rooms was superb. Perfect for the first night when we were shattered and probably couldn’t appreciate La Mirande! So great suggestion and would recommend that to anyone 2) In Avignon we ate at the Brasserie next to the Cloitre on recommendation from the front desk and it was excellent. Good suggestion for the first night. Yonn, our bike deliverer suggested Restaurant Nani (2 blocks from the hotel which was closed but looked really great.) I suggest you include that in your dining suggestions for Avignon and close to the hotel 3) In Chateauneuf Du Pape we went to a phenomenal wine tasting cave called Les Caves St. Charles. The owner, Guy Bremont, conducts the tastings and it is the number 1 rated Cave in Chateauneuf du Pape on Trip Advisor. Highly recommend you put that in your literature!!!! 4) Orange: There is a Roman Theater in Orange that is a MUST see. It is a 1000 year old Unesco World Heritage Site, one of only 3 remaining in the world and absolutely incredible. There are good cafe’s for lunch across the street and if you go further one block away from the theater even better cafe’s! 5) In Grignan we went to 2 restaurants which are less than 5 mins from the Rosarie which we thought were great and recommended by the front desk. L’Etable and The Creperie. They are more casual but really excellent local fare. It’s nice to have some recommendations that are not so fancy and easily reached on foot.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions